Overview
The sling was an effective ranged weapon that required significant skill to operate. Shepherds used slings to protect their flocks, while armies employed slingers as part of their military forces. The weapon's simplicity belied its deadly accuracy when wielded by a trained user.
Key Scriptures
"He took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones from the stream and put them in the pouch of his shepherd's bag, and his sling was in his hand. Then he approached the Philistine" (1 Samuel 17:40, ESV).
"David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone and slung it and struck the Philistine on his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the ground" (1 Samuel 17:49, ESV).
"Benjamin mustered 700 chosen men who were left-handed; every one could sling a stone at a hair and not miss" (Judges 20:16, ESV).
Application
Like David's confident faith in God's provision, believers today can trust the Lord's strength in seemingly impossible circumstances.