Troublesome Topic: WEAPONS USED IN ONE-ON-ONE COMBAT

THE SINGLE-EDGED- SWORD

The most common weapon used in these situations was the single-edged- sword, which was used for hacking, slicing, and chopping. It could open great gashes which bled profusely. One advantage for the sword was that it was rare for it to get stuck so deeply in someone’s flesh as to be hard to pull out. Its disadvantage was that one had to be fairly close to the opponent to use the sword.

THE DOUBLE-EDGED-SWORD

The double-edged-sword could be used in the same way as the regular sword but it had the additional advantage that it could be used to stab someone and yet be pulled out easily. My perception is that double-edged swords were usually smaller and thus, more maneuverable, but required getting even closer to the opponent.

SPEARS

Some types of spears of the ancient Near East were not thrown, but kept in the hand and used only for jabbing. Apparently some could be used for both throwing or jabbing. There are four Hebrew nouns that mean “a spear”, plus one verb that can mean “to pierce or to stab with a spear”, one noun meaning “a dart or javelin” and one noun that means “a barb or harpoon.” I have not yet found anyone who persuasively explains these seven Hebrew words. I assume they referred to different weapons that were used in slightly different ways. 

Spears had the advantage of a longer handle, but it does not appear to have been used as commonly as the sword. I think this was because the shaft was made of wood which could be cut in two or it could have notches cut out of it. Thus, in many people’s minds the spear would not be as reliable for long battles involving numerous encounters. Yet some warriors were very successful with the spear.

JAVELINS OR DARTS

The Javelins or darts of ancient times in that part of the world were made to be thrown. They were smaller than what we think of as a javelin thrown in an Olympic competition. They were not very effective against a fully armored man unless the one throwing the javelin could find as his mark one of the small, exposed areas, such as the face or a joint in the armor.

SHIELDS

Shields were common as well, for obvious reasons. They differed in size, style, material and weight. In the story of David and Goliath, the Philistine’s servant is referred to as a “shield bearer” not an “armor bearer”. Thus it appears that, if you had a shield, you could use it, even in a one-on-one contest.