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Earthenware vessels were also similarly used (Jeremiah 19:1-10; 1 Kings 14:3; Isaiah 30:14). In Job 32:19 (comp. Matthew 9:17; Luke 5:37, 38; Mark 2:22) the reference is to a wine-skin ready to burst through the fermentation of the wine. “Bottles of wine” in the Authorized Version of Hos. 7:5 is properly rendered in the Revised Version by “the heat of wine,” i.e., the fever of wine, its intoxicating strength.
The clouds are figuratively called the “bottles of heaven” (Job 38:37). A bottle blackened or shrivelled by smoke is referred to in Psalm 119:83 as an image to which the psalmist likens himself.
•BOW The bow was in use in early times both in war and in the chase (Genesis 21:20; 27:3; 48:22). The tribe of Benjamin were famous for the use of the bow (1 Chronicles 8:40; 12:2; 2 Chronicles 14:8; 17:17); so also were the Elamites (Isaiah 22:6) and the Lydians (Jeremiah 46:9). The Hebrew word commonly used for bow means properly to tread (1 Chronicles 5:18; 8:40), and hence it is concluded that the foot was employed in bending the bow. Bows of steel (correctly “copper”) are mentioned (2 Samuel 22:35; Psalm 18:34).
The arrows were carried in a quiver (Genesis 27:3; Isaiah 22:6; 49:2; Psalm 127:5). They were apparently sometimes shot with some burning material attached to them (Psalm 120:4).
The bow is a symbol of victory (Psalm 7:12). It denotes also falsehood, deceit (Psalm 64:3, 4; Hos. 7:16; Jeremiah 9:3).
“The use of the bow” in 2 Samuel 1:18 (A.V.) ought to be “the song of the bow,” as in the Revised Version.
•BOWELS (Phil. 1:8; 2:1; Colossians 3:12), compassionate feelings; R.V., “tender mercies.”
•BOWING a mode of showing respect. Abraham “bowed himself to the people of the land” (Genesis 23:7); so Jacob to Esau (Genesis 33:3); and