A sword had a long, sharp-edged blade attached to a hilt. In battle this weapon had value only when the opponent was nearby. A spear consisted of a metal tip attached to an aerodynamic shaft that could be thrown at an enemy from a distance. A bow propelled arrows much farther than an arm could throw a spear. As weapons for battle, their presence communicated to the enemy that the Jews on the wall were ready to repel any attack.
13 So in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, in open places, I stationed the people by their clans, with their swords, their spears, and their bows.