### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word qallâʻ (`{{H7051}}`) is an intensive noun derived from the verbal root qālaʻ (`{{H7049}}`), which means "to sling," "to hurl," or "to cast." As an intensive form, qallâʻ specifically designates "a slinger" – an individual who practices the act of slinging, often implying a high degree of skill or professional capacity in this art. Its semantic range is quite focused, referring exclusively to the person wielding a sling, typically for military purposes or possibly hunting. It encapsulates the agent responsible for projecting a projectile with force and accuracy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term qallâʻ (`{{H7051}}`) appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, yet its occurrences are highly illustrative of its meaning and significance in ancient Near Eastern warfare.
One significant instance is found in [[2 Kings 3:25]], during the campaign of the united armies of Israel, Judah, and Edom against Moab. The text describes the destruction of Moabite cities: "and the slingers went about and struck it." Here, qallâʻ highlights the role of specialized troops in siege warfare, capable of inflicting damage on fortified places and personnel from a distance. This context underscores the destructive power and military effectiveness attributed to slingers in ancient combat.
Another crucial appearance is in [[2 Chronicles 26:14]], where King Uzziah of Judah is lauded for equipping his army with advanced weaponry, including "slings to cast stones." The verse states, "And Uzziah prepared for them, for all the army, shields and spears and helmets and coats of mail and bows and slingstones." While the specific word qallâʻ is not in this exact phrase, it refers to the *users* of the slings, indicating a distinct and important unit within Uzziah's well-organized military. This passage emphasizes the strategic value of slingers as part of a comprehensive military defense and offense, contributing to a nation's strength and security.
These contexts consistently portray qallâʻ as a skilled military specialist, a warrior capable of delivering powerful, long-range attacks.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root qālaʻ (`{{H7049}}`), from which qallâʻ (`{{H7051}}`) is directly derived. qālaʻ describes the action performed by the slinger, meaning "to sling," "to hurl," or "to cast." A classic example is found in [[1 Samuel 17:49]], where the verb is used to describe David slinging the stone at Goliath: "And David put his hand in his bag and took from it a stone and slung it and struck the Philistine on his forehead."
Another closely related term is qelaʻ (`{{H7050}}`), which refers to the "sling" itself – the implement used by the qallâʻ.
Conceptually, qallâʻ is intrinsically linked to ancient warfare, particularly the use of projectile weapons. It evokes ideas of precision, range, and the ability to inflict damage from a distance. It stands in contrast to other types of ancient warriors, such as swordsmen, spearmen, or archers, highlighting the unique tactical niche filled by the slinger. The iconic narrative of David and Goliath, though not using qallâʻ to describe David, powerfully illustrates the potential effectiveness of a slinger against seemingly insurmountable odds, demonstrating how a simple, yet skillfully wielded, weapon could turn the tide of battle.
### Theological Significance
While qallâʻ (`{{H7051}}`) is fundamentally a military term, its theological significance can be understood within the broader biblical discourse on warfare, divine sovereignty, and human agency. The presence of slingers in armies, as seen in the accounts of Moab's destruction and Uzziah's military preparations, reflects the grim reality of human conflict and the means by which nations engaged in defense and offense.
From a theological perspective, the effectiveness of slingers, like any human military force, is ultimately contingent upon God's will. The biblical narrative frequently demonstrates that God can empower the seemingly weak to overcome the strong, using unexpected means to achieve His purposes. The quintessential example, though not using qallâʻ directly for David, is the shepherd boy David's victory over the giant Goliath with a simple sling and stone (cf. [[1 Samuel 17]]). This narrative powerfully illustrates God's ability to work through ordinary individuals and unconventional methods to deliver His people and demonstrate His absolute sovereignty over all human power and military might.
Furthermore, the destructive capacity of slingers, as evidenced in the judgment against Moab, can serve as a potent reminder of divine judgment enacted through human instruments. In summary, qallâʻ points to human skill and strategic warfare, but within a theological framework where divine purpose and power ultimately govern outcomes, often transcending and even subverting human expectations and capabilities.
### Summary
The Hebrew word qallâʻ (`{{H7051}}`) is an intensive noun derived from qālaʻ (`{{H7049}}`), precisely meaning "a slinger." It denotes a skilled individual who operates a sling, primarily in a military capacity. Its limited but significant occurrences in the Hebrew Bible, particularly in [[2 Kings 3:25]] and [[2 Chronicles 26:14]], consistently portray slingers as effective and destructive military specialists in ancient warfare. They were capable of inflicting considerable damage from a distance, contributing significantly to a nation's military prowess. Related terms include the verb qālaʻ (`{{H7049}}`) "to sling" and the noun qelaʻ (`{{H7050}}`) "a sling." Theologically, while qallâʻ describes a human military role and skill, its place within the biblical narrative of warfare underscores divine sovereignty. God's purposes are ultimately achieved, often through human means, demonstrating His power to work through the unexpected and to determine the outcomes of human conflict.
TRV