Page 231 - Bible History

204 GOD'S OSEN PEOPLE UNDER KINGS
A JEWISH ARMY READY FOR BA E
on the sword and shield for close contact, and used the sling for distant ghting. The Israelites preferred to come close to their enemies, that they might attack them with their swords.
During Saul's time the Israelites began to use the iron-pointed spear, which they threw at the enemy. They also used the bow and iron-pointed arrow for shooting at distances. Armor was also adopted by the Israelites at this time. Cavalry and chariots were not
used by them until the days of Solomon.
David had a very strong army to call upon. Accord­
ing to the law, every man over twenty years old might be enrolled as a soldier. Before the time of Saul, the