Flying arrows are messengers of death. Silent, pointed, deadly. The weapon most feared by the warriors of Israel. They cannot be seen, they cannot be parried. They strike from far, unknown and undetected, with death on their wings, and find with cruel accuracy the human target in the shadows of the night. Sword can be fought with sword, and dagger with dagger, but the arrow comes single and treacherous from an anonymous hand in the distant safety of enemy land. Its sharpened swiftness strikes helpless human flesh, and its needle point instantly reddens into gushing blood. Arrows are fateful death on winds of hatred.

Man’s word is an arrow. It flies and it kills. It carries poison, destruction and death. A small word can ruin a life. A mere insult can build an enmity between two families for generations. Word can cause wars and plot murders. Words hit and wound man’s noblest depths, his honour, his dignity, the peace of his soul and the value of his name. Words threaten men in a world of blinding jealousy and ruthless competition. And then I pray.

“Hide me from the factions of the wicked,
from the turbulent mob of evildoers,
who sharpen their tongues like swords
and wing their cruel words like arrows,
to shoot down the innocent from cover,
shooting suddenly, themselves unseen.”

I ask for protection against the words of man. And the protection that is given me is the Word of God. Against the arrows of men, the arrow of God.

“But God with his arrow shoots them down,
and sudden is their overthrow.”

One arrow against all. God’s Word against the words of men. God’s word in scripture, in prayer, in incarnation and Eucharist. His presence, his strength, his Word. It illumines my mind and steadies my heart. It gives me courage to live in a jungle of words without fear of evil. God’s Word gives me peace and joy for ever.

“The righteous rejoice and seek refuge in the Lord,
and all the upright exult.”