The bronze bow is a recurring motif in Elizabeth George Speare's novel. It is first introduced in chapter 7 when Joel reads scripture to Daniel while he is recuperating in the secret passageway. The three friends take a vow to fight for God's victory, and then they agree to "mark some sign on the wall" of the secret entrance to Hezron's home if Daniel needs to get a message to Joel. Thacia suggests using the sign of the bronze bow from the scripture passage. The friends then discuss the passage, with Thacia suggesting it means "that when God strengthens us we can do something that seems impossible."
In chapter 12, when Daniel forms the band of village men working to assist Rosh, they decide to "carry the sign of the bow in our minds" and to use it as "our password."
In chapter 15, when Daniel is beginning to take more pleasure in his work in his blacksmith shop, he fashions a tiny bronze bow with a pin as the arrow that can be used as a cloak pin. He hides his creation away, deciding to "keep it to remind him of his purpose."
In chapter 24, Daniel has become discouraged because Leah has taken a turn for the worse. He has given up on Jesus as being the one to deliver the Jews from Rome. In his despair, he thinks, "God did not mean the bow of bronze for him." But when Jesus arrives at his house to heal Leah, Daniel responds to Jesus' love for him. He realizes that "only love could bend the bow of bronze." Thus the first and last mention of the bow come full circle, showing that through the power of love, Daniel has been able to do what had seemed impossible, namely, give up his hatred of the Romans.
These are some of the main places where the bronze bow appears in The Bronze Bow.
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