Sling

SLING, in Latin, Funda; an Instrument of Cords, made use of to throw Stones with the greater Violence. The Invention of the Sling is ascribed to the Phenicians, Plin. l. 7. c. 56. Vegetius de re militari, l. 4.or to the Inhabitants of the Islands Baleares, call’d now Majorca and Minorca. The Hebrews heretofore made great use of them. Those of the Tribe of Benjamin had so much Skill and Dexterity in managing the Sling, that they could hit their Mark to a Hair, without the least Error. This must be own’d to be an Exaggeration; but however, Judg. xx. 16.it proves their great Abilities in the Managment of the Sling. ‘Tis known what Glory David obtain’d, when he knock’d down the Giant Goliah by a Stroke of his Sling, who was the Terror of all Israel. The Scripture takes Notice, that when 1 Sam. xvii. 49. 1 Chron. xii. 2.David was at Ziklag, there came to him a Company of able Slingers, who could use their Left-hands with the same Facility as their right. Uzziah, King of Judah, made great Collections of Arms in his Magazines, 2 Chron. xxvi. 14.and parparticularly there were Bows, and Slings for casting of Stones.

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