'Life' in the Bible

“He who handles the bow will not stand his ground,The one who is swift of foot will not escape,Nor will he who rides the horse save his life [from the invading army].

“Those who swear [their oaths] by the sin (guilt) of Samaria or Ashimah (a pagan goddess),Who say, ‘By the life of your god [the golden calf], O Dan!’And [swear], ‘By the life of the way of [idolatrous] Beersheba,’They shall fall and not rise again.”