Dictionary of Bible Themes Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5200 Human civilisation » 5572 sword A hand-wielded blade in common use throughout biblical times as a weapon of war and in OT times as an instrument of execution. The sword is also a symbol of aggression, authority and power. The sword as the principal weapon of war It was in common use Exodus 17:13 See also Numbers 21:24-35; Joshua 11:10-12; Joshua 19:47 Swordsmen fought and fell in great numbers Judges 3:28-30 See also Judges 20:17; 2 Samuel 24:9 Some swordsmen showed great strength and ability 2 Samuel 23:10 See also 1 Samuel 21:8-9; 2 Samuel 23:12 The sword used for other purposes As an instrument of execution and decapitation 2 Samuel 1:14-16 See also 1 Samuel 15:33; Samuel 17:51; Samuel 22:18-19; 1 Kings 19:1; Acts 12:2; Romans 8:35 For murder 2 Kings 19:37 See also Joshua 6:21; 1 Kings 2:34; Acts 12:2 For committing suicide 1 Samuel 31:4-6 pp 1 Chronicles 10:4 See also Acts 16:27 Metaphorical use of the sword To symbolise God's opposition to the sinful Genesis 3:24 See also Numbers 22:21-23,31; Deuteronomy 33:29 To symbolise warfare To symbolise temporal power Ezekiel 32:11-12 See also Psalm 45:3; Micah 5:6 To symbolise suffering To symbolise judgment Exodus 5:3; Matthew 10:34 See also Judges 7:20-22; 2 Chronicles 20:9; Psalm 7:12; Isaiah 31:8; Jeremiah 50:35-37; Ezekiel 11:8-10; Ezekiel 21:3; Ezekiel 33:2 To symbolise the word of God Ephesians 6:17 See also Hebrews 4:12; Revelation 1:16; Revelation 2:12 See also
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