Dictionary of Bible Themes: 5572 sword

5572 sword

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

Leviticus 26:6-8

To symbolise temporal power

Ezekiel 32:11-12 See also Psalm 45:3; Micah 5:6

To symbolise suffering

Luke 2:34-35

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