Topical Bible: The Sword: (Drawing of) of War and Destruction

◄ The Sword: (Drawing of) of War and Destruction ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The sword, a prominent symbol throughout the Bible, often represents war, judgment, and destruction. It is a powerful emblem of divine justice and human conflict, appearing in both literal and metaphorical contexts. The sword's presence in Scripture underscores the seriousness of God's judgment and the reality of human strife.

Biblical References and Symbolism

1. Instrument of Divine Judgment: The sword frequently symbolizes God's judgment against nations and individuals. In Ezekiel 21:9-11, the prophet declares, "A sword, a sword is sharpened and polished—sharpened for the slaughter, polished to flash like lightning!" This passage illustrates the sword as an instrument of divine retribution, prepared to execute God's will.

2. Symbol of Human Conflict: The sword is also emblematic of human warfare and conflict. In Matthew 26:52, Jesus admonishes Peter, saying, "Put your sword back in its place. For all who draw the sword will die by the sword." This statement highlights the destructive cycle of violence and the futility of relying on physical weapons for ultimate security.

3. Metaphor for Spiritual Warfare: In the New Testament, the sword takes on a metaphorical meaning in the context of spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:17 describes "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Here, the sword represents the power and authority of Scripture in combating spiritual forces of evil.

4. Prophetic Imagery: The sword is often used in prophetic literature to convey impending doom and destruction. In Revelation 19:15, the imagery of Christ wielding a sharp sword from His mouth signifies His authority to judge and conquer: "From His mouth proceeds a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations."

5. Call to Peace: Despite its association with war and destruction, the Bible also calls for a future where swords are transformed into tools of peace. Isaiah 2:4 envisions a time when "they will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer take up the sword against nation, nor will they train anymore for war."

Theological Implications

The sword, as depicted in the Bible, serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the reality of divine justice. It calls believers to recognize the consequences of rebellion against God and the ultimate futility of human conflict. At the same time, the prophetic vision of swords turned into plowshares offers hope for a future where peace prevails under God's righteous reign.

In conclusion, the sword in biblical literature is a multifaceted symbol that conveys themes of judgment, conflict, and redemption. It challenges believers to seek peace and justice, relying not on physical might but on the transformative power of God's Word and Spirit.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 26:33
And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 21:3-5
And say to the land of Israel, Thus said the LORD; Behold, I am against you, and will draw forth my sword out of his sheath, and will cut off from you the righteous and the wicked.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

He Refutes the Opinion of the Manich??ans as to Two Kinds of Minds ...
... natures,"one good, drawing this way, another bad, drawing back that ... two evil minds
in one man, at war one with ... a man by poison, or by the sword; whether he ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter x he refutes the opinion.htm

The Adventures of Saint Patrick of Ireland.
... which served the Giant as spears; his sword even Saint ... the power of those hideous
satyrs; so, drawing their falchions, and uttering the war-cry of Old ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter nine the adventures of.htm

The Holy War,
... as a red hot iron,' threatening fire and sword, and utter ... he depended upon the Holy
Spirit, while drawing all his ... Bunyan's narrative of the Holy War, from its ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy war.htm

India's Ills and England's Sorrows
... there, and worse deaths than those inflicted by the sword. ... and we stand prepared
to go to war with it ... them in secret"are received into the drawing rooms and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/indias ills and englands sorrows.htm

The God of Peace
... If the coming of Christ be indeed drawing nigh, then ... up yonder; there is no fear
of war from those ... olive branch hath outlived the laurel the sword is sheathed ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the god of peace.htm

Book 4 Footnotes
... could never be hurt nor destroyed, but by drawing them to ... because of his former cruelty:
"As thy sword hath made the ... of his Life, sect.14, and of the War, B. II ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 4 footnotes.htm

Not Now, but Hereafter!
... behold its kings put to death by the sword of the ... we may say, "The Lord is a man
of war, the Lord ... They were conscientious in the drawing of the picture, and to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/not now but hereafter.htm

Compassion for Souls
... I see before me a sword which is never quiet, a ... The dogs of war, and this the fiercest
mastiff of them all ... to hell whom a child of God is drawing towards heaven ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/compassion for souls.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire
... from a short distance while attacking, and then drawing their sword or daggers ... The
war must, doubtless, have decimated Southern Syria; and he planted ...
/.../chapter iiithe close of the.htm

Two Forms of one Saying
... the cowardice and animalism of our nature war continually against ... deepening of our
faith, and in the drawing near to ... to keep our hands on our sword-hilts and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/two forms of one saying.htm