Topical Bible: The Sword was Pointed

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The phrase "The Sword was Pointed" is not a direct quotation from the Bible, but it evokes imagery and themes that are deeply rooted in biblical narratives and symbolism. The sword is a significant motif throughout Scripture, often representing judgment, authority, and the Word of God.

Biblical Symbolism of the Sword

1. Judgment and Authority: The sword frequently symbolizes divine judgment and authority. In Genesis 3:24, after Adam and Eve's expulsion from the Garden of Eden, God placed cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life. This imagery underscores the sword as a tool of divine protection and judgment.

2. The Word of God: In the New Testament, the sword is often associated with the Word of God. Hebrews 4:12 states, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Here, the sword represents the penetrating and discerning power of God's Word.

3. Spiritual Warfare: Ephesians 6:17 instructs believers to "take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." The sword is part of the full armor of God, symbolizing the believer's defense and offense in spiritual warfare.

Instances of Pointed Swords in Scripture

1. Balaam's Encounter: In Numbers 22:31 , Balaam's eyes are opened to see the Angel of the LORD standing in the road with a drawn sword in His hand. This encounter signifies divine intervention and the seriousness of Balaam's mission, emphasizing the sword as a symbol of God's authority and judgment.

2. Joshua and the Commander of the LORD's Army: In Joshua 5:13-15, Joshua encounters a man with a drawn sword, identified as the commander of the LORD's army. This meeting reassures Joshua of God's presence and support as Israel prepares to conquer Jericho, highlighting the sword as a sign of divine leadership and victory.

3. David and the Angel of the LORD: In 1 Chronicles 21:16 , David sees the Angel of the LORD standing between heaven and earth with a drawn sword stretched out over Jerusalem. This vision occurs during the plague sent as a consequence of David's census, illustrating the sword as an instrument of divine judgment and mercy.

Theological Implications

The imagery of a pointed sword in Scripture often conveys a moment of decision, confrontation, or revelation. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty, the seriousness of His commands, and the ultimate authority of His Word. The sword's presence in biblical narratives calls believers to recognize the power and holiness of God, urging them to live in obedience and reverence.

In summary, while "The Sword was Pointed" is not a direct biblical phrase, it encapsulates themes of divine judgment, authority, and the penetrating truth of God's Word, as seen throughout the biblical canon.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 21:15
I have set the point of the sword against all their gates, that their heart may faint, and their ruins be multiplied: ah! it is made bright, it is wrapped up for the slaughter.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Ezekiel's Discourse
... of the sword against all their gates, That their heart may melt, And their stumblings
be multiplied: Ah! it is made as lightning! It is pointed for slaughter ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/vi ezekiels discourse.htm

Letter i. To Innocent.
... 11. Accordingly a new sword is fetched, a new headsman appointed ... 13] asks for the
corpse of her who had been slain, and desires to have her grave pointed out to ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter i to innocent.htm

Homilies on S. Ignatius and S. Babylas.
... he, the man who authorizes evil; and just as in the case of any one entrusting into
the hands of a raging and insane person a sharply pointed sword, with which ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homilies on s ignatius and.htm

The Arrest
... But a certain one of them that stood by drew his sword, and smote the servant of
the ... Mark has told this tragical story in the most pointed and the fewest words ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 14 43-52 the arrest.htm

The Betrayal.
... The spot now pointed out as Gethsemane lies on the right of the path to the Mount
of Olives. The wall has been restored. ... 11. Put up thy sword into the sheath. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the betrayal.htm

A vision of the Last Day
... the animal in me?" inquired the disembodied Soul; and the Angel of Death pointed
to a ... who practice it, and I would do so still, yea, with fire and sword, had I ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/a vision of the last.htm

The Arrest
... There is no probability that the enclosure now pointed out to pilgrims at the ... Jesus,
one of the disciples cried, "Shall we smite with the sword?" And, without ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter i the arrest.htm

The Adventures of Saint Anthony of Italy.
... undaunted, the Giant drew a dagger twice the size of any ordinary two-handed sword. ...
After this she pointed out to him a pond of crystal water, on which swam ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter seven the adventures of.htm

The Question of Fear and the Answer of Faith
... Against thee all God's attributes are pointed. He hath bent his bow and made it
ready. The sword of the Lord has been bathed in heaven; it is bright and sharp ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the question of fear and.htm

The Martyrdom of Marinus at C??sarea.
... And standing with him within, in the sanctuary, he raised his cloak a little, and
pointed to the sword that hung by his side; and at the same time he placed ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xv the martyrdom of marinus.htm