Topical Bible: The Sword was Used for Self-Defence

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In biblical times, the sword was a common weapon and tool, often used for self-defense. The use of the sword for protection is evident in several passages throughout the Scriptures, reflecting the realities of life in ancient times where personal and communal security was a constant concern.

One of the most notable references to the sword for self-defense is found in the New Testament. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus addresses the need for preparedness among His disciples. In Luke 22:36 , Jesus instructs them, "But now, whoever has a money bag should take it, and also a traveler’s bag; and whoever does not have a sword should sell his cloak and buy one." This directive suggests a practical approach to self-defense, acknowledging the potential dangers the disciples might face as they spread the Gospel.

The Old Testament also provides instances where the sword was used for protection. In the book of Nehemiah, as the Israelites worked to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, they faced threats from surrounding enemies. Nehemiah 4:17-18 describes how the builders carried swords: "Those who were rebuilding the wall and those who carried burdens did their work with one hand and held a weapon with the other. And each of the builders worked with his sword strapped at his side." This passage highlights the necessity of being armed for defense while engaged in the work of God.

Furthermore, the account of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17 illustrates the use of weapons for defense and deliverance. Although David initially confronts Goliath with a sling, he later uses Goliath's own sword to ensure the giant's defeat (1 Samuel 17:51). This act underscores the sword's role in securing victory and protection against formidable foes.

The sword's symbolic representation of defense is also evident in the spiritual metaphor found in Ephesians 6:17 , where the Apostle Paul describes the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God," as part of the full armor of God. While this passage speaks to spiritual warfare, it draws on the imagery of the sword as a tool for defense and protection.

Throughout the Bible, the sword is depicted as an instrument of defense, both in physical and spiritual contexts. Its presence in Scripture reflects the necessity of being prepared to protect oneself and one's community in a world where threats were a reality. The biblical narrative acknowledges the sword's role in safeguarding the faithful as they navigate the challenges of their environment.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 22:36
Then said he to them, But now, he that has a purse, let him take it, and likewise his money: and he that has no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Letter clxxxviii. (Canonica Prima. )
... the man who employs such a weapon in self defence, or who ... that lives in the water
it is used very properly ... even sea-horses, sea-dogs, saw-fish, sword-fish, and ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter clxxxviii canonica prima.htm

The Last Years of Knox: 1567-1572
... Her prayer to be heard in self-defence at the ensuing ... Holy Ghost." {262a} Yet now
Knox had used the very ... agents beat the insulter, who drew his sword, and got ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter xviii the last years.htm

That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party ...
... in opposition to the law of nature, self defence, and the ... as to give a madman a sword,
and then ... discountenanced and discouraged, great endeavours used to raise ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section iii that the employing.htm

The "Little Knife" Insurrection
... government has often driven men in sheer self-defence to tearing ... people as
'Sio-to-hoe,' Small Sword Society. ... The party whose funds are completely used up first ...
/.../fagg/forty years in south china/vi the little knife insurrection.htm

Introductory.
... It was, so to say, a strategical movement of self defence. ... most honourable principles
of human nature used to be ... not perhaps with firebrand and sword, but with ...
/.../abbey/the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter i introductory.htm

Coornhert and the Collegiants --A Movement for Spiritual Religion ...
... read in the Mystics and constantly used their terminology ... even to take measures of
self-defence, and rejection ... powerful again as the irresistible sword of the ...
/.../chapter vii coornhert and the.htm

Rom. I. 18
... willing and will not obey me, the sword shall devour ... of their having known God, and
not used their knowledge ... he shows, that it was not in self-defence that He ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily iii rom i 18.htm

Christ
... which is partly shut, as in self-defence, by the ... more than thirty years before""a
sword shall pierce ... in Holy Scripture where this phrase is supremely used. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/haldeman/christ christianity and the bible/christ.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... a Khammurabi at the point of the sword, but Agumkakrime ... Under the XVIIIth dynasty
Zalu was used as a place ... the times and the aptitude for self-defence shown by ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm