Sword
“To lay waste or destroy”
Summary
The principal offensive weapon of ancient warfare, used both literally for combat and figuratively to represent divine judgment, God's word, and spiritual warfare.
☩Types and Construction
The Hebrew chereb, the most common term for sword, denoted a large cutting weapon, while other words described specific types including daggers and sabres. Ehud's sword was only a cubit (eighteen inches) long, short enough to conceal under his garment, suggesting that Israelite swords were not particularly long weapons. The Greeks distinguished between the romphaia (a long, broad sabre) and machaira (a shorter dagger or sword). Early swords were made of bronze, later of iron, and were typically two-edged for maximum effectiveness.
☩Use in Warfare
The sword first appears in Scripture at Shechem, when Simeon and Levi took their swords and slaughtered the city's males in revenge for their sister Dinah. Throughout Israel's history, the sword was the weapon of close combat, used after initial assaults with arrows and slings. Warriors wore swords on the left thigh, drawn with the right hand, though left-handed Ehud reversed this arrangement to deadly advantage. The phrase 'put to the edge of the sword' became standard for complete military destruction.
☩Symbol of Judgment
Scripture frequently employs the sword as a symbol of divine judgment. The flaming sword that guarded Eden represented exclusion from God's presence. God speaks of 'My sword' as an instrument of punishment upon nations and individuals who rebel against Him. The four horsemen of Revelation include one given a great sword to take peace from the earth, representing warfare and bloodshed in the last days. To 'perish by the sword' meant to face God's judgment, often through human agents.
☩The Word as Sword
The New Testament identifies God's Word as 'the sword of the Spirit,' the only offensive weapon in the believer's spiritual armor. Hebrews describes God's Word as 'living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword,' capable of dividing soul and spirit, judging thoughts and intentions. In Revelation, Christ appears with a sharp two-edged sword proceeding from His mouth, symbolizing the power of His authoritative Word to judge and conquer. This spiritual sword is wielded through proclamation, prayer, and faithful witness.
☩Warning Against the Sword
Jesus warned Peter that 'all who take the sword will perish by the sword,' teaching that His kingdom would not advance by violence. Christians are called to spiritual warfare with spiritual weapons rather than physical force. Yet Scripture also affirms that governing authorities 'do not bear the sword in vain' as God's servants to execute judgment on wrongdoers. The prophetic sword that would pierce Mary's soul foretold the anguish she would experience at her Son's crucifixion.
Related Verses404 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Sword," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Sword," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Sword," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).