Lexical Summary nadan: sheath Original Word: נָדָן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance sheath Of uncertain derivation; a sheath (of a sword) -- sheath. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof foreign origin Definition a sheath NASB Translation sheath (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. [נָדָן] noun [masculine] sheath (Late Hebrew id.; Aramaic נִדְנָא (ᵑ7 Talmud); Persian loan-word NöGGA, 1884, 1022); — וַיָּשֶׁב חַדְבּוֺ אֶלנְֿדָנָהּ׃ 1 Chronicles 21:27. Topical Lexicon Term and Literary SettingNADÁN appears once in the Old Testament (1 Chronicles 21:27) and denotes the scabbard or sheath into which a sword is returned. Though rare, the term joins a cluster of military vocabulary that helps readers picture ancient weaponry and, more importantly, the theological drama associated with the “sword of the LORD.” Military Context in Ancient Israel Ancient Near-Eastern warriors carried swords in sheaths fashioned from wood, leather, or metal, often suspended from the belt or shoulder. The sheath protected the edge, preserved the bearer from accidental harm, and advertised the readiness—or restraint—of the warrior. Within Israelite warfare the covering or uncovering of the sword visually communicated the transition between peace and conflict. The Sheath in 1 Chronicles 21:27 “Then the LORD spoke to the angel, and he put his sword back into its sheath.” (1 Chronicles 21:27) The scene climaxes the narrative of David’s census and the ensuing plague (1 Chronicles 21:1-30). When David confesses guilt and intercedes for the people, the angel who had been stretched out over Jerusalem with an unsheathed sword (1 Chronicles 21:16) receives a divine command to halt the destruction. The public return of the sword to its sheath signals that judgment has been satisfied and mercy granted. A single noun, נָדָן, therefore carries the weight of an entire theological pivot from wrath to grace. Symbolic Meaning of Sheathing the Sword 1. Cessation of Judgment: Throughout Scripture an unsheathed sword pictures impending punishment (Ezekiel 21:3-5). Conversely, a sheathed sword represents the withdrawal of wrath (Isaiah 31:8). Related Biblical Imagery “I will unsheathe My sword against all flesh” (Ezekiel 21:5). “From His mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations” (Revelation 19:15). “He makes wars to cease to the ends of the earth” (Psalm 46:9). The juxtaposition of unsheathed and sheathed swords highlights the twin realities of God’s justice and peace. Theological and Ministry Implications • Personal Repentance: David’s confession precedes the sheathing of the sword. Genuine repentance remains the path to relief from divine discipline (Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:9). Christological Reflection At the cross the greater Son of David satisfied the demands of justice, allowing the sword to be sheathed for all who trust Him (Isaiah 53:5). In the present age He reigns in patience, yet Revelation portrays the sword once more unsheathed at His return. Only those hidden in Christ will stand secure when judgment resumes. Practical Application for Believers • Handle the “sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17) with reverence, remembering that both drawing and returning the sword must follow the Lord’s command. Eschatological Horizon The single occurrence of נָדָן points forward to the ultimate cessation of warfare: “Nation will no longer take up the sword against nation” (Micah 4:3). The scabbard awaits the permanent peace inaugurated by the Prince of Peace, when swords will be beaten into plowshares and judgment forever resolved. Forms and Transliterations נְדָנָֽהּ׃ נדנה׃ nə·ḏā·nāh nedaNah nəḏānāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 21:27 HEB: חַרְבּ֖וֹ אֶל־ נְדָנָֽהּ׃ NAS: his sword back in its sheath. KJV: again into the sheath thereof. INT: his sword in sheath 1 Occurrence |
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