The term "brandished" in the Bible typically refers to the act of waving or flourishing a weapon, often as a demonstration of power, authority, or impending judgment. This action is symbolic of readiness for battle or the execution of divine justice. The imagery of brandishing is used to convey the seriousness and intensity of God's intervention in human affairs, as well as the might and preparedness of His servants.

Biblical References:

1. Ezekiel 21:11 : "The sword is appointed to be polished, to be grasped in the hand; it is sharpened and polished, ready for the hand of the slayer." In this passage, the sword is prepared and brandished as a tool of judgment. The context is a prophecy against Jerusalem, where the sword symbolizes the impending judgment and destruction that God is about to bring upon the city due to its iniquities.

2. Isaiah 30:32 : "And every stroke of the appointed staff that the LORD brings down on him will be to the sound of tambourines and lyres; He will fight against them with brandished weapons." Here, the brandishing of weapons signifies the Lord's active engagement in battle against His enemies. The passage highlights the divine orchestration of events, where even the instruments of war are wielded with precision and purpose by God.

Symbolism and Themes:

· Divine Judgment: The act of brandishing a weapon often symbolizes the execution of divine judgment. It serves as a visual representation of God's readiness to act against sin and rebellion. The imagery underscores the seriousness of God's justice and the certainty of its fulfillment.

· Power and Authority: Brandishing is an expression of power and authority. In the biblical context, it is not merely a physical action but a demonstration of God's sovereign control over the affairs of nations and individuals. It reassures the faithful of God's ultimate authority and His ability to protect and deliver His people.

· Readiness for Battle: The imagery of brandishing a weapon conveys a state of preparedness and vigilance. It serves as a reminder to believers of the spiritual warfare they are engaged in and the need to be equipped with the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the concept of brandishing in the Bible emphasizes the active role of God in history. It reflects His righteous character and His commitment to uphold justice. For believers, it is a call to trust in God's timing and His methods, even when they involve severe measures. The brandishing of weapons by God or His agents serves as a reminder of the ultimate victory of good over evil and the establishment of His kingdom.

In summary, the biblical use of "brandished" is rich with meaning, illustrating the dynamic and powerful nature of God's interaction with the world. It serves as a potent reminder of His justice, authority, and the assurance of His protection for those who remain faithful to Him.(imp. & p. p.) of Brandish.7477. raal -- to quiver, shake, reel
... 7476, 7477. raal. 7478 . to quiver, shake, reel. Transliteration: raal Phonetic
Spelling: (raw-al') Short Definition: brandished. Word Origin a prim. ...
/hebrew/7477.htm - 5k

Argument: the Weapon that C??cilius had Slightly Brandished ...
... Chapter XXVI."Argument: The Weapon that C??cilius Had Slightly Brandished Against
Him, Taken from the Auspices and Auguries of Birds, Octavius Retorts by ...
/.../felix/the octavius of minucius felix/chapter xxvi argument the weapon that.htm

Fire a Primal Principle, According to Simon.
... want, (and) self-sufficient. And, he says, the tree of life is guarded, as
we have stated, by the brandished flaming sword. And it is ...
/.../the refutation of all heresies/chapter xii fire a primal principle.htm

Book I to Pleasant Songs My Work was Erstwhile Given, and Bright ...
... morsels as they could therefrom. In her right hand she carried books, in
her left was a sceptre brandished. When she saw that the ...
/.../boethius/the consolation of philosophy/book i to pleasant songs.htm

The Adventures of Saint Anthony of Italy.
... that it was about to swallow up bodily both them and their ship; but Saint Anthony,
putting on his armour, and standing on the poop, brandished his spear so ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter seven the adventures of.htm

In the Sunless Crypt
... There she saw the flash of swords, swung afar off, spears brandished and
the running hither and thither of defenders on the wall. ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xviii in the sunless.htm

He Blesses God for the Faith of his Little Girl
... While the conversation was going on the fiend made his appearance. A fiend he looked.
He brandished the knife, still wet with the blood of his wife. ...
/.../touching incidents and remarkable answers to prayer/he blesses god for the.htm

From the Latin.
... in secular business, He may overturn the Kingdom of His adversary; by whom the shields
of faith are borne, and the weapons of wisdom brandished; among whom ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen de principiis/from the latin.htm

Monoimus on the Sabbath; Allegorizes the Rod of Moses; Notion ...
... When, therefore, he says, Moses mentions that the rod was changeably brandished
for the (introduction of the) plagues throughout Egypt [934] "now these ...
/.../the refutation of all heresies/chapter vii monoimus on the sabbath.htm

Monoimus.
... When, therefore, says (Mono??mus), Moses mentions the rod's being brandished for
the purpose of bringing the plagues upon Egypt, he alludes allegorically to ...
/.../hippolytus/the refutation of all heresies/chapter xiii monoimus.htm

The King after Man's Heart
... He will not drive men back to His service, like a slave-driver with brandished whip,
but He wishes to draw them back by 'the cords of love.' It is service from ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the king after mans heart.htm

Brandished (5 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Brandish. Multi-Version Concordance
Brandished (5 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 23:18 And Abishai ...
/b/brandished.htm - 8k

Brandish (4 Occurrences)

/b/brandish.htm - 8k

Quiver (9 Occurrences)
... his mighty men is made red, the valiant men are in scarlet: the chariots flash with
steel in the day of his preparation, and the cypress'spears are brandished. ...
/q/quiver.htm - 11k

Glitter (3 Occurrences)
... men is made red, the valiant men are in scarlet: the chariots glitter with the sheen
of steel, in the day of his preparation, and the spears are brandished. ...
/g/glitter.htm - 8k

Enveloped (6 Occurrences)
... The valiant men are in scarlet. The chariots flash with steel in the day of his
preparation, and the pine spears are brandished. (See NAS). ...
/e/enveloped.htm - 8k

Prance (3 Occurrences)
... The valiant men are in scarlet. The chariots flash with steel in the day of his
preparation, and the pine spears are brandished. (See RSV). ...
/p/prance.htm - 7k

Brandishes (1 Occurrence)

/b/brandishes.htm - 6k

Clad (13 Occurrences)
... The valiant men are in scarlet. The chariots flash with steel in the day of his
preparation, and the pine spears are brandished. (See NIV). ...
/c/clad.htm - 10k

Colored (2 Occurrences)
... The valiant men are in scarlet. The chariots flash with steel in the day of his
preparation, and the pine spears are brandished. (See NAS). ...
/c/colored.htm - 7k

Steel (7 Occurrences)
... The valiant men are in scarlet. The chariots flash with steel in the day of his
preparation, and the pine spears are brandished. (WEB JPS ASV DBY NAS). ...
/s/steel.htm - 10k

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