The term "brandishes" refers to the act of waving or flourishing something, typically a weapon, in a menacing or vigorous manner. In the context of the Bible, this action is often associated with divine judgment, warfare, and the power of God. The imagery of brandishing is used to convey strength, authority, and impending action.

Biblical References:

1. Isaiah 31:8 · "Assyria will fall by a sword not of man; a sword not of man will devour him. He will flee from the sword, and his young men will be put to forced labor." In this passage, the sword is a symbol of divine intervention. The act of brandishing a sword here signifies God's power to execute judgment against Assyria, emphasizing that the deliverance of Israel will come through divine, not human, means.

2. 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." The imagery of a polished and sharpened sword ready to be brandished underscores the certainty and imminence of God's judgment. The sword is prepared for action, symbolizing the readiness of God's justice to be executed.

3. Psalm 7:12 · "If one does not repent, God will sharpen His sword; He has bent and strung His bow." Here, the act of sharpening the sword and bending the bow is a metaphor for God's readiness to enact judgment on the unrepentant. The brandishing of these weapons serves as a warning of the consequences of sin and the necessity of repentance.

Theological Significance:

In the biblical narrative, the act of brandishing a weapon is often associated with divine authority and the execution of justice. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and His active role in the affairs of humanity. The imagery conveys the seriousness of God's commands and the certainty of His promises, whether they pertain to judgment or deliverance.

The concept of brandishing also highlights the spiritual warfare that believers are engaged in. Ephesians 6:17 speaks of the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God," indicating that the Word is a powerful tool in the believer's arsenal. Just as a sword is brandished in battle, so too must believers wield the Word with confidence and authority in their spiritual lives.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Near Eastern culture, the act of brandishing a weapon was a common demonstration of power and readiness for battle. Warriors would brandish their swords to intimidate opponents and to rally their own forces. This cultural understanding enriches the biblical imagery, as it would have been a familiar and potent symbol to the original audience.

The use of such vivid imagery in Scripture serves to communicate deep spiritual truths in a manner that is both memorable and impactful. The act of brandishing, therefore, is not merely a physical action but a representation of divine truth and authority that transcends time and culture.

Figurative Style of Certain Messianic Prophecies in the Psalms ...
... If he is not a warrior, and the sword he brandishes is an allegorical one, then
the Creator's Christ in the psalm too may have been girded with the figurative ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xiv figurative style of certain.htm

To Mr. John Hasfeldt
... Like most of his countrymen, he carries an exceedingly long knife, which he frequently
unsheaths and brandishes in the faces of those who are unfortunate ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/borrow/letters of george borrow/to mr john hasfeldt.htm

The Memphite Empire
... A Bedouin sheikh fallen on his knees prays for mercy with suppliant gesture, but
Pharaoh has already seized him by his long hair, and brandishes above his head ...
/.../chapter iithe memphite empire.htm

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... Higher up the heads of three rams lie beside their headless trunks, which are resting
on the ground, feet in the air, while a servant brandishes a short sword ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... He brandishes in one hand the weapon of the victor, and is on the point of despatching
with it a lion, which he has seized by the tail with the other, after ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly
... purse. But he is the valorous Christian, that brandishes the sword of
the Spirit against Satan, and will rather die than yield. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the worst things work for.htm

The Complaint: Or, Night Thoughts.
... 'mid stupendous, highly strange! Yet oft his courtesies are smoother wrongs; Pride
brandishes the favours He confers,. And contumelious his humanity: ...
/.../young/youngs night thoughts/the complaint or night thoughts.htm

Hindrances to Revivals.
... See now, how this nation is, all at once, brought upon the brink of war. God brandishes
his blazing sword over our heads. Will the church repent? ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xv hindrances to revivals.htm

Naparima and Montserrat
... it is said, he should be watched sitting in the mouth of his 'burrow, his spouse
packed safe behind him inside, while he beckons and brandishes, proclaiming to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter x naparima and montserrat.htm

The Nile and Egypt
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 1. <. ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

Brandishes (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Brandishes (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 30:25 I will
hold up the arms of the king of Babylon; and the arms of ...
/b/brandishes.htm - 6k

Brandished (5 Occurrences)

/b/brandished.htm - 8k

Brandishing (3 Occurrences)

/b/brandishing.htm - 7k

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