The term "sword-stroke" in the Bible often refers to the physical act of striking with a sword, a weapon commonly used in ancient warfare and personal combat. The sword is frequently mentioned in Scripture as a symbol of power, judgment, and divine retribution. It is both a literal and metaphorical instrument, representing the authority and might of God, as well as the consequences of sin and rebellion.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the sword is a prevalent symbol of divine judgment and warfare. For instance, in Genesis 3:24, after Adam and Eve's expulsion from the Garden of Eden, God placed cherubim and a flaming sword to guard the way to the tree of life. This imagery underscores the sword as a tool of divine protection and judgment.

The sword-stroke is also depicted in the context of warfare and conquest. In 1 Samuel 17:51, David uses Goliath's own sword to deliver the final stroke, symbolizing God's deliverance and the triumph of faith over formidable adversaries. The sword-stroke here is an act of divine justice and fulfillment of God's promises to Israel.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the sword continues to symbolize authority and judgment. In Revelation 13:14, the beast is described as having a fatal sword-stroke that was healed, leading to the world's wonder and worship of the beast. This passage highlights the deceptive power and temporary triumph of evil, which ultimately serves God's sovereign purposes.

The sword is also used metaphorically to describe the Word of God. Hebrews 4:12 states, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Here, the sword-stroke represents the penetrating and discerning power of Scripture, capable of revealing and judging the innermost thoughts and intentions of individuals.

Symbolism and Theology

Theologically, the sword-stroke is a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the reality of divine judgment. It serves as a call to repentance and faith in God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. The sword is a dual symbol of destruction for the wicked and protection for the righteous, as seen in passages like Psalm 37:14-15, where the wicked draw the sword against the poor and needy, but their swords will pierce their own hearts.

In Christian eschatology, the sword-stroke is associated with the final judgment and the return of Christ. Revelation 19:15 describes Christ as wielding a sharp sword to strike down the nations, emphasizing His role as the righteous judge and king who will establish His eternal kingdom.

Practical Application

For believers, the concept of the sword-stroke serves as a powerful reminder of the authority and efficacy of God's Word. Christians are called to wield the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:17), in spiritual warfare, standing firm against the forces of evil. The sword-stroke, therefore, is not only a symbol of judgment but also of the believer's active engagement in the spiritual battle, relying on the truth and power of Scripture.

Betrayed by a Kiss.
... feel the weight of our arms.". "You will seize him," said Judas, "without
a single sword stroke.". "But," said Josue, "how shall we ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stead/king of the jews/chapter iv betrayed by a.htm

Our Lord in the Garden
... that. There is no swordstroke that they can see upon Him; and yet His hands
and His head and His beard are all full of blood. What ...
//christianbookshelf.org/whyte/lord teach us to pray/xi our lord in the.htm

Sword-stroke (1 Occurrence)
Sword-stroke. Swordsmen, Sword-stroke. Swore . Multi-Version
Concordance Sword-stroke (1 Occurrence). Revelation 13:14 ...
/s/sword-stroke.htm - 6k

Swordsmen (8 Occurrences)

/s/swordsmen.htm - 9k

Inhabitants (254 Occurrences)
... And he told the inhabitants of the earth to erect a statue to the Wild Beast who
had received the sword-stroke and yet had recovered. (WEY NIV). ...
/i/inhabitants.htm - 41k

Recovered (25 Occurrences)
... And he told the inhabitants of the earth to erect a statue to the Wild Beast
who had received the sword-stroke and yet had recovered. (WEY). ...
/r/recovered.htm - 15k

Erect (17 Occurrences)
... And he told the inhabitants of the earth to erect a statue to the Wild Beast
who had received the sword-stroke and yet had recovered. (WEY). ...
/e/erect.htm - 12k

Marvels (21 Occurrences)
... And he told the inhabitants of the earth to erect a statue to the Wild Beast
who had received the sword-stroke and yet had recovered. (WEY). ...
/m/marvels.htm - 12k

Permitted (31 Occurrences)
... And he told the inhabitants of the earth to erect a statue to the Wild Beast
who had received the sword-stroke and yet had recovered. (WEY). ...
/p/permitted.htm - 15k

Stroke (26 Occurrences)
... And he told the inhabitants of the earth to erect a statue to the Wild Beast who
had received the sword-stroke and yet had recovered. (WEY ASV YLT). ...
/s/stroke.htm - 16k

Statue (15 Occurrences)
... And he told the inhabitants of the earth to erect a statue to the Wild Beast
who had received the sword-stroke and yet had recovered. (WEY). ...
/s/statue.htm - 12k

Due (93 Occurrences)
... And he told the inhabitants of the earth to erect a statue to the Wild Beast
who had received the sword-stroke and yet had recovered. (WEY). ...
/d/due.htm - 35k

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