Topical Bible: The Sword: Sharp

◄ The Sword: Sharp ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical literature, the sword is a powerful symbol often associated with judgment, authority, and the Word of God. Its sharpness is frequently emphasized, underscoring its effectiveness and precision in fulfilling divine purposes.

Symbol of Divine Judgment and Authority

The sharpness of the sword is emblematic of God's judgment and authority. In the Old Testament, the sword is often depicted as an instrument of divine retribution. For instance, in Deuteronomy 32:41, God declares, "When I sharpen My flashing sword, and My hand grasps it in judgment, I will take vengeance on My adversaries and repay those who hate Me." Here, the sharp sword signifies God's readiness to execute justice against His enemies.

Similarly, in Isaiah 66:16, the prophet speaks of the Lord's judgment: "For by fire and by His sword, the LORD will execute judgment on all flesh, and many will be those slain by the LORD." The sharpness of the sword conveys the thoroughness and inevitability of divine judgment.

The Word of God

In the New Testament, the sharp sword is also a metaphor for 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." The sharpness of the sword here illustrates the penetrating power of God's Word to discern and reveal the innermost thoughts and intentions of individuals.

The Apostle John, in the book of Revelation, further emphasizes this imagery. In Revelation 1:16, he describes a vision of the glorified Christ: "In His right hand He held seven stars, and out of His mouth came a sharp double-edged sword." This depiction highlights the authority and power of Christ's spoken word, which is both a tool of judgment and a means of spiritual warfare.

Spiritual Warfare

The sharp sword is also a key element in the imagery of spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:17 instructs believers to "take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." The sharpness of the sword of the Spirit signifies its effectiveness in combating spiritual forces of evil. It is a vital component of the full armor of God, enabling believers to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.

Conclusion

Throughout Scripture, the sharp sword serves as a multifaceted symbol of divine judgment, authority, and the penetrating power of God's Word. Its sharpness underscores the precision and effectiveness with which God executes His will, whether in judgment, revelation, or spiritual warfare.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 57:4
My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Strong's Hebrew

2719. chereb -- a sword
... drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword,
or other sharp implement -- axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. ...
/hebrew/2719.htm - 6k

Library

Out of his Mouth Went a Sharp Two
... The (...) rhomphaia) a sharp or two-edged sword, is four times attributed to
the Lord in this prophecy, viz., i.16; ii.12,16; xix.15,21. ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/out of his mouth went.htm

Christ as a Sword.
... Isaiah, however, He said [4621] that His mouth had been set by His Father as a sharp
sword, and that He was hidden under the shadow of His hand, made like to a ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/36 christ as a sword.htm

Sundry Sharp Reproofs
... 7. Sundry sharp reproofs. ... the worst sights to see a sinner go laughing to hell.'
How unseasonable is it to take the harp and viol when God is taking the sword! ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/7 sundry sharp reproofs.htm

The Sword of the Spirit
... crew. You must take not so much a flag to unfurl, or a drum to beat, as
a sword to use, and a specially sharp sword too. In this ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the sword of the spirit.htm

'The Sword of the Spirit'
... Book of Revelation which saw in the midst of the candlestick one like unto a Son
of Man, and 'out of His mouth proceeded a sharp, two-edged sword.' That image ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the sword of the spirit.htm

Figurative Style of Certain Messianic Prophecies in the Psalms ...
... Now the Apostle John, in the Apocalypse, describes a sword which proceeded from
the mouth of God as "a doubly sharp, two-edged one." [3290] This may be ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xiv figurative style of certain.htm

Epistles to the Seven Churches.
... "He which hath the sharp sword with two edges," is the one who walked in the midst
of the seven golden lamp-stands"out of whose "mouth went a sharp two-edged ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/epistles to the seven churches.htm

The Beatific vision.
... And I lie even among the children of men, that are set on fire, whose teeth
are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword. ...
/.../kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon xxvii the beatific vision.htm

If You Wish Me to Keep Silence, Cease from Accusing Me. Lay Down ...
... [3241] The bludgeon and the sword and the ... sand hard to be borne; but the anger of
a fool is heavier than either; indignation is cruel, anger is sharp, and envy ...
/.../43 if you wish me.htm

The Folly of Slander. Part 2.
... O thou deceitful tongue:" and, "A man," saith the wise man, "that beareth false
witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow;" that ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/the folly of slander part 2.htm