Unsheath
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The term "unsheath" refers to the action of drawing a sword or weapon from its sheath or scabbard, symbolizing readiness for battle or action. In biblical contexts, the imagery of unsheathing a sword often conveys themes of divine judgment, warfare, and the execution of justice. The act of unsheathing is both literal and metaphorical, representing the readiness to engage in spiritual or physical conflict.

Biblical References:

1. Divine Judgment:
The unsheathing of a sword is frequently associated with God's judgment against nations or individuals who have turned away from His commandments. In Ezekiel 21:3-5 , the Lord declares, "Behold, I am against you; I will draw My sword from its sheath and cut off from you both the righteous and the wicked. Because I will cut off both the righteous and the wicked, My sword will be unsheathed against everyone from south to north." This passage illustrates the seriousness of divine retribution and the impartiality of God's justice.

2. Warfare and Protection:
The unsheathing of a sword also appears in contexts of warfare, where it signifies preparation for battle. In Nehemiah 4:18 , during the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, it is noted, "And each of the builders worked with his sword strapped at his side. But the trumpeter stayed beside me." Here, the readiness to unsheath the sword underscores the vigilance and preparedness required to defend against adversaries.

3. Metaphorical Use:
The concept of unsheathing extends beyond physical swords to the spiritual realm. In Ephesians 6:17 , the Apostle Paul instructs believers to "take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." While the term "unsheath" is not explicitly used, the imagery of wielding the Word of God as a sword implies the readiness to engage in spiritual warfare, defending against falsehood and proclaiming truth.

Theological Implications:

The act of unsheathing a sword in the Bible is rich with theological significance. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His ultimate authority to judge and protect. For believers, the readiness to unsheath the spiritual sword—the Word of God—emphasizes the importance of being prepared to confront spiritual challenges and to stand firm in faith.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the sword was a primary weapon of warfare, symbolizing power and authority. The act of unsheathing a sword was a deliberate and often public gesture, signaling the commencement of conflict or the execution of justice. This cultural understanding enhances the biblical imagery, providing a vivid picture of the seriousness and immediacy of the actions described in Scripture.

Practical Application:

For contemporary believers, the concept of unsheathing serves as a call to spiritual readiness. Just as a soldier must be prepared to draw his sword in battle, Christians are encouraged to be equipped with the knowledge of Scripture and the power of the Holy Spirit to face the challenges of the world. This readiness involves both defensive and offensive strategies, protecting against spiritual deception and actively advancing the kingdom of God.
Library

The Triumphal Feast for Christ's victory Over Sin, and Death, and ...
... chains. 7 "Justice unsheath'd its fiery sword, And plung'd it in my heart;
"Infinite pangs for you I bore, "And most tormenting smart. ...
/.../watts/hymns and spiritual songs/hymn 3 21 the triumphal feast.htm

Of the Vanity and Crimes, Impious Superstitions, and of the ...
... will may be affected. Let them unsheath the weapon of their intellect; if
their system is true, let it be asserted. We are prepared ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xx of the vanity and.htm

Mercy, Omnipotence, and Justice
... But God is slow to anger, and doth still stay his sword. Wrath said yesterday,
"Unsheath thyself, O sword;" and the sword struggled to get free. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/mercy omnipotence and justice.htm

Missionary Hymns.
... To arms! to arms! The Spirit's sword unsheath: March on! March on! all hearts
resolved, To victory or death. "HAIL TO THE LORD'S ANOINTED.". ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter iv missionary hymns.htm

The Church as She Should Be
... Unsheath our swords, ye soldiers of the cross; arise from your slumbers, ye
careless ones, gird on your swords and prepare for the war. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the church as she should.htm

Fast-Day Service
... natives, who has heard the well-provoked cursing of dethroned princes, might have
prophesied that it would not be long before God would unsheath his sword to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/fast-day service.htm

Christ Our Passover
... Unsheath thy sword." I behold the great gathering, you and I are standing amongst
them. It is a solemn moment. All men stand in suspense. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/christ our passover.htm

Gunsaulus -- the Bible Vs. Infidelity
... of which all these nationalities should willingly bleed and struggle, under a conqueror
who should rise from the soil of the cavaliers, and unsheath his sword ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume 10/gunsaulus the bible vs.htm

The Unclean Spirits.
... Religion will develop reason; but politics will impel the masses to unsheath the
sword, and to stain the bosom of Nature with blood! Friends of progress! ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the unclean spirits.htm

The God of the Aged
... David says, again, "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the
righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." Go on, then, unsheath thy sword ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the god of the aged.htm

Thesaurus
Unsheath (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Unsheath (1 Occurrence). Exodus 15:9 The enemy
said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the ...
/u/unsheath.htm - 6k

Unsharpened (1 Occurrence)

/u/unsharpened.htm - 6k

Unsheathe (4 Occurrences)

/u/unsheathe.htm - 7k

Dispossess (44 Occurrences)
... Exodus 15:9 The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil;
my soul shall be sated upon them; I will unsheath my sword, my hand shall ...
/d/dispossess.htm - 21k

Sated (16 Occurrences)
... Exodus 15:9 The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil;
my soul shall be sated upon them; I will unsheath my sword, my hand shall ...
/s/sated.htm - 10k

Soul (554 Occurrences)
... Exodus 15:9 The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil;
my soul shall be sated upon them; I will unsheath my sword, my hand shall ...
/s/soul.htm - 47k

Resources
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Concordance
Unsheath (1 Occurrence)

Exodus 15:9
The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my soul shall be sated upon them; I will unsheath my sword, my hand shall dispossess them.
(DBY)

Subtopics

Unsheath

Related Terms

Unsheathed (1 Occurrence)

Unsheath (1 Occurrence)

Draw (212 Occurrences)

Unsharpened
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