Definition and Context
Brandishing refers to the act of waving or flourishing an object, typically a weapon, in a menacing or vigorous manner. In biblical contexts, brandishing often involves the display of a sword or spear, symbolizing power, authority, or impending judgment. The imagery of brandishing is used to convey both divine and human actions, often associated with warfare, protection, or divine intervention.

Biblical References

1. Divine Judgment and Protection
In the Bible, God is sometimes depicted as brandishing a weapon to execute judgment or to protect His people. This imagery underscores His sovereignty and power over nations and individuals. For instance, in Isaiah 31:8, the prophet speaks of the Assyrians falling by a sword not wielded by man, implying divine intervention: "Assyria will fall by a sword not of man; a sword not of mortals will devour them." Although the term "brandishing" is not explicitly used here, the concept of divine wielding of a sword is evident.

2. Human Warfare
Brandishing is also associated with human warfare, where warriors display their weapons to intimidate enemies or rally their own forces. In 1 Chronicles 21:16, David sees the angel of the Lord standing between heaven and earth with a drawn sword in his hand extended over Jerusalem, a vivid depiction of divine judgment poised to strike: "David looked up and saw the angel of the LORD standing between heaven and earth, with a drawn sword in his hand extended over Jerusalem."

3. Symbol of Authority
The act of brandishing a weapon can symbolize authority and the readiness to act. In Ezekiel 21:11, the sword is sharpened and polished, ready for the hand of the slayer: "The sword is given to be polished, that it may be grasped in the hand; it is sharpened and polished, made ready for the hand of the slayer." This passage highlights the preparedness and decisiveness associated with brandishing a weapon.

Theological Implications

Brandishing in the biblical narrative often serves as a metaphor for divine authority and judgment. It reflects the seriousness of God's intervention in human affairs, whether in judgment or protection. The imagery of a brandished weapon serves as a powerful reminder of the ultimate authority and power of God, who wields His might according to His divine will and purpose.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the act of brandishing a weapon was a common practice in warfare and ceremonial contexts. It was a demonstration of strength and readiness to engage in battle. The biblical use of this imagery would have resonated with contemporary audiences familiar with the martial practices of the time.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

From a moral and ethical standpoint, the concept of brandishing in the Bible can be seen as a call to recognize the seriousness of divine judgment and the need for righteousness. It serves as a warning against complacency and a reminder of the consequences of sin and disobedience. The imagery also reassures believers of God's protective power and His commitment to justice.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Brandish.8573. tenuphah -- a swinging, waving, wave offering, offering
... Word Origin from nuph Definition a swinging, waving, wave offering, offering NASB
Word Usage brandishing weapons (1), offered by waving (2), offering (1), wave ...
/hebrew/8573.htm - 6k

19. ibchah -- slaughter
... point. From an unused root (apparently meaning to turn); brandishing of a
sword -- point. 18, 19. ibchah. 20 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/19.htm - 5k

Talmage -- a Bloody Monster
... Blundering step in the hall! Door opens! Fiend, brandishing his fist, cries, "Out!
out! What are you doing here?" Did I call this house second? ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 8/talmage a bloody monster.htm

In Sanctuary
... The armed Pr??torians had forced their way through the dense mob to the front, and
stood there shouting and brandishing their drawn swords, with cries of The ...
/.../chapter xxvii in sanctuary.htm

About the Dragon and the Young Man.
... And when the apostle had thus spoken, behold, a great dragon came forth from his
den, knocking his head, and brandishing his tail down to the ground, and ...
/.../unknown/acts of the holy apostle thomas/about the dragon and the.htm

Against "The Roaring Lions"
... Soon they appeared, brandishing their clubs and bellowing their war cry: Deo
laudes!""Praise be to God." "Your shout," said Augustin to them, "is more ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/iv against the roaring lions.htm

Impure Loves Ascribed to the Gods.
... weaker than Diomedes:". "He raged, as Mars, when brandishing his spear."
[773]. Hush! Homer, a god never rages. But you describe ...
/.../athenagoras/a plea for the christians/chapter xxi impure loves ascribed to.htm

It Will be Better to Adopt in this ChapterThe Same Process that ...
... All riot is a threat of war; but the woman is brandishing a weapon she can never
use. There are many weapons that she could and does use. ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 16 it will be.htm

John Chapter x. 10-Jan
... about the virtues and the vices, dividing, defining, drawing out to their close
the most acute processes of reasoning, filling books, brandishing their wisdom ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xlv john chapter x.htm

Desecration of the Altar of the Great Church by Runaway Slaves.
... they impeded the performance of the sacred services; but inasmuch as they obstinately
maintained their position for several days, brandishing their weapons in ...
/.../chapter xxxiii desecration of the altar.htm

To Bishop Iren??us.
... [1644] Nobody grumbles at the victory, nor accuses the conqueror of cowardice, because
he wins it without brandishing a spear or covering himself with his ...
/.../theodoret/the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/xvi to bishop irenaeus.htm

Paul's Estimate of Himself
... You cannot soften a heart by the hammers of the law. You cannot force a man to do
right by brandishing before him the whip that punishes doing wrong. ...
/.../romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/pauls estimate of himself.htm

Brandishing (3 Occurrences)
... (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Brandish. Multi-Version Concordance Brandishing (3 Occurrences). ...
He will fight with them in battles, brandishing weapons. (WEB ASV NAS). ...
/b/brandishing.htm - 7k

Wielding (4 Occurrences)
... every stroke of the appointed staff, which Jehovah shall lay upon him, shall be
with the sound of tabrets and harps; and in battles with the brandishing of his ...
/w/wielding.htm - 7k

Flourish (26 Occurrences)
... 17. (n.) The waving of a weapon or other thing; a brandishing; as, the flourish
of a sword. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. FLOURISH. ...
/f/flourish.htm - 18k

Tambourines (13 Occurrences)
... sound of tambourines and harps. He will fight with them in battles,
brandishing weapons. (WEB NAS NIV). Jeremiah 31:4 Again will ...
/t/tambourines.htm - 10k

Battles (8 Occurrences)
... with the sound of tambourines and harps. He will fight with them in battles,
brandishing weapons. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS). ...
/b/battles.htm - 9k

Brand-marks (1 Occurrence)
Brand-marks. Brandishing, Brand-marks. Brands . Multi-Version Concordance ... (See
NAS). Brandishing, Brand-marks. Brands . Reference Bible.
/b/brand-marks.htm - 6k

Brandishes (1 Occurrence)

/b/brandishes.htm - 6k

Chariot (102 Occurrences)
... with gold and silver, and in the battle of Megiddo Thothmes III is represented as
standing in his chariot of electrum like the god of war, brandishing his lance ...
/c/chariot.htm - 55k

Stroke (26 Occurrences)
... sound of tambourines and harps. He will fight with them in battles, brandishing
weapons. (WEB ASV RSV NIV). Isaiah 53:8 By oppression ...
/s/stroke.htm - 16k

Trembled (43 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 32:10 And I have made many peoples astonished at thee, And their kings are
afraid at thee with trembling, In My brandishing My sword before their faces ...
/t/trembled.htm - 19k

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