The term "furbished" appears in the Bible primarily in the context of weaponry, particularly swords, and is used to describe the process of polishing or making something ready for use. In the Berean Standard Bible, the word is used to convey the idea of preparation and readiness, often in a martial or judgmental context.

Biblical References:

1. Ezekiel 21:9-11 : "Son of man, prophesy and say, ‘This is what the Lord says: A sword, a sword, sharpened and polished— sharpened for the slaughter, polished to flash like lightning! Should we rejoice in the scepter of My son? The sword despises every tree. The sword is appointed to be polished, to be grasped in the hand; it is sharpened and polished, to be placed into the hand of the slayer.’"

In this passage, the sword is described as "sharpened and polished," indicating its readiness for execution of judgment. The imagery of a furbished sword underscores the seriousness and inevitability of divine judgment. The polishing of the sword symbolizes the meticulous preparation for the task it is to perform, reflecting God's deliberate and righteous judgment.

2. Ezekiel 21:28 : "And you, son of man, prophesy and say, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says concerning the Ammonites and their contempt.’ A sword, a sword is drawn for slaughter, polished to consume, to flash like lightning."

Here, the furbished sword is again a symbol of impending judgment, this time directed towards the Ammonites. The polished sword signifies the thoroughness and inevitability of God's retribution against those who oppose His will.

Theological Significance:

The concept of a furbished sword in Scripture is rich with theological implications. It serves as a metaphor for divine judgment, emphasizing the preparedness and decisiveness of God's actions. The polishing of the sword can be seen as a reflection of God's holiness and justice, as He prepares to execute judgment against sin and rebellion.

In a broader sense, the imagery of a furbished sword can also be applied to the believer's life. Just as a sword is polished and made ready for battle, Christians are called to be spiritually prepared and equipped for the challenges they face. This preparation involves the refining of character and the sharpening of spiritual discernment through the study of Scripture and prayer.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In ancient times, the process of furbishing a sword involved not only sharpening the blade but also polishing it to a bright finish. This was done to ensure the weapon was both effective in battle and intimidating in appearance. The gleaming sword would catch the light, serving as a visual deterrent to enemies. In the biblical context, the furbished sword is a powerful symbol of God's readiness to act in judgment and His sovereign authority over the nations.

Conclusion:

The use of "furbished" in the Bible, particularly in the book of Ezekiel, serves as a vivid reminder of God's readiness to execute judgment and the importance of being spiritually prepared. The polished sword is a symbol of divine justice, reflecting the seriousness with which God approaches sin and rebellion. For believers, it is a call to readiness and spiritual vigilance in their walk with God.(imp. & p. p.) of Furbish.

Ezekiel's Discourse
... A sword, A sword, It is sharpened, And also furbished: It is sharpened that it may
make a slaughter; It is furbished that it may be as lightning! ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/vi ezekiels discourse.htm

Sundry Sharp Reproofs
... A sword, a sword is sharpened and also furbished; should we then make mirth?'
(Ezekiel 21:9, 10). This is a sin that enrages God. ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/7 sundry sharp reproofs.htm

But the Games which You Celebrate, Called Floralia and Megalensia. ...
... impulses? Is the Great Mother rendered more calm, more gentle, if she beholds
the old story of Attis furbished up by the players? ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/33 but the games which.htm

Notes
... strain or folk-lore song, of which the augmenting lines suggest the gathering spirit
of combat: A sword, a sword, it is sharpened, and also furbished, etc. ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/notes.htm

The Compassion of Jesus
... He steps in, he takes upon himself the uplifted lash, and his shoulders run with
gore; he bares his bosom to the furbished sword, and it smites the Shepherd ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 60 1914/the compassion of jesus.htm

The Ship on Fire --A Voice of Warning
... When the sword is sharp, and furbished, and taken out of its sheath, canst
thou play about its edge? Canst thou yet make mirth? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/the ship on firea voice.htm

A Message from God for Thee
... "Thus saith the Lord: say, a sword, a sword is sharpened, and also furbished: it
is sharpened to make a sore slaughter; it is furbished that it may glitter ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/a message from god for.htm

This Action is Yours, My Brother, Yours Alone. It is Clear that no ...
... but because I was incited by the fear of God, that I imported a store of old Greek
material to be used in the new Latin construction, that I furbished up the ...
/.../37 this action is yours.htm

The Question of Fear and the Answer of Faith
... He hath bent his bow and made it ready. The sword of the Lord has been
bathed in heaven; it is bright and sharp; it is furbished. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the question of fear and.htm

Presumptuous Sins
... For what reason? Because over his head, immediately over it, there hung
a sword, a furbished sword, suspended by a single hair. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/presumptuous sins.htm

Furbished (4 Occurrences)
...Furbished (4 Occurrences). ... Ezekiel 21:10 it is sharpened that it may make a slaughter;
it is furbished that it may be as lightning: shall we then make mirth? ...
/f/furbished.htm - 7k

Sharpened (13 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 21:9 Son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus says Yahweh: Say, A sword, a sword,
it is sharpened, and also furbished; (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV ...
/s/sharpened.htm - 10k

Killer (1 Occurrence)
... Ezekiel 21:11 It is given to be furbished, that it may be handled: the sword, it
is sharpened, yes, it is furbished, to give it into the hand of the killer. ...
/k/killer.htm - 6k

Grasped (11 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 21:11 It is given to be furbished, that it may be handled: the sword, it
is sharpened, yes, it is furbished, to give it into the hand of the killer. ...
/g/grasped.htm - 9k

Slayer (23 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 21:11 And he hath given it to be furbished, that it may be handled: this
sword is sharpened, and it is furbished, to give it into the hand of the slayer ...
/s/slayer.htm - 13k

Furious (28 Occurrences)

/f/furious.htm - 14k

Lightning (49 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 21:10 it is sharpened that it may make a slaughter; it is furbished
that it may be as lightning: shall we then make mirth? ...
/l/lightning.htm - 24k

Prophesy (96 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 21:9 Son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus says Yahweh: Say, A sword, a sword,
it is sharpened, and also furbished; (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV ...
/p/prophesy.htm - 38k

Handled (11 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 21:11 It is given to be furbished, that it may be handled: the sword, it
is sharpened, yes, it is furbished, to give it into the hand of the killer. ...
/h/handled.htm - 9k

Glitter (3 Occurrences)
... Glitter (3 Occurrences). Ezekiel 21:10 It is sharpened to make a sore slaughter;
it is furbished that it may glitter: should we then make mirth? ...
/g/glitter.htm - 8k

Furbished: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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