Spear: Made Into Pruning-Hooks in Peace
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Topical Encyclopedia
The imagery of spears being transformed into pruning-hooks is a powerful biblical metaphor that signifies the transition from war to peace. This transformation is mentioned in the prophetic books of the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the Messianic age, when nations will no longer engage in warfare but will instead focus on agricultural productivity and peaceful coexistence.

Biblical References:

1. Isaiah 2:4 : "He will judge between the nations and will mediate for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer take up the sword against nation, nor will they train anymore for war."

2. Micah 4:3 : "Then He will judge between many peoples and arbitrate for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer take up the sword against nation, nor will they train anymore for war."

Context and Interpretation:

The transformation of spears into pruning-hooks is a symbolic act that represents the cessation of hostilities and the ushering in of a time of peace and prosperity. In the ancient Near Eastern context, spears were common weapons of war, while pruning-hooks were agricultural tools used for tending vineyards and orchards. The conversion of one into the other signifies a shift in priorities from conflict to cultivation, from destruction to growth.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, this imagery underscores the hope and promise of the Messianic kingdom, where Christ, as the Prince of Peace, will establish His reign of justice and harmony. The prophecy envisions a world where divine intervention leads to the resolution of conflicts and the establishment of a new order characterized by peace and righteousness.

The transformation also reflects the broader biblical theme of redemption and restoration. Just as weapons of war are repurposed for peaceful means, so too are individuals and nations called to be transformed by the renewing power of God's grace. This vision aligns with the Christian hope for the ultimate fulfillment of God's kingdom on earth, where peace will prevail and creation will be restored to its intended harmony.

Historical and Cultural Insights:

In the historical context of ancient Israel, the imagery of turning spears into pruning-hooks would have resonated deeply with an agrarian society that understood the importance of agriculture for survival and prosperity. The promise of peace and the ability to focus on farming without the threat of war would have been a powerful and hopeful message for a people often beset by conflict.

Application for Today:

For contemporary believers, the vision of spears being made into pruning-hooks serves as a call to pursue peace and reconciliation in a world still marred by conflict. It challenges Christians to be agents of peace, working towards the transformation of society in accordance with the values of the kingdom of God. This prophetic vision encourages believers to look forward to the day when Christ will return to establish His perfect peace, while also actively participating in the work of peace and justice in the present age.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Isaiah 2:4
And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Micah 4:3
And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Dying King's Last vision and Psalm
... with iron and the staff of a spear; and they ... The Spirit of the Lord spake in [or
"into"] me.' That ... not its goodness, but God's covenant ('for He hath made'). ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the dying kings last vision.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will ... had delivered Babylon and her king
into the hands ... kings that succeeded them, that they made proclamation to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... it continueth in life, ease, peace, tranquility, and ... to get into her vineyard, who
made most fearful ... shares, and their spears into pruning-hooks: nation shall ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

A Discourse
... the Antichrist, the dragon, and his angels, got into the church ... What then if the
church made the first assault? ... will serve a man, that may with peace enjoy his ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

Resources
Who killed Goliath, David or Elhanan? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Benaiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who were the mighty men of David? | GotQuestions.org

Spear: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Spear

Spear: An offensive Weapon

Spear: Called the Glittering Spear

Spear: Changed Into Pruning-Hooks

Spear: Different Kinds of Darts

Spear: Different Kinds of Javelins

Spear: Different Kinds of Lances

Spear: First Mention of, in Scripture

Spear: Frequently Thrown from the Hand

Spear: Frequently Used by Horse Soldiers

Spear: Furbished Before War

Spear: Goliath's

Spear: Illustrative of the Bitterness of the Wicked

Spear: Made Into Pruning-Hooks in Peace

Spear: Often Retained in the Hand of the Person Using

Spear: Parts of Mentioned: The Head of Iron or Brass

Spear: Parts of Mentioned: The Staff of Wood

Spear: Plunged Into Jesus' Side

Spear: Probably Pointed at Both Ends

Spear: Provided by the Kings of Israel in Great Abundance

Spear: Pruning-Hooks Beat Into

Spear: Pruning-Hooks Made Into, Before War

Spear: Saul's

Spear: Stored in the Tabernacle

Spear: Stuck in the Ground Beside the Bolster During Sleep

Spear: The Israelites: Acquainted With the Making of

Spear: The Israelites: Frequently Used

Spear: The Israelites: Ill Provided With, in the Times of Deborah and Saul

Spear: Those Who Used, Called Spearmen

Related Terms

Spear's (1 Occurrence)

Weaver's (5 Occurrences)

Shaft (13 Occurrences)

Javelin (16 Occurrences)

Weavers (4 Occurrences)

Tall (41 Occurrences)

Egyptian's (3 Occurrences)

Club (7 Occurrences)

Snatched (15 Occurrences)

Slayeth (28 Occurrences)

Plucked (46 Occurrences)

Benai'ah (43 Occurrences)

Armor (53 Occurrences)

Shield (65 Occurrences)

Lance (7 Occurrences)

Target (14 Occurrences)

Elhanan (4 Occurrences)

Buckler (19 Occurrences)

Cloth-worker's (4 Occurrences)

Bolster (7 Occurrences)

Beam (17 Occurrences)

Pulling (57 Occurrences)

Egyptian (35 Occurrences)

Stick (47 Occurrences)

Glittering (12 Occurrences)

Dart (9 Occurrences)

Abishai (25 Occurrences)

Abi'shai (25 Occurrences)

Benaiah (44 Occurrences)

Violently (92 Occurrences)

Weighed (44 Occurrences)

Wielded (7 Occurrences)

Imposing (8 Occurrences)

Impressive (2 Occurrences)

Flashing (12 Occurrences)

Pillow (8 Occurrences)

Pinning (2 Occurrences)

Brandished (5 Occurrences)

Body-cover (11 Occurrences)

Cruse (11 Occurrences)

Stature (22 Occurrences)

Stuck (7 Occurrences)

Spearhead (1 Occurrence)

Spears (25 Occurrences)

Pin (10 Occurrences)

Staff (91 Occurrences)

Stomach (40 Occurrences)

Rod (138 Occurrences)

Wounded (114 Occurrences)

Jar (45 Occurrences)

Abner (54 Occurrences)

Escaped (94 Occurrences)

Goodly (46 Occurrences)

Armed (147 Occurrences)

Saul's (79 Occurrences)

Jug (11 Occurrences)

Lyre (32 Occurrences)

Gittite (10 Occurrences)

Gleaming (9 Occurrences)

Groin (4 Occurrences)

Glitter (3 Occurrences)

Withstood (7 Occurrences)

Won (24 Occurrences)

Ishbibenob (1 Occurrence)

Ishbi-benob (1 Occurrence)

Famous (20 Occurrences)

Roars (9 Occurrences)

Refuseth (22 Occurrences)

Rib (5 Occurrences)

Butt (2 Occurrences)

Bearer (23 Occurrences)

Cain (18 Occurrences)

Asahel's (2 Occurrences)

As'ahel (17 Occurrences)

Arrow (34 Occurrences)

Stretching (84 Occurrences)

Slipped (13 Occurrences)

Shield-carrier (1 Occurrence)

Spear: Illustrative of the Bitterness of the Wicked
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