Topical Bible: The Sword: (Living By) of Rapine

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The concept of "living by the sword" is a recurring theme in the Bible, often associated with violence, conflict, and the consequences of a life driven by aggression and plunder. The phrase "living by the sword" is derived from the biblical narrative and serves as a metaphor for those who rely on violence and force to achieve their ends. This entry explores the biblical understanding of living by the sword, particularly in the context of rapine, which refers to the act of seizing and carrying off by force.

Biblical Context and Meaning

The phrase "living by the sword" is most famously associated with Jesus' admonition to Peter in the Garden of Gethsemane. When Peter drew his sword to defend Jesus from arrest, Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Put your sword back in its place; for all who draw the sword will die by the sword" (Matthew 26:52). This statement underscores the principle that those who resort to violence will ultimately be consumed by it.

The Bible consistently portrays the sword as a symbol of judgment and warfare. In Genesis 27:40, Isaac prophesies over Esau, saying, "You shall live by your sword and serve your brother." This prophecy highlights a life marked by conflict and subjugation, reflecting the broader biblical theme that reliance on violence leads to a cycle of retribution and instability.

The Consequences of Rapine

Living by the sword, particularly in the context of rapine, is depicted in Scripture as contrary to God's will for humanity. The Old Testament is replete with examples of nations and individuals who engaged in plunder and violence, only to face divine judgment. The Assyrians, Babylonians, and other empires that thrived on conquest and pillage eventually met their downfall, as prophesied by the prophets (e.g., Nahum 3:1-7).

Proverbs 28:17 warns, "A man burdened by bloodguilt will be a fugitive until death; let no one support him." This verse reflects the biblical principle that a life of violence and theft leads to alienation and destruction. The consequences of rapine are not only physical but also spiritual, as such actions separate individuals from the peace and righteousness that God desires.

A Call to Peace and Righteousness

The Bible calls believers to a life of peace and righteousness, contrasting sharply with the life of rapine. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9). This call to peacemaking is a direct challenge to the ethos of living by the sword, urging followers of Christ to pursue reconciliation and justice rather than violence and exploitation.

The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Romans 12:18, advising, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." The New Testament consistently encourages believers to reject the ways of the sword and instead embody the love and peace of Christ.

Conclusion

The biblical perspective on living by the sword, particularly in the context of rapine, is clear: it is a path that leads to destruction and is contrary to God's design for humanity. Scripture calls believers to reject violence and embrace a life of peace, justice, and righteousness. By doing so, they reflect the character of God and fulfill their calling as His children.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 27:40
And by your sword shall you live, and shall serve your brother; and it shall come to pass when you shall have the dominion, that you shall break his yoke from off your neck.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Massacre
... Asia had long been exhausted by rapine, but he would ... to which might stay the fury
of the sword. ... and, cleaving themselves a lane through the living barrier of ...
/.../chapter xxxiii the massacre.htm

A Compendious view of the Christian Life.
... last thou wilt find it bitterer than bile, and sharper than a two-edged sword. ... 1715]
meaning: Thou shalt not come near men who gain their living by rapine. ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter xi a compendious view of.htm

Again on the Calamity of the City of Antioch. ...
... If, then, thou avoidest luxurious living, thou removest the foundation of extortion,
and rapine, and drunkenness ... For from a flying sword some one might ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xv again on the.htm

David's Anger
... asses and sheep, with the edge of the sword; those who ... us, O God; if thou be a living
God, a ... will inevitably imitate his cruelties and his rapine and treacheries ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/david/sermon iii davids anger.htm

Against Publishing the Errors of the Brethren.
... a foundation of good; but if for rapine and grasping ... whereas we, laden with countless
sins, living with an ... thing as if one, after whetting his sword, were not ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/against publishing the errors of.htm

Treatise v. An Address to Demetrianus.
... his own property, thus every one hastens to the rapine. ... prison, you punish them with
the sword, with the ... external misfortune or weakness of body: living by the ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise v an address to.htm

The Extent of Messiah's Spiritual Kingdom
... pruning-hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation ... has produced few other
effects, than rapine, slavery, and ... from us (if he be yet living) is, the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxxvii the extent of.htm

The Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force Has Been Professed ...
... thronging from abroad with intent to commit rapine and destroy ... who take up the sword
shall perish by the sword. ... was writing to me there was living, at Hopedale ...
/.../tolstoy/the kingdom of god is within you/chapter i the doctrine of.htm

The Fourth Book
... customary vices, with litigation, slander and rapine, with drunkenness ... into even
the least of living things, and ... famine nor nakedness nor the sword should be ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the fourth book.htm

The Seventh Book
... he is himself a robber: he punishes rapine, though he ... prevent lust, coercing lewdness
by the sword with the ... we speak, who have forbidden loose living as well ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the seventh book.htm