Topical Bible: The Sword: (Not Departing from One's House) of Perpetual Calamity

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of "The Sword Not Departing from One's House" is a biblical theme that signifies ongoing strife, conflict, and calamity within a family or lineage as a consequence of sin. This theme is most prominently illustrated in the life of King David, as recorded in the Old Testament.

Biblical Context

The phrase originates from the narrative of King David, particularly in the aftermath of his sin with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, Uriah the Hittite. In 2 Samuel 12:10, the prophet Nathan delivers God's judgment to David: "Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you have despised Me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own."

This pronouncement marks the beginning of a series of tragic events within David's family, including the death of his child with Bathsheba, the rape of his daughter Tamar by her half-brother Amnon, the murder of Amnon by Absalom, and Absalom's eventual rebellion and death. These events underscore the fulfillment of Nathan's prophecy and illustrate the enduring consequences of David's actions.

Theological Significance

The perpetual calamity represented by "the sword" serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and its far-reaching effects. It highlights the principle of divine justice, where sin, especially by those in positions of leadership and influence, can lead to severe repercussions not only for the individual but also for their descendants.

This theme also emphasizes the importance of repentance and the need for God's mercy. While David's life was marked by turmoil following his sin, his genuine repentance, as expressed in Psalm 51, demonstrates the possibility of restoration and forgiveness. However, the temporal consequences of his actions remained, serving as a cautionary tale for future generations.

Practical Implications

For believers, the story of "The Sword Not Departing from One's House" is a call to live righteously and to be mindful of the impact of their actions on their families and communities. It encourages individuals to seek God's guidance and to uphold His commandments, recognizing that sin can have lasting and devastating effects.

Moreover, this theme invites reflection on the nature of God's justice and mercy. While God is just and sin has consequences, He is also merciful and offers forgiveness to those who truly repent. This duality calls believers to a life of humility, repentance, and reliance on God's grace.

In conclusion, the concept of "The Sword Not Departing from One's House" serves as a powerful biblical motif that underscores the gravity of sin, the reality of divine justice, and the hope of redemption through sincere repentance. It is a timeless reminder of the need for vigilance in one's spiritual walk and the importance of seeking God's forgiveness and guidance.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 12:10
Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house; because you have despised me, and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... because it is a backsliding way, and departing from unquestionably ... They eat up all
and will not leave the bones ... arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword." And then ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

The Exhortation of the Last HomilyIs Continued in This. ...
... to the righteous to lay down the present life through sword, or steel ... In order that
this may not occur, and extreme mischief result, on departing from this ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily v the exhortation of.htm

All the Day Long
... The fear of the Lord is your sword and shield; never lay ... are a Christian you will
never find happiness in departing from God. ... Your expectation shall not be cut ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/all the day long.htm

The Acceptable Sacrifice;
... words are 'like the piercings of a sword' (Psalm 69 ... much of his own carnal excellencies,
no, not one penny of ... would give all the substance of his house for love ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the acceptable sacrifice.htm

Penitence, as Explained in the Sophistical Jargon of the Schoolmen ...
... wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy ... the handle for all such
questions with one sword"viz ... in Christ Jesus" their sin being not imputed, but ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 4 penitence as explained.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... he had done, he saw the man draw his sword, and put ... hill; and then feeling for it,
and finding it not, I was ... Well, I will call out one of the virgins of this ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

The Greatness of the Soul,
... text is more emphatical; Her soul was in departing (for she ... senses, and passions
of his soul; for not he nor ... you will, the point of this man's sword is turned ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the greatness of the soul.htm