Topical Bible: The Sword: Glittering

◄ The Sword: Glittering ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The imagery of the "glittering sword" is a powerful and evocative symbol found within the biblical narrative, representing divine judgment, authority, and the execution of God's will. This symbol is primarily associated with God's righteous judgment against sin and His protection of His people.

Biblical References:

1. Deuteronomy 32:41 : "when I sharpen My flashing sword, and My hand grasps it in judgment, I will take vengeance on My adversaries and repay those who hate Me." In this passage, the glittering sword is a metaphor for God's readiness to execute judgment. The context is the Song of Moses, where God declares His intention to judge the nations and vindicate His people. The "flashing sword" signifies the swiftness and inevitability of divine retribution.

2. Ezekiel 21:9-10 : "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!’" Here, the glittering sword is a symbol of impending judgment upon Jerusalem and the nations. The polished and sharpened sword indicates the thoroughness and precision of God's judgment, leaving no room for escape or misunderstanding.

3. Habakkuk 3:11 : "Sun and moon stood still in their places at the flash of Your flying arrows, at the brightness of Your glittering spear." Although this verse mentions a spear, the imagery is similar, depicting the overwhelming power and majesty of God in battle. The glittering weaponry underscores the divine intervention in human affairs, demonstrating God's sovereignty and might.

Theological Significance:

The glittering sword serves as a reminder of God's holiness and justice. It is a symbol of His unwavering commitment to uphold righteousness and punish wickedness. The imagery conveys the seriousness of sin and the certainty of divine judgment, urging believers to live in reverence and obedience to God.

In the broader biblical narrative, the sword also represents the Word of God, as seen in Ephesians 6:17, where the "sword of the Spirit" is identified as the word of God. This connection highlights the dual role of the sword as both an instrument of judgment and a tool for spiritual warfare, equipping believers to stand firm against the forces of evil.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In ancient Near Eastern culture, the sword was a common symbol of power and authority. Kings and warriors wielded swords as a demonstration of their strength and ability to protect or conquer. The biblical use of the glittering sword draws on this cultural understanding, portraying God as the ultimate sovereign and warrior who defends His people and executes justice.

Application for Believers:

For contemporary believers, the image of the glittering sword serves as a call to recognize the seriousness of sin and the reality of God's judgment. It is a reminder to seek refuge in God's mercy through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, who bore the penalty of sin on the cross. Additionally, it encourages believers to wield the "sword of the Spirit" in their spiritual battles, relying on the truth and power of God's Word to overcome the challenges of life.

The glittering sword, therefore, is not only a symbol of judgment but also of hope and assurance for those who trust in the Lord, knowing that He is both just and merciful.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 32:41
If I whet my glittering sword, and my hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to my enemies, and will reward them that hate me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 20:25
It is drawn, and comes out of the body; yes, the glittering sword comes out of his gall: terrors are on him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Strong's Hebrew

1300. baraq -- lightning
... bright, glittering sword, lightning. From baraq; lightning; by analogy, a gleam;
concretely, a flashing sword -- bright, glitter(-ing sword), lightning. ...
/hebrew/1300.htm - 6k

19. ibchah -- slaughter
... from an unused word Definition slaughter NASB Word Usage glittering (1). point.
From an unused root (apparently meaning to turn); brandishing of a sword -- point ...
/hebrew/19.htm - 5k

Library

The King in his Beauty
... The singer calls upon Him to bind on His side His glittering sword, and to put on,
as His armour, 'glory and majesty.' These two words, in the usage of the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the king in his beauty.htm

Nahum's Doom of Nineveh
... and the noise of the rattling of wheels; And pransing horses, and jumping chariots;
The horseman mounting, and the flashing sword, and the glittering spear; ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/xi nahums doom of nineveh.htm

The Adventures of Saint Andrew of Scotland.
... boldly with your sword six strokes, nor fear the consequences.". The Knight stood
by the side of the crystal lake, and as he stood, his glittering falchion in ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter eight the adventures of.htm

David the Shepherd Youth.
... of a herdsman, thick and strong, but not beautiful; so Jonathan took off his fine
cloak, his gay tunic, his rich belt, and even his glittering sword and bow ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/david the shepherd youth.htm

Elegance and Grace
... A glittering sword strikes the eyes with some terror, and thunder would not so
shock us if its crash only, and not its lightning, was dreaded. ...
/.../kleiser/the training of a public speaker/elegance and grace.htm

M. Anonymous. The Broken Shield.
... Bore I not helm of pride and glittering sword? Behold the fragments of
my broken shield, And lend to me Thy heavenly armor, Lord! ...
/.../book of hymns for public and private devotion/202 10s m anonymous the.htm

Separating the Precious from the Vile
... shower from heaven. At last the destroying angel unsheathed his glittering
sword to smite his last decisive blow. In every house ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/separating the precious from the.htm

Thoughts on the Last Battle
... Gabriel, that man is sitting in his seat in the hall; he is hearing, but is as though
he heard not; unsheathe thy blade; let the glittering sword cut through ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/thoughts on the last battle.htm

The Tabernacle of the Most High
... It is God, most high and terrible. But see he lays aside his glittering sword;
his spear he bears no longer. He cometh back to his home. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the tabernacle of the most.htm

The Living One
... If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render
vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me" (Deuteronomy 32 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bullinger/commentary on revelation/the living one.htm