A close-range weapon composed of a metal blade, which was usually bronze or iron in the biblical period, and a wood or bone handle (Judg 3:22). The sword is distinguished from the dagger on the basis of length; the former designation is normally applied to weapons over one foot long. Depending upon its function (i.e., slashing or stabbing), the blade was single- or double-edged (Judg 3:16; Ps 149:6), curved or straight, pointed or blunt. In addition to literal weapons used by humans, the Bible mentions a “flaming sword” guarding the Garden of Eden in Gen. 3:24 and a sword of judgment in (Rev 19:21). A sword may also symbolize aggression (Jer 2:30; Matt 26:52), disharmony (2Sam 2:26; Matt 10:34), deceit (Ps 55:21), divine assistance (Ezek 30:21-25), God’s word (Eph 6:17; Heb 4:12), and divine wrath (Isa 34:5-6; Jer 50:35-37; Ezek 21:9-20; Hos 11:6). Highly figurative are the book of Revelation’s references to the sword of judgment that protrudes from the Lord’s mouth, a probable reference to the power of his words of judgment (Rev 1:16, Rev 2:12, Rev 2:16, Rev 19:15, Rev 19:21). 2). Transcending all uses stands the hope that an age of peace will eventually eliminate the need for swords (Isa 2:4; Mic 4:3; but see Joel 3:10, where this situation is reversed).
