Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, blades were essential tools and weapons, playing a significant role in daily life, agriculture, and warfare. The term "blade" can refer to various cutting instruments, including swords, knives, and sickles, each serving distinct purposes in the ancient world.
Agricultural Use:Blades were crucial in agriculture, particularly in the form of sickles. The sickle, a curved blade used for harvesting grain and other crops, is mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of reaping and judgment. In
Joel 3:13 , the prophet declares, "Swing the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, trample the grapes, for the winepress is full; the vats overflow, because their wickedness is great." This imagery underscores the sickle's importance in both practical and metaphorical contexts.
Weapons and Warfare:Blades were also central to warfare in biblical times. Swords, in particular, are frequently mentioned throughout the Scriptures. They symbolize power, authority, and divine judgment. In
Ephesians 6:17 , the Apostle Paul refers to the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God," highlighting the spiritual significance of the blade as a metaphor for divine truth and righteousness.
The historical accounts of battles in the Old Testament often describe the use of swords. For instance, in
1 Samuel 17:51 , David uses Goliath's own sword to defeat him: "David ran and stood over him. He took hold of the Philistine’s sword and drew it from its sheath. After he killed him, he cut off his head with the sword." This passage illustrates the sword's role as a decisive instrument in combat.
Symbolism and Metaphor:Blades in the Bible often carry symbolic meanings beyond their physical use. They can represent division, judgment, and the piercing nature of truth.
Hebrews 4:12 states, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Here, the blade metaphor emphasizes the penetrating and discerning power of God's word.
Cultural and Religious Significance:In addition to their practical applications, blades held cultural and religious significance. They were used in sacrificial rituals, as seen in
Genesis 22:6-10 , where Abraham prepares to sacrifice Isaac with a knife. This narrative highlights the knife's role in obedience and faith, as well as God's provision and intervention.
Blades also appear in prophetic visions and apocalyptic literature, symbolizing divine intervention and the execution of God's will. In
Revelation 19:15 , a sharp sword comes from the mouth of Christ, signifying His authority to judge and conquer: "From His mouth proceeds a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and He will rule them with an iron scepter."
Conclusion:Blades in the Bible are multifaceted, serving as tools for agriculture, instruments of warfare, and powerful symbols of spiritual truths. Their presence in Scripture reflects the practical realities of ancient life while also conveying deeper theological meanings.
Library
On Mr. Rudyard Kipling and Making the World Small
... We might, no doubt, find it a nuisance to count all theblades of grass or all the
leaves of the trees; but this would not be because of our boldness or gaiety...
Letter xix (AD 1127) to Suger, Abbot of S. Denis
... a general full of bravery and devotedness, when he sees almost all his soldiers
turned to flight and falling everywhere under the hostileblades, although he...
Massillon -- the Small Number of the Elect
... would see the elect as rare as the grapes which are found after the vintage, and
have escaped the search of the gatherer; as rare as theblades which remain by...
Star of Wisdom
... Watching in the creedal darkness,. Weary of the endless battle. With the
grindingblades of error; Tired of lifeless, useless idols,....
The Paradoxes of Christianity
... If our mathematician from the moon saw the two arms and the two ears, he might
deduce the two shoulder-blades and the two halves of the brain....
The Scriptures.
... VALIANT. "It is so. Let a man have one of theseblades, with a hand to wield it
and skill to use it, and he may venture upon an angel with it....
How we Should at all Times Praise God.
... tender Lord, would that there issued from my heart as many sweet tones as ever have
issued from sweet harpings, as many as there are leaves andblades of grass...
Hell.
... Now tell the stars, now tell the drops of the sea, and now tell theblades of grass
that are spread upon the face of all the earth, if thou canst; and yet...
As the Terrors of Imagined Suffering are Always Worse than Actual...
... of a vast sea, glittering in a light that was neither of earth nor of heaven, but
that seemed to be the inward reflection of millions of flashing swordblades....
Trehill Well
... Above the ivies' branchlets gray In glistening clusters shone; While round
the base the grass-blades bright And spiry foxglove sprung....
Thesaurus
Blades (5 Occurrences)...Blades (5 Occurrences). 1 Samuel 13:20 But all the Israelites had to go to the
Philistines to get their ploughs and
blades and axes and hooks made sharp; (BBE).
...Plough-blades (3 Occurrences)
Plough-blades. Plough, Plough-blades. Ploughed . Multi-Version
Concordance Plough-blades (3 Occurrences). Isaiah 2:4...
Guiding-blades (1 Occurrence)
Guiding-blades. Guiding-blade, Guiding-blades. Guile . Multi-Version
Concordance Guiding-blades (1 Occurrence). Acts...
Shears (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) An instrument consisting of twoblades, commonly with bevel edges, connected
by a pivot, and working on both sides of the material to be cut, -- used...
Vine-knives (2 Occurrences)
... 2:4 And he will be the judge between the nations, and the peoples will be ruled
by his decisions: and their swords will be turned into plough-blades, and their...
Ploughs (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 13:20 But all the Israelites had to go to the Philistines to get their
ploughs andblades and axes and hooks made sharp; (BBE DBY YLT)....
City
... As a little poem says of Karakura: "Where were palaces and merchants and theblades
of warriors, Now are only the cicadas and wavingblades of grass." "Cities...
Hammered (22 Occurrences)
... (BBE NIV). Joel 3:10 Get your plough-blades hammered into swords, and your
vine-knives into spears: let the feeble say, I am strong. (BBE)....
Ploughed (16 Occurrences)
Plough (11 Occurrences)
Resources
If angels and demons can't die, what is the point of their engaging in battle? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that iron sharpens iron? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
