Swords used by the ancient Hebrews were pointed, two-edged, worn in a sheath and suspended from a belt around the waist. When Isaiah speaks of the Lord\u2019s sword this is what would be in the mind of his hearers. In scripture the phrase \u2018the sword of the Lord\u2019 carries the sense of divine punishment and judgment. It was Gideon\u2019s rallying cry in his role as Judge in Israel. It is also descriptive of the holy scriptures for their heart-piercing and liberating power.<\/p>\n
Ignorance no excuse<\/b><\/p>\n
In our passage \u2018the sword of the Lord\u2019 is referring to judgment and chastisement upon the nations of the world. Whether the nations ever came near to hear Isaiah\u2019s message is no hindrance to its certain fulfilment. Likewise people today who deny or ignore God\u2019s warning of judgment and eternal punishment will not hinder their coming or prevent them happening.<\/p>\n
God of wrath? God of love?<\/b><\/p>\n
We cannot read this chapter without realising how devastating God\u2019s judgment will be upon His enemies and the enemies of His church. Sometimes people contrast the love of God in the New Testament with the severity described in Old Testament passages such as these. Believers find no contradiction. The contrast emphasises why our Saviour suffered so violently in our place and what He endured to secure peace for us with God.<\/p>\n
The hand that wields the sword<\/b><\/p>\n
Isaiah speaks of indignation, fury, slaughter and destruction. Wrath flows from God\u2019s holiness revealing His response to sin. The \u2018sword of the Lord\u2019 brings judgment for which God is the first cause \u2013 the sword is bathed, or prepared, in heaven \u2013 however, secondary causes such as angels or men may inflict the actual physical blows to achieve God\u2019s will.<\/p>\n
Our shield and defender<\/b><\/p>\n
We learn from such passages how there is no escaping divine punishment except we are delivered by the Saviour Jesus Christ. Even then, sin must be paid for. Divine indignation fell upon God\u2019s fellow in His capacity as Substitute for the elect and accordingly Zechariah writes, \u2018Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts\u2019.<\/p>\n
Payback<\/b><\/p>\n
The moving cause, Isaiah tells us, is the arrival of \u2018the day of the Lord\u2019s vengeance, and the year of recompences for the controversy of Zion\u2019. Do we wonder why God delays? His timing is perfect. God\u2019s judgment comes and shall yet come on all who are outside of Christ\u2019s protection and the covenant promises. There is inevitability in divine judgment. God will most surely claim His glory in this world and avenge the wrongs inflicted on His church.<\/p>\n
Eternal fire<\/b><\/p>\n
Isaiah\u2019s language is alarming. Images of burning pitch and the dust of earth igniting like brimstone fuel descriptions of hell in the Gospels and Revelation. Verse nine is likely a reference to the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha, which are examples, Peter tells us, of \u2018ungodly living\u2019 and a warning of what is yet to come. God judges equally in time and in eternity and the coming fires of hell draw force from these images. Jude, for example, describes \u2018suffering the vengeance of eternal fire\u2019.<\/p>\n
Righteous anger<\/b><\/p>\n
Actually, such is God\u2019s anger against sin the Saviour Himself declares it will be more tolerable for the men of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment than for those who reject Christ and His gospel. Judgment is certain. In time and eternity God\u2019s holiness will be upheld. The sword of the Lord and the Avenger of blood will go forth to recompense evil against those who have hurt His people. The God of all the earth will do righteously.<\/p>\n
Mark my words!<\/b><\/p>\n
The closing reference to \u2018the book of the Lord\u2019 seems to direct the remnant people to be always watching for when these predictions will be verified, comparing events with prophecies to see how everything will be exactly accomplished and God\u2019s promises revealed. John tells us in Revelation, \u2018the words of God shall be fulfilled\u2019 and we trust and believe it is so.<\/p>\n
Amen<\/p>\n