Sword or Plowshare?

 

Beating Sword into Plowshare Statue at the U.N.

“…beat your swords into plowshares…Nation will not take up sword against nation…”

This particular phrase is found in Isaiah 2:4 and Micah 4:3. What does it mean and how does it relate to us?

We know that swords are tools of warfare, while plowshares are tools used for preparing the ground for planting; a plowshare actually cuts loose the hard top layer of the soil.

Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians tells us that we are to “Take… the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God” to defend ourselves against our spiritual enemy (6:17).

So, from what we now know, it’s clear to see that we are not to use the Word of God as a weapon of warfare against each other but rather we are to take God’s Word and use it to soften the hearts of our fellowmen – to cut away the hardness of their hearts in order for it to yield – so that the Word may be planted.

When we use the Word as an instrument of condemnation, as we so often do, we create conflict in the hearts of others, and they remain conscious of their sin.

When we use the Word as an instrument of grace, we bring a sense of community and peace in the hearts of others and Jesus Christ is revealed, for they begin to “…walk in the light of the Lord” (ref. Isaiah 2:5).

Are you using the Word of God as Sword or Plowshare?

Beloved, God wants us all to “pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another” (Romans 14:19), in so doing God’s truth is illuminated in our hearts.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Sword or Plowshare?” © 2014 (6-May-14) revisited September 6, 2026