“…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” Ephesians 6:17
The Roman soldier carried a small dagger and a large double-edged sword used for thrusting. The sword was usually about 24 inches long and 2 inches wide with parallel sides. This particular weapon was developed after the Romans observed the effectiveness of the short sword in the hands of the battle-hardened Spanish mercenaries.
Formerly, the Roman army used a much bigger “slashing” sword. The new shorter and more pointed “piercing” sword proved to be much more effective in close-quarter combat.
When used at close range by a skilled soldier, the sword was a deadly weapon. Paul tells us that the sword represents the Word of God. His Word is a powerful weapon against our enemy when it is used under the Spirit’s power and direction.
Notice that the previous pieces of armor – the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel of peace, helmet of salvation and the shield of faith are for defense.
The sword is both an offensive and defensive weapon used by soldiers or warriors. In this case it is a weapon belonging to the Holy Spirit. Swords were used to protect oneself from harm or to attack the enemy to overcome or kill him. In both cases it was necessary for a soldier to get rigid training on the proper use of the sword to get maximum protection. We need the same rigid training to know how to properly handle the Sword of the Spirit, “which is the word of God.”
God refers to His Word as a sword in Hebrews 4:12. Here the Word is described as living and active and sharper than a double-edged sword. The Roman sword was commonly made in this manner. The fact that it had two edges made it easier to penetrate, as well as to cut in every way. The idea is that of piercing, or penetrating; the Word of God reaches the “heart,” the very center of action, and lays open the motives and feelings of those it touches.
The Holy Spirit uses the power of the Word to save souls and then to give them spiritual strength to be mature soldiers for the Lord in fighting this corrupt and evil world we live in. The more we know and understand the Word of God, the more useful we will be in doing the will of God and the more effective we will be in standing against the enemy of our souls.
