FIRE AND HAMMER
Jeremiah 23:29
Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?
Jeremiah 23:29
a [Is not my word like as a fire ... like a hammer] Two symbols of the Word of God:
1. Like a fire, a great purifier which destroys all that is false and leaves only the genuine metal.
2. Like a hammer which rouses and strengthens the life and conscience, crushing everything that is evil within the heart. See Twelve Symbols of the Word of God.
Twelve Symbols of the Word of God
1. A hammer to convict (Jeremiah 23:29)
2. A fire to refine (Jeremiah 23:29)
3. A mirror to reflect (James 1:23)
4. Seed to multiply (1 Peter 1:23)
5. A laver to cleanse (Ephes. 5:26)
6. A lamp to guide (Psalm 119:105)
7. Rain and snow to refresh (Isaiah 55:10)
8. A sword to cut (Hebrews 4:12; Ephes. 6:17)
9. A bow for revenge (Habakkuk 3:9)
10. Gold to enrich (Psalm 19:7-10)
11. Power to create faith (Romans 10:17) and eternal life (1 Peter 1:23)
12. Food to nourish:
(1) Milk for babes (1 Peter 2:2)
(2) Bread for the hungry (Matthew 4:4)
(3) Meat for people (Hebrews 5:11-14)
(4) Honey for dessert (Psalm 19:10)
Hebrews 4:12
a[word of God] The Scriptures. See Twenty-one Names of the Bible.
Twenty-one Names of the Bible
1. The Scripture (Mark 15:28; John 7:38)
2. The Scriptures (Luke 24:27; John 5:39)
3. The Promises (Romans 9:4-5; Romans 15:8)
4. The Oracles of God (Romans 3:2; Hebrews 5:12; 1 Peter 4:11)
5. The Lively Oracles (Acts 7:38)
6. The Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms (Luke 24:25,44)
7. The Law of the Lord (Psalm 1:2)
8. The Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17; Matthew 11:13; Acts 13:15)
9. The Book of the Lord (Isaiah 34:16)
10. The Word of God (Mark 7:13; Romans 10:17)
11. The Sword of the Spirit (Ephes. 6:17)
12. The Old and New Testament (2 Cor. 3:6-15)
13. The First and Second Covenant (Hebrews 8:7)
14. The Word of Christ (Col. 3:16)
15. The Word of Life (Phil. 2:16)
16. The Scripture of Truth (Daniel 10:21)
17. The Word of Truth (2 Tim. 2:15)
18. The gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16)
19. The Word of Faith (Romans 10:8)
20. The Word of the Lord (2 Thes. 3:1)
21. The Word of Righteousness (Hebrews 5:13)
b[quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword]
Seven Facts about the Word of God
1.Quick. Greek: zao (GSN-2198), to live; to be full of vigor; be strong; powerful;
active. Translated "quick" (Hebrews 4:12; Acts 10:42; 2 Tim. 4:1; 1 Peter 4:5);
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Acts 10:42
And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
2 Tim. 4:1
I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
1 Peter 4:5
Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.
"lively" (Acts 7:38; 1 Peter 1:3; 1 Peter 2:5; and "to live" and "be alive" 112 times. Not the same as zoe (GSN-2222), living (§Rev. 4:6, note)
Rev. 4:6
a[beasts] Greek: zoa (GSN-2226), living ones, or creatures; not the Greek: therion (GSN-2342), translated "beast" in Rev. 13:1-18; Rev. 14:9-11; Rev. 15:2; Rev. 16:10; Rev. 17:1-18; Rev. 19:19-20. They are literal angelic beings as described here (Rev. 4:6-8); and are distinguished from the redeemed elders (Rev. 4:9-11), ordinary angels (Rev. 5:1-12), seraphim (Isaiah 6:1-8), and cherubim (Ezekiel 1:4-28; Ezekiel 10:1-22).
Acts 7:38
This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:
1 Peter 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1 Peter 2:5
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
Rev. 4:6
And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.
zoon, Greek 2226, Strong’s
zoon, dzo’-on; neuter of a derivative of Greek 2198 (zao); a live thing, i.e. an animal :- beast.
therion, Greek 2342, Strong’s
therion, thay-ree’-on; diminative from the same as Greek 2339 (thera); a dangerous animal :- (venomous, wild) beast.
2.Powerful. Greek: energes (GSN-1756). Also translated "effectual" (1 Cor. 16:9; Philemon 1:6)
1 Cor. 16:9
For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.
Philemon 1:6
That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
3.Sharper than any two-edged sword
4.Piercing even to divide asunder of soul and spirit
5.Dividing the joints and marrow
6.Discerning the thoughts
7.Discerning the intents of the heart
c[twoedged] Greek: distomos (GSN-1366). Here; Rev. 1:16; Rev. 2:12.
Rev. 1:16
And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
Rev. 2:12
And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
d[sword] Greek: machaira (GSN-3162), sword, 29 times (Hebrews 4:12; Hebrews 11:34,37; Ephes. 6:17; Matthew 10:34; Matthew 26:47-55; Mark 14:43-48; Luke 21:24; Luke 22:36-52; John 18:10-11; Acts 12:2; Acts 16:27; Romans 8:35; Romans 13:4; Rev. 6:4; Rev. 13:10,14).
machaira, Greek 3162, Strong’s
machaira, makh’-ahee-rah; probably feminine of a presumed derivative of Greek 3163 (mache); a knife, i.e. dirk; figurative war, judicial punishment :- sword.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Hebrews 11:34
Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
Hebrews 11:37
They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
Ephes. 6:17
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Matthew 10:34
Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
Matthew 26:47-55
[47] And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.
[48] Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.
[49] And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.
[50] And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.
[51] And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest’s, and smote off his ear.
[52] Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
[53] Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
[54] But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?
[55] In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.
Mark 14:43-48
[43] And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priest and the scribes and the elders.
[44] And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.
[45] And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.
[46] And they laid their hands on him, and took him.
[47] And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
[48] And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me?
Luke 21:24
And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
Luke 22:36-52
[36]Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
[37] For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.
[38] And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.
[39] And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.
[40] And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
[41] And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
[42] Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
[43] And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. [44] And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
[45] And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,
[46] And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.
[47] And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.
[48] But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?
[49] When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?
[50] And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.
[51] And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.
[52] Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?
John 18:10-11
[10] Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.
[11] Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?
Acts 12:2
And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
Acts 16:27
And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
Romans 8:35
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Romans 13:4
For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
Rev. 6:4
And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.
Rev. 13:10
He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
Rev. 13:14
And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
Twelve Symbols of the Word of God
1.A hammer to convict (Jeremiah 23:29)
Jeremiah 23:29
Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?
2.A fire to refine (Jeremiah 23:29)
Jeremiah 23:29
Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?
3.A mirror to reflect (James 1:23)
James 1:23
For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
4.Seed to multiply (1 Peter 1:23)
1 Peter 1:23
Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
5.A laver to cleanse (Ephes. 5:26)
Ephes. 5:26
That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
6.A lamp to guide (Psalm 119:105)
Psalm 119:105
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
7.Rain and snow to refresh (Isaiah 55:10)
Isaiah 55:10
For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:
8.A sword to cut (Hebrews 4:12; Ephes. 6:17)
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Ephes. 6:17
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
9.A bow for revenge (Habakkuk 3:9)
Habakkuk 3:9
Thy bow was made quite naked, according to the oaths of the tribes, even thy word. Selah. Thou didst cleave the earth with rivers.
10.Gold to enrich (Psalm 19:7-10)
Psalm 19:7-10
[7] The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
[8] The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
[9] The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
[10] More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11.Power to create faith (Romans 10:17) and eternal life (1 Peter 1:23)
Romans 10:17
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
1 Peter 1:23
Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
12.Food to nourish:
(1)Milk for babes (1 Peter 2:2)
1 Peter 2:2
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
(2)Bread for the hungry (Matthew 4:4)
Matthew 4:4
But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
(3)Meat for people (Hebrews 5:11-14)
Hebrews 5:11-14
Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. [12] For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. [13] For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. [14] But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
(4)Honey for dessert (Psalm 19:10)
Psalm 19:10
More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
e[dividing asunder of soul and spirit] Piercing through the body and laying open the innermost recesses of the soul (feelings, passions, desires, appetites) and mind (thoughts and intents of the innermost being).
2 Tim. 3:16
a[All scripture] ALL, not a part of Scripture.
