God’s sword is fierce, great and powerful. And just before we think, “Oh no. Another verse about violence,” let us just clarify what precisely is the sword of God.

” Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:17

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1) 

” He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.” Revelation 19:13

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. ” 2 Corinthians 3:17

The Bible says the Lord is the Spirit. And the sword of the Spirit, as we see above, is the Word of God. Then the Bible says Jesus is the Word who was God and through whom all things were created. And speaking of Jesus, the author of Revelation also calls Him the Word of God. The three are one, three times holy. They cannot be separated and work in unison.

So, when the Bible says that the Lord will punish with His sword, it is saying that God will punish with His Word. God creates with His Word and God destroys with His Word. And who is it that He will punish? Leviathan the gliding serpent, Leviathan the coiling serpent. No, this is not an act of animal cruelty. Let’s now look at Leviathan in more detail.

Literally, Leviathan means “twisted animal.” But Leviathan in this context refers to no animal. Rather it is used to describe the twisted characteristics of God’s enemy. The “coiling serpent” alludes to his craftiness. But crafty though he may be, He is powerless against the Word of God. When he tempted Jesus, he was defeated by the words, “It is written…it is also written…away from me Satan for it is written.” 

The best news of all is that God has set aside a day (“In that day…“) when the coiling serpent will be ultimately and finally defeated with the Word of God. When he tempted Jesus, it says that he left Jesus when he couldn’t conquer Him, and waited to return at a more opportune time. However, the day is soon coming when there will be no more opportunities for return. It will be over once and for all.

In the mean time, let us continue to follow in the footsteps of our Saviour and diligently study the word and treasure it in our hearts and stand against the onslaughts of this twisted animal who shamelessly twisted the Scriptures even when addressing the Son of God –the Word Himself. Imagine what he will accomplish with us if we are ignorant of the Scriptures! But if we put on the full armour of God, which includes taking up the Sword of the Spirit, we will stand though the enemy has fallen.

“How you have fallen from heaven,
morning star, son of the dawn!
You have been cast down to the earth,
you who once laid low the nations!
You said in your heart,
“I will ascend to the heavens;
I will raise my throne
above the stars of God;
I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly,
on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon.
I will ascend above the tops of the clouds;
I will make myself like the Most High.”
But you are brought down to the realm of the dead,
to the depths of the pit.” Isaiah 14:12-15