THE DESCRIPTION BY THE AUTHOR

The Description by the Author

"These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges."

The Sword

In Roman estimation the sword was the symbol of the highest order of official authority, with which the Proconsul of Asia was invested. To this day the sword is the symbol of such authority. And when armies have been defeated they are pictured as laying down their swords. When generals surrender they hand over their swords.

This sword has already been described in chapter 1:16. It is a figure which comes from the Old Testament. In Isaiah 11:4, Christ is pictured as that one who will use the "rod of his mouth," This is "the breath of his lips."

The Sharpness

Because this is the breath of his lips, there is nothing that can stop it. Hence it is sharp in its effect. Nothing cuts like a keen edge.

The Lord Jesus is said to have His mouth made like a sharp sword (Isa. 49:2). He shall consume with the spirit of His mouth (2 Thess. 2:8).

"And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me."

"And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming."

The Two Edges - Two Mouthed

These two edges cut in two directions, toward the good and God, and toward the evil and Satan. Thus Hebrews 4:12 makes it clear that it will reveal that which is merely soulical on the one hand, and that which is spiritual on the other. It will reveal those who are making a mere pretense of salvation and those who are genuine Christians. Tacit admission that He has the power of life and death.
"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."

The Holding

In this verse Christ is pictured as the one who "hath" (echon) the sharp sword. In chapter 1:16 He is pictured as the One out of Whose mouth went the sharp sword (ekporeuomene). Actually these two ideas combine to present the entire picture.
"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."
Conscious Power: This word indicates possession, but with emphasis upon the consciousness of the possession.

Continuous Possession: The tense marks the fact that this power is continuously with Him. There never was a time when He entered into it, nor when it shall depart.

Constant Performance: Verse 1:16 speaks of continu­ous performance or procession from the mouth. This is still resident in Him. Life-giving goes on, and also death dealing. The cutting process is ever in operation (2:16).
"Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth."