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KnoWhy #427 - How Are Rod and Sword Connected to the Word of God? (1 Nephi 11:25)

TitleKnoWhy #427 - How Are Rod and Sword Connected to the Word of God? (1 Nephi 11:25)
Publication TypeKnoWhy
Year of Publication2018
Corporate AuthorsBook of Mormon Central Staff
PublisherBook of Mormon Central
Place PublishedSpringville, UT
KeywordsAncient Near East; Lehi (Prophet); Sword; Symbolism; Tree of Life; Vision
Abstract

In Lehi’s vision of the Tree of Life, the word of God was symbolized by both an iron rod and a sword of justice. These symbolic connections are also found in biblical passages and were likely used because they can each represent two aspects of God’s word at once. Anciently, shepherds used a rod to guide their sheep and fight off predators. And a sword can divide one thing into two parts. In the case of God’s word, it is compared to a sword because it divides the wicked from the righteous.

URLhttps://knowhy.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/how-are-rod-and-sword-connected-to-the-word-of-god
Citation Key4165

Scripture Reference

1 Nephi 11:25