“For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded.” (Neh. 4:18)
It is interesting to note that as Nehemiah and the people were rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem, they kept a sword with them. In the Bible, a sword is a picture of the Word of God (Eph. 6:17). Notice some thoughts about a sword.
FIRST—The PLACE of the Sword.
It says that every builder had his sword “by his side.” If the Bible is the “sword of the Spirit” as Paul described it, then we need it readily available! The closest place to keep the Word of God is in your heart. David said, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Ps. 119:11).
SECOND—The POWER of the Sword.
The sword of the Spirit is very different than the sword on the battlefield. The sword on the battlefield is there to take a life. The sword of the Spirit gives life! But just as Nehemiah, and his builders, kept a sword nearby for protection against attacks from the enemy, God has given us His Word to defend ourselves from the attacks of Satan.
THIRD—The PRACTICE of the Sword.
There is no use in having a weapon that you do not know how to use. In order for their sword to protect them, these builders had to be skilled in using their sword. The best way to be skilled with the Bible is to use it every day! Read, it; study it, memorize it. Then you will be ready when Satan attacks.
God has given us the perfect weapon against Satan…THE BIBLE! Don’t neglect it. Hide it in your heart so that when Satan comes around you will have your sword by your side.