Swords Into Plowshares

Now we come to the next verse, part of which is inscribed on the wall at the UN plaza.  Isaiah writes:  " He will certainly render judgment among the nations and set matters straight respecting many peoples.  And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war anymore." -Isaiah 2:4

To achieve this would be no small accomplishment.  Federico Mayor, director-general of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, once said: "All the obscenities of war,  brought home to us nowadays by audio-visual equipment, do not seem able to halt the advance of the huge war machine set up and maintained over many centuries. Present generations have the almost impossible, Biblical task of 'beating their swords into plowshares' and making transition from an instinct for war-developed since time immemorial-to a feeling for peace.  To achieve this would be the best and most  noble act that the global village' could accomplish, and the best legacy to our descendants."

The nations as a whole will never achieve this lofty goal.  It is simply beyond their reach.  Isaiah's words ware fulfilled by individuals from many nations, who are united in pure worship.  Jehovah has  "set matters straight" among them. He has taught his people to live at peace with one another.  Truly, in a divided and strife-ridden world, they have figuratively beaten their "swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears." How?

For one thing, they do not take sides in the wars of the nations. Shortly before Jesus' death, armed men came to arrest him.  When Peter lashed out with a sword to defend  his Master, Jesus said to him:   "Return your sword to its place for all those who take the sword will perish by the sword."  (Matthew 26:52) Since then, Jesus' footstep followers have beaten their swords into plowshares and have refrained from taking up weapons  to kill their fellow man and from supporting war efforts in other ways.  Thy "pursue peace with all people." -Hebrews 12:14.

Next time: Pursuing the Ways of Peace

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind