Study #8: ZAYIN

Yesterday’s study of Ruth’s relation with ZAYIN has an interesting postscript: Ruth is also revered among the Jews as a CHAYIL ( Woman of Valour ) or a Warrior Woman whose secret weapon was trusting God.

ZAYIN AS THE DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD OF THE SPIRIT ( EPHESIANS 6: 17 )

Today we will go deeper in our study of ZAYIN as a weapon in spiritual warfare.

In ancient times the pictogram of ZAYIN was more like a hammer for agricultural use called a matlock. This can be seen even in the shape of the letter. Over time it morphed into an offensive weapon…like Thor and his mighty hammer.

But there are two sides to a weapon: it can promise deliverance or end up giving bondage.

The question for us is whether our spiritual weapons are helping those we love or destroying them?

A. Some weapons are perfect for victory and breakthroughs in the battle of life as we constantly war against evil:

1. For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword
( Hebrews 4:12 )

2. Wisdom is better than weapons of war ( Ecclesiastes 9:18 )

3. A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger ( Proverbs 15:1 )

4. He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty; And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city ( Proverbs 16:32 ).

B. But it is easy to win the wrong battles and thereby lose the real war.

David gave himself over to his flesh life (lust /adultery) at a time when kings go to war ( 2 Samuel 11:1 )

Father God, Paul exhorted us to wear the WHOLE armour of God ( Ephesians 6: 11-17 ) that we may thwart the wiles of the evil one. What we learn today is to FIGHT THE RIGHT WARS WITH THE RIGHT WEAPONS. Harsh words, anger and deception may give us a momentary victory, but we will end up with losing trust, breaking relationships and, most importantly, forfeiting Your blessings by our sins. Holy Spirit rise up in us and teach us how to wield the double-edged sword of ZAYIN – how we must cut ourselves first before we minister its cutting edge to others…in love. May the Sword of ZAYIN be our Sword of Truth that sets the captives free.