The sharp sword in Revelation 19:15 is the Word of God.
Les Feldick identifies the sword as the Word of God, connecting it to Hebrews 4:12, which says the Word of God is sharper than any two-edged sword. He emphasizes that the sword is not a literal weapon but the spoken Word of Christ. With that Word, Christ will smite the nations gathered at Armageddon and destroy His enemies.
Revelation 19:15 — This is the verse in question, describing a sharp sword going out of Christ's mouth.
Hebrews 4:12 — Les uses this verse to show that the sharp sword is the Word of God, which is sharper than any two-edged sword.
Revelation 19:15 states, "And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God." The sword comes from Christ's mouth, indicating it is something He speaks rather than a physical weapon. Hebrews 4:12 connects this imagery to the Word of God: "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." Revelation 19:21 further shows that the remnant was slain by the sword "which sword proceeded out of his mouth."
Les teaches that the sharp sword in Revelation 19:15 is the Word of God. He repeatedly warns against picturing Christ with a literal iron sword or a machine gun, saying the sword is symbolic. Quoting Hebrews 4:12, he explains that just as God created the universe by His spoken Word, Christ will destroy the gathered armies at Armageddon by speaking the Word. Les describes the result as the troops being "zapped" and completely defeated. After this destruction, Les says the curse is lifted and the kingdom comes in. Christ will then rule the nations with a rod of iron, which Les explains does not mean a cruel rule. Rather, it depicts His absolute, just, fair, and benevolent authority with no corruption or disobedience allowed.
Revelation 19:15 says the sharp sword proceeds out of Christ's mouth and is used to smite the nations. Hebrews 4:12 explicitly states that the Word of God is sharper than any two-edged sword, and Revelation 19:21 shows the remnant slain by the sword from His mouth.
Les cautions that Revelation uses symbolic language. He tells readers not to picture Christ with an old iron Roman sword between His teeth or a machine gun. Instead, he points to Hebrews 4:12 and identifies the sword as the Word of God.
Les explains that Christ will destroy the congregated armies simply by speaking. He connects this to creation: God created the universe by the spoken Word, and He will do the same here. As Les says, "He speaks the Word and it's done," and the troops at Armageddon will be "zapped."
After the destruction, Les says the curse is lifted and the kingdom comes in. Christ will rule the nations with a rod of iron, which Les explains is not cruel. The rod of iron depicts His absolute rule — just, fair, benevolent, and without corruption, bribery, or disobedience.
Armageddon Setting
Les sets the scene of Armageddon, where the armies of the world gather against Israel and face Christ's wrath.
Sword Identified as the Word
Les directly identifies the sharp sword going out of Christ's mouth as the Word of God, citing Hebrews 4:12.
Not a Literal Iron Sword
Les warns readers not to picture Christ with an iron Roman sword and points to Hebrews 4:12 for the true meaning.
Destruction by the Spoken Word
Les explains that Christ defeats His enemies by the spoken Word, just as He created the universe.
The Word Makes It Happen
Les emphasizes that God's spoken Word makes things happen, and when Christ speaks, the troops at Armageddon will be zapped.
The Sword Is His Word
Les reiterates that the sword of the Lord is His Word, not a physical weapon.
Rule With a Rod of Iron
Les says after the destruction, the curse is lifted and the kingdom comes in; the rod of iron depicts absolute, benevolent rule.
Absolute Righteous Rule
Les clarifies that 'rod of iron' means absolute power — no corruption, bribery, or disobedience — rather than cruelty.
Revelation 19:15: And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
This is the verse being asked about, showing the sword proceeds from His mouth.
Hebrews 4:12: 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.
This verse connects the sword imagery to the Word of God, which Les uses to identify the sharp sword.
Revelation 19:21: And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.
This verse shows the same sword from His mouth slaying the remnant, reinforcing that the destruction comes from His spoken Word.
It is the Word of God. Les connects it to Hebrews 4:12, which says the Word of God is sharper than any two-edged sword. It is not a literal weapon.
No. Les says not to picture Christ with an iron Roman sword or a machine gun. The sword is His spoken Word, by which He will destroy His enemies.
By speaking. Just as He created the universe with the spoken Word, He will speak the Word and the assembled armies will be destroyed.
It does not mean cruel rule. It depicts absolute authority. Les says His millennial rule will be just, fair, and benevolent, with no corruption or disobedience.
Watch the Teaching: What Really Happens at Armageddon — Revelation 16 & 19