Summary
Swords into Ploughshares Word on the Week 30th May 2026.
We are living in a time of war. There has been, in Europe, relative peace for about seventy years. The more determined return to war has been largely carried out by the so called super-powers, namely Russia and the USA.
Both the respective leaders underestimated the ability, of the county they attacked, to defend itself. This has led to something of a stalemate. In both cases war, as it usually does, becomes something of an embarrassment for the perpetuator.
It has been relatively easy for the leaders of Russia and USA to start a war beat their ploughshares into swords (Joel 3 verse 10) and get their armies to engage. Stopping war is almost impossible task for a proud Leader where there is little or nothing to show for the destruction he has created.
There is a statue outside the UN Headquarters in New York of a man beating a sword into a ploughshare copying the texts of Isaiah 2 verse 4 and Micah 4 verse 3. The irony is that the statue was created by a Ukrainian and gifted to the UN by Russia in 1959.
This idea has been captured in the hymn: - They shall hammer their swords into ploughshares’ And their spears into pruning hooks; Nations will not lift sword against Nation; There will be no more training for War.
The Wolf lives with the Lamb and the Panther lies down With the young goat and they do no Hurt they do no Harm; For the country is filled with the knowledge and love Of the Lord and a child can lead and a child can play.
Some of the imagery of Isaiah chapter 11 verses 1/9 is has been hinted at where the coveted peace will fill the earth.
Peace is illusive at present but the Christian has the certainty that one day it will become a reality when Jesus returns.
The Scottish Paraphrase of 1781, based in Isaiah 2 verses 2/6 looks toward that day.
Behold the mountain of the Lord In latter days shall rise
On mountain tops above the hills, and draw the wandering eyes.
To this the joyful nations round, all tribes and tongues shall flow;
Up to the hill of God, they’ll say, And to His house we’ll go.
The beam that shines from Zion’s hill, Shall lighten every land;
The King who reigns in Salem’s towers Shall all the world command.
No strife shall vex, nor hostile feuds Disturb those peaceful years;
To ploughshares men shall beat their swords To pruning-hooks their spears.
That day is coming. Our prayers will hasten it. Catch the vision.