as attributed to God, is a figurative expression for dispensing afflictive judgments ( Leviticus 26:28 ; Job 20:23 ; Isaiah 63:3 ; Jeremiah 4:4 ; Ezekiel 5:13 ; Daniel 9:16 ; Zechariah 8:2 ).

These dictionary topics are from
M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition,
published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain, copy freely.