THEOSISTheodoret of Cyrus
For this weapon, which has been prepared, He entrusted it to those capable of administering justice; it represents the Chaldeans. Similarly, in the prophetic words of Isaiah regarding the king of Babylon or Assyria: ‘How shall the axe be exalted if it does not cut? Or shall the saw lift itself up without first drawing?’ Likewise, if someone were to take a staff or a tree (Isaiah 10:15); and once more: Woe to Assyria; the rod of My indignation and My wrath is in their grasp. Thus, He referred to the authority of punishment as a rod, an axe, and a saw, which are tools used for the destruction of plants.
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However, in this context, He spoke of it as a sword, which is sharpened and gleams in the execution of those who fall under its sway, and which is assigned to the Babylonians as agents of divine judgment. This same punishment He previously referred to as fire, using various terms to instill fear and encourage repentance among those guilty of wrongdoing. Moreover, He adds: