6. In what way is the Messiah’s mouth like a sharp sword, and how is he hidden, or concealed?

⁶ The Messiah’s prophetic words continue: “And he proceeded to make my mouth like a sharp sword. In the shadow of his hand he has hidden me. And he gradually made me a polished arrow. He concealed me in his own quiver.” (Isaiah 49:2) When the time comes for Jehovah’s Messiah to begin his earthly ministry in 29 C.E., Jesus’ words and actions do indeed prove to be like sharp, polished weapons, able to penetrate the hearts of his listeners. (Luke 4:31, 32) His words and actions provoke the wrath of Jehovah’s great enemy, Satan, and his agents. From the time of Jesus’ birth, Satan tries to take His life, but Jesus is like an arrow concealed in Jehovah’s own quiver.a He can confidently count on his Father’s protection. (Psalm 91:1; Luke 1:35) At the appointed time, Jesus gives his life in behalf of mankind. But the time will come when he will go forth as a mighty heavenly warrior armed in a different sense, with a sharp sword proceeding out of his mouth. This time, the sharp sword represents Jesus’ authority to pronounce and execute judgments against Jehovah’s enemies.​—Revelation 1:16.