Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 26:51-52

"And behold, one of them that were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and smote the servant of the high priest, and struck off his ear. Then saith Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into its place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword." — Matthew 26:51-52 (ASV)

A good man’s hand is never more out of place than when it is on the sword-hilt, yet there is always a tendency, even among Christians, to draw the sword from its scabbard. It would have been far better if Peter’s hands had been clasped in prayer. That act of cutting off the ear of Malchus helped to identify him as one who was with Christ in the garden and directly led to one of his denials of his Lord (John 8:26–27).

The sword never helps to establish Christ’s kingdom. All that is ever done by it will have to be undone. Brute force will throw down what brute force has built up.