Cherev (H2719) is the standard Hebrew word for sword, appearing over 400 times in the OT. It is used for military weapons, execution, animal slaughter, and powerfully as a metaphor for divine judgment. The 'sword of the LORD' is a recurring prophetic image.
The cherev is perhaps the most prominent symbol of death and judgment in the Hebrew Bible. The cherubim guard Eden with a flaming sword (Gen 3:24). Gideon's battle cry is 'the sword of the LORD and of Gideon' (Judg 7:18). The prophets speak of the sword of the LORD going out against the nations. Hebrews 4:12 echoes this imagery: the Word of God is 'sharper than any two-edged sword.'