Neck-irons, also referred to as fetters or shackles, are devices used in ancient times to restrain prisoners or captives by securing their necks. These instruments of bondage are mentioned in the Bible as symbols of oppression, captivity, and subjugation. They serve as a physical representation of the spiritual and social bondage experienced by individuals or nations.

In the Old Testament, neck-irons are often associated with the punishment and humiliation of those who have been defeated or taken captive. For instance, in 2 Chronicles 33:11, we read about King Manasseh of Judah: "So the LORD brought against them the commanders of the army of the king of Assyria, who captured Manasseh, put a hook in his nose, bound him with bronze shackles, and took him to Babylon." This passage illustrates the use of neck-irons as a means of control and humiliation, emphasizing the consequences of disobedience to God.

The imagery of neck-irons is also used metaphorically in the Scriptures to describe the spiritual bondage of sin and the heavy yoke of oppression. In Deuteronomy 28:48, as part of the curses for disobedience, it is stated: "you will serve your enemies the LORD will send against you in famine, thirst, nakedness, and destitution. He will place an iron yoke on your neck until He has destroyed you." Here, the iron yoke symbolizes the severe oppression and hardship that would come upon the Israelites as a result of their unfaithfulness.

In the prophetic literature, neck-irons are used to depict the judgment and captivity that would befall nations. Jeremiah 28:14 states, "For this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: 'I have put an iron yoke on the neck of all these nations, that they may serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and they will serve him. I have even given him control of the beasts of the field.'" This passage highlights the sovereignty of God in using foreign powers to execute His judgment, with neck-irons symbolizing the inescapable nature of divine decree.

The New Testament does not explicitly mention neck-irons, but the concept of spiritual freedom from bondage is a central theme. Jesus Christ is portrayed as the one who breaks the chains of sin and sets captives free. In Luke 4:18, Jesus declares, "The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed." This mission of liberation contrasts with the imagery of neck-irons, offering hope and redemption through Christ.

In summary, neck-irons in the Bible serve as a powerful symbol of physical and spiritual bondage. They remind readers of the consequences of sin and disobedience, while also pointing to the hope of deliverance and freedom found in God's redemptive plan.Neck-irons (1 Occurrence)

Jeremiah 29:26
Yahweh has made you priest in the place of Jehoiada the priest, that there may be officers in the house of Yahweh, for every man who is mad, and makes himself a prophet, that you should put him in the stocks and in shackles.
(See NIV)

Neck-irons (1 Occurrence)
Neck-irons. Necked, Neck-irons. Necklace . Multi-Version Concordance
Neck-irons (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 29:26 Yahweh ...
/n/neck-irons.htm - 6k

Necklace (9 Occurrences)

/n/necklace.htm - 10k

Necked (3 Occurrences)

/n/necked.htm - 7k

Why do Muslim women have to wear a hijab? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Esau in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was King Zedekiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus