Topical Bible: Iron: Made Into: Rods

◄ Iron: Made Into: Rods ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Iron, a metal of significant importance in biblical times, is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures for its strength and utility. In the ancient Near East, iron was a symbol of power and durability, often used in the construction of tools, weapons, and various implements. Among its many applications, iron was fashioned into rods, which served both practical and symbolic purposes.

Biblical References and Symbolism

Iron rods are mentioned in the Bible as instruments of authority and discipline. In the poetic and prophetic literature, the rod of iron is often used metaphorically to denote strength and unyielding power. For instance, in Psalm 2:9, the psalmist speaks of the Messiah's dominion: "You will break them with an iron scepter; You will shatter them like pottery." This imagery conveys the idea of divine authority and the ultimate triumph over opposition.

Similarly, in Revelation 2:27, the promise to the overcomer includes ruling with a rod of iron: "He will rule them with an iron scepter and shatter them like pottery—just as I have received authority from My Father." This passage underscores the theme of righteous governance and the establishment of God's kingdom.

Practical Uses

In addition to its symbolic significance, iron rods had practical applications in ancient society. They were used in construction and agriculture, providing the necessary strength and durability for various tasks. The crafting of iron into rods required skill and knowledge of metallurgy, reflecting the technological advancements of the time.

Cultural and Historical Context

The use of iron in biblical times marked a significant technological advancement from the earlier Bronze Age. The transition to iron tools and weapons allowed for more efficient agriculture and warfare, contributing to the development of civilizations. The ability to work with iron was a valuable skill, and those who mastered it held an important place in society.

Moral and Ethical Implications

The biblical references to iron rods also carry moral and ethical implications. The imagery of the iron rod as a tool of discipline and correction is a reminder of the importance of justice and righteousness. It serves as a metaphor for the strength and firmness required to uphold God's laws and principles.

In summary, iron rods in the Bible symbolize strength, authority, and the capacity to enforce justice. They reflect both the practical realities of ancient life and the deeper spiritual truths conveyed through Scripture.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 2:9
You shall break them with a rod of iron; you shall dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Revelation 2:27
And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Life of St. Christopher
... And then Christopher went into the city of Lycia, and understood not their language. ...
he did do make a siege or a stool of iron, and made Christopher to be ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the life of st christopher.htm

There are Various Figures in the Old Testament of the Wood of the ...
... Elisha, by casting a stick [2291] into the river Jordan, recovered the iron part
of ... in the direst offences which we have committed, and has made [us] a ...
/.../chapter lxxxvi there are various figures.htm

The Memorable Hymn. "And when they had Sung an Hymn, they Went Out ...
... right sorrowfully, as they thought of the bricks made without straw, and of the
iron furnace; but ... the chariots of Pharaoh which went down into the midst ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/the memorable hymn and when.htm

Compendious Statement of the Doctrines of the Perat??.
... nay rather, as the magnet (attracting) the iron and not ... according to the flesh flow
along into the spinal ... by reason of the many statements that have been made. ...
/.../the refutation of all heresies/chapter xii compendious statement of the.htm

The Wicked Man's Life, Funeral, and Epitaph
... till his conscience was seared, as with a hot iron. ... day, however, who know more about
fishing rods than they ... field to be consumed, to be made into manure for ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the wicked mans life funeral.htm

The Scourging of Jesus.
... with the greatest possible fury; they made use of a ... of small chains, or straps covered
with iron hooks, which ... and having bound his hands tightly into the rings ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xxii the scourging of.htm

Death to Sin through Christ
... There was a man of hard heart and iron frames strong ... living still in sin as if the
Gospel made no provision ... Into this awful peril how many rush blindly and to ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/xxiii death to sin through.htm

The Apocalypse of Peter.
... burning up to the middle and were cast into a dark ... being punished and receiving a
red-hot iron in their ... men who with their own hands had made for themselves ...
/.../unknown/the apocalypse of peter/the apocalypse of peter.htm

Christ Crucified.
... thongs were made rough with bits of iron or bone ... stirred as never before, and he
had made strenuous efforts ... He retired into the judgment hall with Jesus for a ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/christ crucified.htm

The Power of Little Things.
... God puts aside the iron, and takes up the worm to thresh the ... what is the trouble?'
'Oh, father,' she said, 'after we went into the room I made the prayer ...
/.../moody/to the work to the work/chapter vi the power of.htm