Topical Bible: Iron and Bronze

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Iron

Iron is a significant metal mentioned throughout the Bible, symbolizing strength, durability, and sometimes oppression. Its use and symbolism are evident in various contexts, from tools and weapons to metaphorical expressions.

1. Historical and Practical Use: Iron was a crucial material in ancient times, used for making tools, weapons, and implements. The Bible first mentions iron in Genesis 4:22, where Tubal-cain is described as "a forger of every implement of bronze and iron." This indicates the early development of metallurgy and the importance of iron in human civilization.

2. Symbol of Strength and Power: Iron often symbolizes strength and power in the Scriptures. In Daniel 2:40, the fourth kingdom is described as "strong as iron," emphasizing its might and ability to crush and break all things. Similarly, in Deuteronomy 28:23, the heavens over a disobedient Israel are described as "iron," symbolizing harshness and unyielding conditions.

3. Iron in Warfare: Iron's role in warfare is highlighted in several passages. For instance, Goliath's spearhead is described as weighing "six hundred shekels of iron" (1 Samuel 17:7), underscoring the formidable nature of the Philistine warrior. The Israelites' struggle against iron chariots is noted in Judges 1:19, illustrating the military advantage iron provided.

4. Metaphorical Use: Iron is used metaphorically to describe the strength of character or the hardness of heart. In Proverbs 27:17, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another," the imagery conveys the idea of mutual improvement and the honing of character through interaction.

5. Iron in Prophecy and Judgment: Iron is also associated with judgment and divine authority. In Revelation 2:27, Christ is depicted as ruling with "an iron scepter," signifying His unbreakable authority and the execution of divine justice.

Bronze

Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, is another significant metal in the Bible, often associated with durability, judgment, and divine presence.

1. Use in Sacred Objects: Bronze was extensively used in the construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple. The bronze altar, bronze basin, and other furnishings were integral to the worship practices of Israel (Exodus 27:1-4, 30:18). These items symbolized purification and the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people.

2. Symbol of Judgment and Strength: Bronze is frequently associated with judgment and strength. In Ezekiel 1:7, the feet of the living creatures are described as "gleaming like polished bronze," indicating their strength and divine origin. Similarly, in Revelation 1:15, Christ's feet are likened to "bronze glowing in a furnace," symbolizing His purity and judgment.

3. Bronze Serpent: One of the most notable uses of bronze is the bronze serpent crafted by Moses in Numbers 21:9. When the Israelites were bitten by venomous snakes, those who looked upon the bronze serpent were healed. This event is later referenced by Jesus in John 3:14-15 as a foreshadowing of His crucifixion, highlighting themes of salvation and divine intervention.

4. Bronze in Warfare: Like iron, bronze was used in weaponry and armor. Goliath's armor included a "bronze helmet" and "bronze greaves" (1 Samuel 17:5-6), showcasing the protective and formidable nature of bronze in battle.

5. Metaphorical Use: Bronze is used metaphorically to describe resilience and steadfastness. In Deuteronomy 33:25, the blessing for Asher includes "your strength will equal your days," with the imagery of "iron and bronze" gates, symbolizing enduring strength and protection.

In summary, both iron and bronze hold significant places in biblical literature, representing strength, judgment, and divine authority. Their practical uses in ancient society and their symbolic meanings in Scripture provide rich insights into the biblical worldview and the nature of God's interaction with humanity.

Topical Bible Verses

Daniel 4:1-37
Nebuchadnezzar the king, to all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied to you.
Topicalbible.org

Daniel 2:1-49
And in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, with which his spirit was troubled, and his sleep broke from him.
Topicalbible.org

Proverbs 27:17
Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
Topicalbible.org

Library

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... The materials for them were on this account limited to oak or ash and leather; metal,
whether gold or silver, iron or bronze, being used but sparingly, and ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

David's victory Over the Giant
... greaves upon his legs and a bronze back-plate between his shoulders. The shaft of
his spear was like a weaver's beam, and the head of his iron spear weighed ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/davids victory over the giant.htm

The Nations of the North-East
... Gold and silver, bronze and iron in large quantities were yielded up to the
conqueror, and Damascus for a while was the vassal of Nineveh. ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iv the nations of.htm

Other Shameful Actions Ascribed to Heathen Deities. All Prove that ...
... For their deeds of pleasure, and their unconscionable loves, and their divine images
in gold, silver, bronze, iron, stone, and wood, we need not seriously ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/section 12 other shameful actions.htm

The So-Called Letter to Diognetus
... 2Is not one a stone, like the stones we walk on, and another bronze, no better ... Yet
another one is made of iron, eaten by rust, and another of pottery, no more ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the so-called letter to diognetus.htm

Set Square and Dark against the Pale Blue of the Italian Sky the ...
... stranger from the possibility of peering within,"the monstrous iron gate, richly ...
man,"his dark complexioned face very much resembling a fine bronze cast of ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/corelli/the master-christian/xix set square and dark.htm

Chapter iv
... Zillah on her part bore Tubal Cain, a hammerer (smith) who devised all manner of
things of bronze and iron. ... Observe, though, that bronze precedes iron. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter iv.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... of its treasures"twenty talents of silver, ingots, rings, and daggers of gold, a
hundred talents of copper, two hundred talents of iron, bronze bulls, cups ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

Panegyric on the Splendor of Affairs.
... The one in the middle, adorned with plates of bronze, iron bound, and beautifully
embossed, he has made much higher and broader than the others, as if he were ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter iv panegyric on the splendor.htm

Of the Golden Age, of Images, and Prometheus, who First Fashioned ...
... and brass, and stone, a change took place from the golden age to that of iron. ... him,
both carved them out of marble, and moulded them out of bronze; then in ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xxv of the golden age.htm