Flint, a hard, sedimentary cryptocrystalline form of the mineral quartz, is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of strength, resilience, and unyielding determination. Its properties make it a fitting metaphor in various scriptural contexts, often illustrating the steadfastness of God's word, the resolve of His servants, and the divine power to transform and shape.

Symbol of Strength and Resilience

In the Old Testament, flint is often used to describe the firmness and durability of God's covenant and promises. Deuteronomy 8:15 refers to the wilderness journey of the Israelites, highlighting God's provision and protection: "He led you through the vast and dreadful wilderness, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. He brought you water out of the rock of flint." Here, flint symbolizes the miraculous provision and the unyielding faithfulness of God in sustaining His people.

Metaphor for Determination

The prophet Isaiah uses flint as a metaphor for unwavering determination and resolve in the face of opposition. In Isaiah 50:7, the servant of the Lord declares, "Because the Lord GOD helps me, I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I will not be put to shame." This imagery conveys the servant's steadfast commitment to God's mission, undeterred by challenges or adversaries.

Divine Power and Transformation

Flint also represents the transformative power of God, who can shape and mold even the hardest of hearts. In Ezekiel 3:9, God tells the prophet, "I will make your forehead like the hardest stone, harder than flint. Do not be afraid of them or terrified by them, though they are a rebellious house." This passage emphasizes God's empowerment of His prophet to stand firm against opposition, illustrating the divine ability to fortify and embolden His servants.

Instrument of Judgment and Deliverance

In the context of judgment and deliverance, flint is associated with God's righteous acts. Psalm 114:8 recalls the miraculous events during the Exodus: "who turned the rock into a pool, the flint into a fountain of water." This verse highlights God's power to bring forth life-giving water from the unyielding rock, symbolizing His ability to deliver and provide for His people in seemingly impossible circumstances.

Covenantal Significance

Flint is also linked to the covenantal practices of the Israelites. In Joshua 5:2-3, God commands Joshua to circumcise the sons of Israel with flint knives: "At that time the LORD said to Joshua, 'Make flint knives and circumcise the sons of Israel again, the second time.' So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the sons of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth." This act signifies the renewal of the covenant and the people's consecration to God, using flint as a tool for spiritual purification and commitment.

In summary, flint in the Bible serves as a powerful symbol of God's strength, the resolve of His servants, and His transformative power. Its presence in scripture underscores the themes of divine faithfulness, judgment, deliverance, and covenantal commitment.Deuteronomy 8:15
Who led you through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought you forth water out of the rock of flint;
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Deuteronomy 32:13
He made him ride on the high places of the earth, that he might eat the increase of the fields; and he made him to suck honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty rock;
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Psalm 114:8
Which turned the rock into a standing water, the flint into a fountain of waters.
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Isaiah 50:7
For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.
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Ezekiel 3:9
As an adamant harder than flint have I made your forehead: fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.
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Of Creation in General.
... attribute of God, but is the general nature of ... be regenerated in the soul; so the
scriptures say nothing ... from the highest angel to the hardest flint upon earth ...
/.../law/an appeal to all that doubt/of creation in general.htm

Solitude, Silence, Submission
... your case, next, to study the Scriptures concerning your case ... have tried to strike
a light with flint and steel ... they have done it in such general and insincere ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/solitude silence submission.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1828 to the Beginning ...
... attack upon our doctrine, discipline, and general economy, which ... translated in the
sacred Scriptures, to foreordain ... in what is written concerning the Sodomites ...
/.../chapter 10 from the close.htm

Of the Prophecies of the Birth and Achievements of Christ.
... as already a man, not to say a general. ... said "they call," having above said "Divine
scriptures;" as above ... 2, "flint knives," and Wordsworth in loc., who refers ...
/.../tertullian/an answer to the jews/chapter ix of the prophecies of.htm

Of Eternal and Temporal Nature.
... and fully signified to us by the most general doctrines of ... all those great things
are by the scriptures attributed to ... a diamond, is darkened in a flint: it is ...
/.../law/an appeal to all that doubt/of eternal and temporal nature.htm

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... Take heed of resting in a general faith. ... And that from a child thou hast known the
holy Scriptures' (2 Timothy 3 ... The flint is soonest broken upon a soft pillow. ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... to leave thee, I shall leave with thee two Scriptures to be ... a truth there was in
that parable concerning the Jews ... 1 Timothy 6:9). Thus much in general; but now ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm

The New-Birth
... will extend to matters of the most general moment, and ... And it must be owned, that
the scriptures tend wholly to ... state, than fire locked up in a flint, can of ...
/.../law/the grounds and reasons of christian regeneration/the new-birth.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... that, and to mind you of some other scriptures that press ... help in this, think much
on this in general, that 'Thus ... tender; but set thy face like a flint for God ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

Introduction to Oration ii.
... like silver or gold, though in general circulation in ... figure: [2570] ""Ask the priests
concerning the law ... a critical moment, like iron from flint, strike fire ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/introduction to oration ii.htm

What does the Bible say about fortitude? | GotQuestions.org

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Flint: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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