Topical Bible: Iron: First Recorded Use of Breastplate

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The use of iron in the ancient world marked a significant advancement in technology and warfare, and its mention in the Bible provides insight into its early applications. One of the notable uses of iron in biblical times is in the construction of breastplates, which were essential components of armor for protection in battle.

The first recorded use of a breastplate in the Bible is found in the context of King Saul's armor. In 1 Samuel 17, the narrative describes the encounter between David and Goliath. Although the text does not explicitly mention iron in relation to Saul's breastplate, it is implied through the description of Goliath's armor, which includes a "coat of mail" (1 Samuel 17:5). This coat of mail, or scale armor, was likely made of iron, as it was the predominant metal used for such purposes during that period.

The Berean Standard Bible describes Goliath's armor as follows: "He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a coat of scale armor of bronze weighing five thousand shekels" (1 Samuel 17:5). While the text specifies bronze, the historical context suggests that iron was also in use, particularly for its superior strength and durability compared to bronze. The Philistines, known for their advanced metallurgy, likely utilized iron in their military equipment, including breastplates.

The significance of iron in the construction of breastplates is further underscored by its symbolic representation of strength and protection. In the spiritual armor described in Ephesians 6:14, the "breastplate of righteousness" serves as a metaphor for the believer's defense against spiritual adversaries. Although this passage does not refer to physical iron, it draws on the imagery of a soldier's armor, which would have included iron components.

Throughout the biblical narrative, iron is associated with strength and resilience, qualities that are essential for both physical and spiritual battles. The use of iron in breastplates exemplifies the technological advancements of the time and highlights the importance of protection in warfare, both in the physical and spiritual realms.

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Revelation 9:9
And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle.
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Library

The Power of Little Things.
... I am glad this has been recorded for our instruction. ... The first took him into a
storehouse, and showed them his ... to be threshed; there lies a bar of iron, and a ...
/.../moody/to the work to the work/chapter vi the power of.htm

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... 298; a device of Satan's, [739]ib.; the use of them ... of His work in redemption,
[967]267; First of the ... 991]353; our Pilot, [992]355; words of, recorded only by ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

Peter Stood Up.
... your mother, and be to her as a pillar of iron. ... We have, in consequence, recorded
for us in black and ... had been acted upon from the beginning, "the First See is ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/chapter iii peter stood up.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... Here also was more fully recorded the acts that he had ... down into the dungeon to them,
and there first falls to ... After that he went to the iron gate, for that ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the pilgrims progress.htm

A Discourse
... [First.] I will therefore take it for granted that the ... down the thickets of the forest
with iron; a little ... their imagined danger, and therefore to use all means ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

The Holy War,
... It is recorded in his 'Grace Abounding,' Nos.33 and 34 ... the new birth"you sat down,
for the first time, at ... Mansoul 'as hot as a red hot iron,' threatening fire ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy war.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... The Lord, the Governor of the country, hath recorded, that in this ... one to another;
therefore it is that the first of these ... where there sat a man in an iron cage ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm