Topical Encyclopedia Iron, a metal of significant importance in biblical times, is mentioned numerous times throughout the Scriptures. Its use and symbolism are woven into the fabric of biblical history, representing strength, durability, and sometimes oppression. One of the earliest references to the use of iron tools, specifically a file, is found in the context of the Philistines' dominance over the Israelites during the period of the judges.The first recorded use of a file in the Bible is found in 1 Samuel 13:19-21. This passage highlights the strategic control the Philistines exerted over the Israelites by restricting their access to blacksmiths, thereby preventing them from making weapons. The Berean Standard Bible states: "No blacksmith could be found in all the land of Israel, because the Philistines had said, 'Otherwise the Hebrews will make swords or spears.' So all Israel went down to the Philistines, each to sharpen his plowshare, his mattock, his axe, or his sickle. The charge was a pim for the plowshares and mattocks, the forks and axes, and to fix the oxgoads." (1 Samuel 13:19-21) In this passage, the term "file" is implied in the process of sharpening agricultural tools. The Israelites were forced to rely on the Philistines to sharpen their tools, which included plowshares, mattocks, axes, and sickles. The Philistines charged a fee for this service, further emphasizing their control and the subjugation of the Israelites. The use of iron and the necessity of a file for sharpening tools underscore the technological advancements of the time and the dependence of the Israelites on their Philistine overlords. This dependence was not merely economic but also strategic, as it limited the Israelites' ability to arm themselves and resist Philistine oppression. Iron, as a material, is frequently associated with strength and resilience in the Bible. It is used metaphorically to describe the strength of nations and individuals. For example, in Daniel 2:40, the fourth kingdom is described as being "strong as iron," highlighting its power and ability to crush all others. The control over iron technology by the Philistines, as seen in the use of files for sharpening, is a testament to the broader theme of iron as a symbol of power and control. This narrative thread runs throughout the biblical text, illustrating the interplay between technology, power, and dependence in the ancient world. Nave's Topical Index Proverbs 27:17Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. Nave's Topical Index Library An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... The Mystery of Iniquity The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly The Rise of the Assyrian Empire The Political Constitution of Egypt The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty The Memphite Empire Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria The Iranian Conquest Resources What are some biblical examples of dream interpretation? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Tubal-Cain in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the Revived Roman Empire? | GotQuestions.org Iron: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Iron of Greater Gravity than Water Iron of Severe Exercise of Power Iron of Small Comparative Value Iron used from the Earliest Age Iron: (Seared With) Insensibility of Conscience Iron: First Recorded Use of Ax Iron: First Recorded Use of Bedstead Iron: First Recorded Use of Breastplate Iron: First Recorded Use of Chariot Iron: First Recorded Use of Fetters Iron: First Recorded Use of File Iron: First Recorded Use of Furnace Iron: First Recorded Use of Gate Iron: First Recorded Use of Harrow Iron: First Recorded Use of Horn Iron: First Recorded Use of Idols Iron: First Recorded Use of Melted Iron: First Recorded Use of Ore of Iron: First Recorded Use of Pans Iron: First Recorded Use of Pen Iron: First Recorded Use of Pillars Iron: First Recorded Use of Rods for Scourging Iron: First Recorded Use of Stones of Iron: First Recorded Use of Threshing Instruments Iron: First Recorded Use of Tools Iron: First Recorded Use of Used in the Temple Iron: First Recorded Use of Vessels Iron: First Recorded Use of Weapons Iron: First Recorded Use of Yokes Iron: from the North Hardest and Best Iron: Great Quantity of, Provided for the Temple Iron: Made Into: Graving Tools Iron: Made Into: Implements for Husbandry Iron: Made Into: Nails and Hinges Iron: Made Into: Tools for Artificers Iron: Made Into: Weapons of War Iron: Miraculously Made to Swim Iron: Mode of Purifying, Taken in War Iron: Taken in War, often Dedicated to God Iron: The Land of Canaan Abounded With Related Terms |
    |