Topical Bible: Iron: First Recorded Use of Pen

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Iron, a metal of significant importance in biblical times, is mentioned numerous times throughout the Scriptures. Its use in various tools, weapons, and instruments is well-documented, reflecting its value and utility in ancient societies. One of the notable references to iron in the context of writing is found in the book of Jeremiah, where the metaphorical use of an iron pen is highlighted.

Jeremiah 17:1 :
"The sin of Judah is written with an iron stylus; with a diamond point it is engraved on the tablet of their hearts and on the horns of their altars."

In this passage, the prophet Jeremiah uses the imagery of an iron stylus to convey the permanence and indelibility of Judah's sin. The iron stylus, likely tipped with a harder material such as diamond, was a tool used for engraving on stone or metal surfaces. This metaphor underscores the deep-seated nature of the people's transgressions, suggesting that their sins are not easily erased or forgotten.

The use of iron in this context is significant, as it reflects the durability and strength associated with the metal. Iron, being one of the hardest materials available at the time, was an apt choice for creating tools that required precision and resilience. The reference to an iron stylus in Jeremiah indicates the advanced level of craftsmanship and the importance of iron in the technological and cultural practices of the period.

Iron's role in the ancient Near East extended beyond writing instruments. It was a critical component in the development of weapons and agricultural tools, contributing to the economic and military strength of nations. The transition from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age marked a significant technological advancement, as iron tools and weapons were more durable and effective than their bronze counterparts.

In the broader biblical narrative, iron is often associated with strength and power. For instance, in the book of Daniel, iron is used to describe the strength of the fourth kingdom in Nebuchadnezzar's dream (Daniel 2:40). This symbolism reinforces the perception of iron as a material of great might and influence.

The mention of an iron pen in Jeremiah serves as a powerful metaphor for the enduring nature of sin and the need for repentance and redemption. It reflects the broader biblical theme of the human heart's condition and the transformative power of God's grace. Through the imagery of iron, the Scriptures convey profound spiritual truths, illustrating the depth and complexity of the human relationship with the divine.

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Job 19:1
Then Job answered and said,
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Job 24:1
Why, seeing times are not hidden from the Almighty, do they that know him not see his days?
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Jeremiah 17:1
The sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron, and with the point of a diamond: it is graven on the table of their heart, and on the horns of your altars;
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Library

Hymns for the Use of the People Called Methodists
... heart the beauties of the thin iron pillars painted ... of Charles Wesley's hymns at
first published separately ... Testament, only four are not recorded as illustrated ...
/.../manning/the hymns of wesley and watts five papers/hymns for the use of.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... ever cleave one to another, "even as iron is not ... excellencies, infinitely and perfectly,
what is recorded of his ... image," he is also called "the first-born" of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

The Unjust Steward - Dives and Lazarus - Jewish Agricultural Notes ...
... Recorded in the same chapter, [4517] and in the same ... times the amount of the oil
of the first debtor, since ... a reed-pen, but with a stylus, generally of iron. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xviii the unjust steward.htm

Patriotic Hymns.
... to make a religious use of it is recorded in the ... puts her trust, In recking tube
and iron shard, All ... Even with his first youthful experiments in the field of ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter ix patriotic hymns.htm

Extracts No. vii.
... in all which our present sacred histories were recorded. ... questions suggested on this
subject; the first inquires what ... every artificer in brass and iron, and if ...
/.../ballou/a series of letters in defence of divine revelation/extracts no vii.htm

How the Books were Written.
... were commonly written on one side only, with an iron pen which was ... he says that we
have for the first word the ... book, he would not have had it recorded in a ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter xii how the books.htm

'A Time to Plant'
... are flexible and plastic as yet, like the iron running out ... takes a pen in his hand
for the first time, look ... So our fleeting deeds are all recorded here, in our ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a time to plant.htm

Scriptural Predictions of an Apostasy.
... be carried on by men whose conscience is seared by a hot iron. ... practical truths of
the gospel as we have recorded in part ... First, he preached the gospel straight ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter ii scriptural predictions of.htm

Free Will --A Slave
... thy sin which is written with an iron pen on the ... especially in the moment of his
own first transgression, so ... have a wider gospel than that recorded in Scripture ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/free willa slave.htm

Jeremiah and Deuteronomy. (Chs. vii, viii. 8, xi. )
... the land of Egypt, out of the iron-furnace, saying ... Therefore we may believe that,
as recorded, Jeremiah heard in ... The first of these verses repeats the charge of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/3 jeremiah and deuteronomy chs.htm