Topical Encyclopedia Iron, a metal of significant importance in biblical times, is first mentioned in the context of weaponry in the Old Testament. The use of iron for crafting tools and weapons marked a pivotal advancement in ancient technology and warfare, reflecting the transition from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age. This development had profound implications for the societies of the ancient Near East, including the Israelites.The earliest biblical reference to iron weapons is found in the context of the Philistines, a formidable adversary of Israel. In 1 Samuel 13:19-22 , the text describes a strategic disadvantage faced by the Israelites: "Now there was no blacksmith to be found throughout 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 goads. So on the day of battle, not a sword or spear was found in the hands of any of the troops who were with Saul and Jonathan; only Saul and his son Jonathan had weapons." This passage highlights the Philistines' control over iron technology, which they used to maintain military superiority over the Israelites. The Philistines' monopoly on blacksmithing prevented the Israelites from producing their own iron weapons, forcing them to rely on their enemies even for the sharpening of agricultural tools. This technological edge allowed the Philistines to dominate the region and posed a significant threat to Israel's security and independence. The significance of iron in warfare is further underscored in the account of Goliath, the Philistine giant, who is described as being heavily armed with iron. In 1 Samuel 17:5-7 , Goliath's armor is detailed: "He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a coat of scale armor of bronze weighing five thousand shekels. He had bronze greaves on his legs and a bronze javelin slung between his shoulders. The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s rod, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. In addition, his shield bearer went before him." The mention of the iron spearhead emphasizes the advanced military technology possessed by the Philistines, contrasting with the more rudimentary equipment available to the Israelites. This disparity in armament is a recurring theme in the biblical narrative, illustrating the challenges faced by God's people in their struggle against technologically superior foes. The use of iron weapons is also noted in the context of King David's military campaigns. In 2 Samuel 23:7 , iron is mentioned in a metaphorical sense, highlighting its strength and durability: "But the man who touches them must be armed with iron and the shaft of a spear. They will be completely burned up with fire in their place." This reference underscores the association of iron with power and might, qualities essential for a successful warrior and leader. Throughout the biblical narrative, the use of iron in weaponry serves as a symbol of strength and technological advancement. It reflects the broader historical context of the ancient Near East, where the mastery of ironworking played a crucial role in the rise and fall of empires. For the Israelites, the struggle to acquire and utilize iron technology was not only a matter of military necessity but also a testament to their reliance on divine providence in overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 35:16And if he smite him with an instrument of iron, so that he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 17:7 Job 20:24 Job 41:7 Library Palestine under Pagan Kings. The War of Truth The First Theban Empire The Sword of the Spirit The Power of Little Things. Extracts No. vii. How the Books were Written. Witnessing in Power. Israel in Egypt Chapter iv Resources What does it mean that iron sharpens iron? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the symbolism in Amos, e.g., sledges with iron teeth (Amos 1:3), murdered pregnant women (Amos 1:13), burning bones (Amos 2:1), destroyed roots (Amos 2:9), and hooks (Amos 4:2)? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of Nebuchadnezzar's dream in Daniel 2? | 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 |
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