In the context of biblical literature, the concept of strength is often symbolized through various materials and metaphors. While the Bible does not explicitly mention "steel" as we understand it today, the strength associated with metals is a recurring theme. The ancient world primarily used bronze and iron, and these metals often symbolized strength and resilience.

Symbolism of Metal Strength in Scripture

The Bible frequently uses metals to convey ideas of strength and durability. For instance, in the Book of Daniel, the vision of the statue with legs of iron represents a kingdom of great strength (Daniel 2:40): "Finally, there will be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron—for iron shatters and crushes all things—and like iron that crushes, it will shatter and crush all the others." Here, iron is emblematic of an unyielding and powerful empire.

Metaphorical Use of Metal Strength

The strength of metals is also used metaphorically to describe the fortitude and resilience of individuals or nations. In Jeremiah 1:18 , God tells the prophet, "Now behold, I have made you today like a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls to stand against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land." This imagery of an "iron pillar" signifies an unbreakable and steadfast character, underscoring the divine empowerment given to Jeremiah.

Strength in Warfare and Defense

In biblical times, the strength of metals was crucial in warfare and defense. The use of iron for weapons and armor is noted in several passages, highlighting the importance of metal strength in military contexts. For example, in 1 Samuel 17:7 , Goliath's spear is described: "The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s rod, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels." The mention of iron emphasizes the formidable nature of Goliath's weaponry.

Spiritual Strength and Divine Protection

The strength of metals also serves as a metaphor for spiritual strength and divine protection. In Ephesians 6:10-17, the Apostle Paul speaks of the "armor of God," which, while not directly referencing steel or iron, draws on the imagery of strong, protective gear to describe the spiritual defenses available to believers. This passage encourages Christians to "be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power" (Ephesians 6:10), suggesting that true strength comes from God.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not specifically mention steel, the strength associated with metals like iron and bronze is a powerful symbol throughout Scripture. These metals represent not only physical might but also spiritual resilience and divine empowerment. Through these symbols, the Bible communicates the enduring strength that comes from faith and reliance on God.Jeremiah 15:12
Shall iron break the northern iron and the steel?
Nave's Topical Index

The Northern Iron and the Steel
... The iron cannot break the northern iron and the steel. ... But, oh, let not thy puny
strength be wasted on so futile an effort as that which aims at self-salvation ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the northern iron and the.htm

David's Strength
... By God's help he is so strong that his arms can break even a bow of steel. ... David
was not likely to have been a man of brute gigantic strength. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/david/sermon ii davids strength.htm

Christ on the Road to the Cross
... The most tenacious steel is the most flexible, and he that has the most ... the almightiness
of gentleness, and not with the less close-knit strength of roughness ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/christ on the road to.htm

The Greatest Prayer.
... strong as it can be made, as a bit of steel, better like the strong oak, strong
enough to sway and bend in the wind. Then he uses all its strength in becoming ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on prayer/the greatest prayer.htm

Psalm 18
... 32'Tis God that girdeth me with strength,. and perfect makes my way. ... 34Mine hands
to war he taught, mine arms. brake bows of steel in pieces. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 18.htm

'The Hands of the Mighty God of Jacob'
... of Saul': 'He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by ... in the
power of His might.' 'Put on the whole armour of God.' Strength for conflict ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the hands of the mighty.htm

Saint George Kills the Enchanter Osmond.
... long and bony, his skin black as coal and hard as brass, and his strength so great ...
a block of rock, a huge giant in his iron coat, with a mace of steel in his ...
/.../the seven champions of christendom/chapter thirteen saint george kills.htm

Passing Away.
... In smoke and ashes pass away,. Nor rock nor steel can last; ... For even while Pleasure
doth beguile,. And Strength looks forward with a smile,. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/winkworth/christian singers of germany/passing away.htm

It Pleased the Lord to Bruise Him
... God would have us pure as gold and as strong as steel, and to have us ... The successful
worker will find that the strength and wisdom that bring him success was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk thirteen it pleased the.htm

'According To' --I.
... that is in that great thought"and the Christianity of this day sorely wants the
strength that might be given it by the exhibition of that steel medicine"it ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/according toi.htm

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