Topical Bible: Iron of Stubbornness

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The term "Iron of Stubbornness" is not a direct biblical phrase but can be understood as a metaphorical expression derived from the biblical use of "iron" to symbolize strength, firmness, and sometimes obstinacy. In the Scriptures, iron is often used to describe something that is strong and unyielding, which can be both a positive and negative attribute depending on the context.

Biblical Symbolism of Iron

Iron is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of strength and durability. For instance, in the book of Daniel, the legs of the statue in Nebuchadnezzar's dream are made of iron, representing a strong and powerful kingdom (Daniel 2:33-40). Similarly, in Deuteronomy 28:23, the heavens over the disobedient are described as "bronze" and the earth beneath as "iron," indicating a state of unyielding hardship and judgment.

Stubbornness in the Bible

Stubbornness, or obstinacy, is often portrayed in the Bible as a negative trait, associated with a refusal to heed God's commands or to repent. In 1 Samuel 15:23, stubbornness is equated with iniquity and idolatry: "For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry." This verse highlights the severity of stubbornness as a spiritual failing, equating it with serious sins.

Iron and Stubbornness Combined

When considering the metaphorical "Iron of Stubbornness," one might reflect on the biblical instances where iron's unyielding nature parallels the human tendency to resist God's will. In Isaiah 48:4, God addresses Israel's obstinacy: "Because I knew that you are obstinate, and your neck is an iron sinew and your forehead bronze." Here, the imagery of an "iron sinew" conveys a sense of inflexible stubbornness, illustrating the people's resistance to divine guidance.

Spiritual Implications

From a spiritual perspective, the "Iron of Stubbornness" can be seen as a warning against the dangers of hard-heartedness and the refusal to submit to God's authority. The Bible consistently calls believers to soften their hearts and be receptive to God's word. In Ezekiel 36:26, God promises to replace a heart of stone with a heart of flesh, symbolizing a transformation from stubbornness to receptivity: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."

Practical Application

For believers, the concept of the "Iron of Stubbornness" serves as a reminder to examine their own hearts for areas of resistance against God's will. It encourages a posture of humility and openness to the Holy Spirit's leading. Proverbs 29:1 warns, "A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery." This underscores the importance of heeding correction and being pliable in the hands of God.

In summary, while "Iron of Stubbornness" is not a direct biblical term, it effectively captures the essence of biblical teachings on the dangers of inflexibility and resistance to divine authority. Through the imagery of iron, the Bible communicates the strength and potential peril of a stubborn heart, urging believers to seek transformation and alignment with God's will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 48:4
Because I knew that you are obstinate, and your neck is an iron sinew, and your brow brass;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The
... as by fire unto reverence; let your soul be forged as metal: let the stubbornness
of unbelief be hammered out: let the superfluous scales of the iron drop off ...
//christianbookshelf.org/cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/the.htm

The Spread Net
... its signs had been a lifelong study to her; she knew its stubbornness; she was ... the
greater the attraction, she argued; but behold, was this iron Hesper, the ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xvi the spread net.htm

The Word
... If you would have the word preached effectually, lay aside fierceness and stubbornness,
receive the word ... It is said, the alchemist can draw oil out of iron. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/4 3 the word.htm

Effectual Calling
... The freedom of the will is not taken away, but the stubbornness of it is conquered. ...
God bends the iron sinew, and cuts asunder the gates of brass (Psalm 107:16 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/effectual calling.htm

Full Redemption
... God permitted human nature to arrive at its highest degree of stubbornness and
obstinacy ... off the chain from my hand." Yes, but if the ring of iron encircles one ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/full redemption.htm

Resignation
... all things to be under the guidance of a blind fate, whose iron machinery drives ...
The unbeliever's stubbornness may endure to the end, but no human power could ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapin/the crown of thorns/resignation.htm

The Gentle Boy
... ultimately unfavorable; for the bigots, when the outer surfaces of their iron hearts
had ... The odium of this stubbornness was shared in a great measure by the ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the gentle boy.htm

Eutyches and Philip in Profundis
... There was a burning brasier, in which various iron instruments were being heated
red hot ... If that is not enough to break down his stubbornness, lay him on the ...
/.../chapter lvi eutyches and philip.htm

On visiting the Sick
... ignorance of some, the dullness, the amazing stupidity of others; marvel not at
their peevishness or stubbornness, at their ... The iron bondage from their necks. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 98 on visiting the.htm

The Valleys --Experiences of Suffering and Sacrifice
... The temptation is the intense fire in which the raw iron of innocence changes ... at
his heart because of his racial kinsfolk, their sin, their stubbornness in sin ...
/.../quiet talks on following the christ/3 the valleysexperiences of suffering.htm