Topical Bible: Commerce: Articles of Iron and Steel

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In the ancient world, iron and steel were significant materials that played a crucial role in the development of commerce and industry. The Bible, while primarily a spiritual and theological text, provides glimpses into the economic and technological practices of the times, including the use of iron and steel.

Iron in the Biblical Context

Iron is one of the earliest metals mentioned in the Bible, signifying its importance in ancient societies. The use of iron is noted in Genesis 4:22, where Tubal-cain is described as "a forger of every implement of bronze and iron." This early reference highlights the role of iron in tool-making and craftsmanship, essential for agricultural and domestic purposes.

The Israelites encountered iron during their conquest of Canaan. In Joshua 17:16, the descendants of Joseph express concern about the Canaanites who possess "chariots fitted with iron," indicating the military advantage provided by iron technology. Similarly, in 1 Samuel 13:19-22, the Philistines' control over ironworking is noted, as they prevented the Israelites from having blacksmiths, thereby limiting their ability to produce weapons.

Iron as a Symbol of Strength and Judgment

Iron is often used metaphorically in the Bible to denote strength, durability, and sometimes oppression. In Deuteronomy 28:23, the heavens are described as "bronze" and the earth as "iron" during times of divine judgment, symbolizing harshness and unyielding conditions. The strength of iron is further emphasized in Daniel 2:40, where the fourth kingdom is described as "strong as iron," capable of crushing and shattering all things.

Commerce and Trade of Iron

The trade of iron was a significant aspect of ancient commerce. Tyre, a prominent Phoenician city known for its trade networks, is mentioned in Ezekiel 27:19 as trading in "wrought iron, cassia, and calamus." This passage illustrates the exchange of iron as a valuable commodity, integral to the economic interactions between nations.

Steel in the Biblical Era

While the term "steel" as understood today is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, the process of hardening iron to create a stronger metal was known in antiquity. The term "steel" in some translations may refer to a form of hardened iron. The development of steel-like materials would have enhanced the quality and durability of tools and weapons, further influencing commerce and military capabilities.

Spiritual Implications

The use of iron and steel in the Bible also carries spiritual implications. In Proverbs 27:17, the sharpening of iron by iron is used as a metaphor for personal growth and improvement through mutual interaction: "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." This reflects the belief in the importance of community and relationships in spiritual and moral development.

Conclusion

The presence of iron and steel in the biblical narrative underscores their importance in the ancient world, both materially and symbolically. These metals facilitated advancements in agriculture, warfare, and trade, while also serving as powerful symbols of strength and divine judgment. Through the lens of Scripture, iron and steel are seen not only as tools of commerce but also as instruments of God's providence and human interaction.

Nave's Topical Index

Ezekiel 27:12,19
Tarshish was your merchant by reason of the multitude of all kind of riches; with silver, iron, tin, and lead, they traded in your fairs.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Preparations of the Greeks for Defense.
... bread, hard and brown, and their money was of iron. ... It had a great commerce and a
powerful fleet ... for their journey, and they had various other articles to carry ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter vii the preparations of.htm

Disestablishment
... With the embargo lifted, New England commerce revived, and ... When all articles had
been approved, the constitution was ... In iron, wood, and steel: 8 furnaces, with ...
/.../chapter xv disestablishment.htm

The Abrogation of the Saybrook Platform
... Laws"an enforcement that paralyzed commerce, and turned ... make religious creeds, canons
or articles of faith ... of Killingworth, Conn., for making iron and steel ...
/.../chapter xi the abrogation of.htm

The Sixth vision "On Earth"
... his belly and his thighs of brass, (three) 4. verse 33. his legs of iron (four)
5. verse 33. his feet part of iron and part of clay." (five). ... 1. the iron,. ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth vision on earth.htm

The Nile and Egypt
... The sky stretched over it like an iron ceiling, flat according to some, vaulted ... sons
and the whole population of El Kharbeh were using nothing but steel razors ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm