In the biblical context, beds made of iron are mentioned specifically in reference to Og, the king of Bashan. This detail is found in the Old Testament, providing insight into the wealth and stature of certain individuals during that time. The mention of an iron bedstead is significant, as it highlights the rarity and value of iron as a material for furniture in the ancient Near East.

Biblical Reference:

The primary reference to a bed made of iron is found in Deuteronomy 3:11. The Berean Standard Bible states: "For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of the Rephaim. His bed was made of iron; it is in Rabbah of the Ammonites. It is nine cubits long and four cubits wide, according to the standard cubit." This passage underscores the impressive size and durability of Og's bed, suggesting his formidable presence and the might of his kingdom.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Iron, during the time of the Old Testament, was a valuable and relatively rare material. The use of iron for a bedstead would have been a symbol of wealth and power. The Rephaim, to whom Og belonged, were considered giants, and the dimensions of the bed—approximately 13.5 feet long and 6 feet wide—reflect the legendary stature attributed to them.

The mention of the bed being located in Rabbah of the Ammonites indicates that it was preserved as a relic or trophy, possibly to commemorate a significant victory or as a testament to Og's might. This further emphasizes the cultural importance of such artifacts in ancient societies.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the account of Og's iron bed serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises to the Israelites. Despite the formidable nature of Og and his kingdom, God delivered them into the hands of the Israelites, as part of the conquest of the Promised Land. This narrative reinforces the theme of divine intervention and the triumph of God's chosen people over seemingly insurmountable odds.

Symbolism and Interpretation:

The iron bed of Og can also be seen as a symbol of human pride and the futility of relying on earthly power and wealth. In contrast to the transient nature of human achievements, the biblical narrative consistently points to the enduring power and faithfulness of God. The account of Og and his iron bed serves as a cautionary tale against placing trust in material strength rather than in divine providence.

In summary, the mention of beds made of iron in the Bible, specifically in the context of King Og of Bashan, provides a rich tapestry of historical, cultural, and theological insights. It highlights the grandeur and might of ancient kingdoms while ultimately pointing to the supremacy of God's will and purpose.Deuteronomy 3:11
For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of giants; behold his bedstead was a bedstead of iron; is it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon? nine cubits was the length thereof, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm CXLIX.
... in glory, they shall rejoice in their beds:" not in ... They are being made so at this
day; they have ... understand their being bound in fetters and chains of iron? ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxlix.htm

The Two Yokes
... I have been familiar with death-beds: I have witnessed strange scenes, for the bony ...
is in his iron safe, and is as hard as the iron of which it is made. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/the two yokes.htm

The Promise.
... dwelling in tents, workmanship in brass and iron, and the ... in seeing the floods return
to their beds in oceans ... spot to this day; and here God made His covenant ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson i the promise.htm

The Release of Saint George.
... He made directly at Saint George; but Ascalon was in the Knight's grasp, and ... De
Fistycuff to guard him, entered the castle, where, on iron beds, he found ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter eleven the release of.htm

The Persecutions.
... was roasted to death on bars of iron over a ... Holy Communion again till they were on
their dying beds. ... exceptions; in general, God's strength was made perfect in ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xxv the persecutions.htm

Strong Christians.
... iron dukes, and iron men, God wants iron saints." Much ... children, just snatched from
their warm beds, and now ... cold and hunger for our sakes, made that servant ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon lvi strong christians.htm

The Courage of the Saviour
... is the courage which weak women on sick beds may have ... very men who were tormenting
Him; He had made the very ... the cross on which He hung, the iron which pierced ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon xxv the courage of.htm

Opposition to Messiah Ruinous
... We are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14 ... The Romans were the iron rod
in His hand, wherewith He ... could see all that passes upon dying beds, we should ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxxv opposition to messiah.htm

Israel in Canaan.
... and rubies from India; gold from the beds of rivers in ... after the service of some
god who made no such ... Sometimes it was a Canaanite tribe with iron chariots who ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson v israel in canaan.htm

True Greatness
... It is possible to have the iron hand in the velvet ... down, but believe that a merciful
allowance is made for human ... to see that, not to the reed-beds of Jordan. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/true greatness.htm

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