Topical Bible: Iron: Made Into: Pillars

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Topical Encyclopedia

Iron, a strong and durable metal, is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of strength and resilience. In the ancient Near East, iron was a valuable resource, used for various purposes, including the construction of pillars. Pillars made of iron are emblematic of stability and permanence, reflecting the enduring nature of God's promises and the steadfastness expected of His people.

Biblical References:

1. Symbol of Strength and Stability:
Iron pillars are mentioned in the context of strength and immovability. In Jeremiah 1:18, God tells the prophet Jeremiah, "Now behold, I have made you today like a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land." Here, the iron pillar symbolizes the unyielding strength and divine protection granted to Jeremiah as he carries out his prophetic mission.

2. Metaphorical Use:
The use of iron in the construction of pillars is often metaphorical, representing the strength and support that God provides to His people. The imagery of iron pillars serves to remind believers of the unwavering support and protection that God offers, even in the face of adversity and opposition.

3. Contrast with Other Materials:
In the ancient world, pillars were commonly made from stone or wood. The choice of iron as a material for pillars in biblical metaphor highlights its superior strength and durability. This contrast underscores the message of divine strength and the reliability of God's promises, as iron pillars are less susceptible to decay and destruction compared to other materials.

4. Cultural and Historical Context:
The use of iron in construction during biblical times was a significant technological advancement. Ironworking was a skill that required expertise, and iron was often associated with power and military strength. The reference to iron pillars in the Bible reflects the cultural understanding of iron as a symbol of might and endurance.

5. Spiritual Implications:
For believers, the concept of iron pillars serves as a spiritual metaphor for the strength and resilience that comes from faith in God. Just as iron pillars provide support and stability, so too does a steadfast faith provide believers with the strength to withstand trials and challenges.

In summary, the biblical imagery of iron pillars conveys themes of strength, stability, and divine support. It serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring nature of God's promises and the steadfastness required of His followers. Through the metaphor of iron pillars, Scripture communicates the message of God's unwavering protection and the strength that comes from a life grounded in faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 1:18
For, behold, I have made you this day a defended city, and an iron pillar, and brazen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How Herod Rebuilt the Temple and Raised it Higher and Made it More ...
... the inward parts were fastened together with iron, and preserved ... top of it, he wrought
it all into one outward ... places which were about the wall, and made it a ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how herod rebuilt.htm

Christ Glorified as the Builder of his Church
... to be placed; so that no sound of iron was needed. ... cedar could see itself after it
had been made into a pillar ... yet appear' how great we must be made." Nor were ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/christ glorified as the builder.htm

In the Beginning God Made the Heaven and the Earth.
... For fire leaps out from stones; iron which is dug from ... as being tangible and visible,
and is made up of ... this system as improbable, and introduced into the world ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily i in the beginning.htm

Of the Siege of the City of Nisibis, and the Apostolic ...
... The stone was instantly divided into innumerable fragments ... fastened three-pronged
spear points made exceedingly sharp, and steadied by iron weights, like ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter xxvi of the siege of.htm

Strength Profaned and Lost
... all things, and He shall put a yoke of iron upon thy ... which the revelation of God's
will has made, and the ... he seems to have felt it rushing back into his muscles ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/strength profaned and lost.htm

The Glorious Gospel
... and vice, and folly have cast their iron net about ... What I am, I am by his grace;
he made me what I ... this faithful saying, that "Jesus Christ came into the world ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the glorious gospel.htm

A Description of the Temple.
... any iron tool, nor did any such iron tool so ... of partition, about a cubit in height,
made of fine ... not thoroughly pure, were prohibited to come into the inner ...
/.../chapter 5 a description of 2.htm

The Life of Adam
... them that he hurted, for surety he brought his people into the towns ... cain, which
found first the craft of smithery and working of iron, and made things for ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the life of adam.htm

Imperial Tombs.
... all articles of jewelry, and wear only iron finger-rings ... the help of their secretaries,
they made a tolerably ... in Rome." The document is divided into three parts ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter iv imperial tombs.htm

The Power of God
... made the fire not to burn; he made the waters ... Xerxes, the Persian monarch, threw
fetters into the sea, when ... the sinner be once taken in God's iron net, there ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/6 the power of god.htm