IRON
Was early known and wrought, Gen 4:22 . Moses often alludes to it. He compares the bondage in Egypt to a furnace for smelting iron, and speaks of the iron ore of Canaan, Deu 3:11 4:20 8:9. Many different articles and tools were anciently made of it. Immense quantities were provided for the building of the temple, 1Ch 29:2,7 . “Iron” is used to illustrated slavery, strength, obstinacy, fortitude, affliction, etc., Deu 28:48 Job 40:18 Isa 48:4 Jer 1:18 Eze 22:18,20 Dan 2:33 . “Iron sharpeneth iron,” that is, the presence of a friend gives us more confidence and assurance. God threatens his ungrateful and perfidious people that he will make the heaven brass and the earth iron; that is, make the earth barren, and the heaven to produce no rain. Chariots of iron are chariots armed with iron spikes and scythes. See CHARIOTS.
Fuente: American Tract Society Bible Dictionary
Iron
(; adj. )
Iron, the commonest, cheapest, and most useful of heavy metals, is mentioned (Rev 18:12) among the merchandise of Babylon (= Rome). The Iron Age of civilization succeeded the Ages of Copper and Bronze. In Egypt, Chaldaea, Assyria, China, it reaches far back, to perhaps 4000 years before the Christian era. Homer represents Greece as beginning her Iron Age twelve hundred years before our era (Encyclopaedia Britannica 11 xiv. [1910] 800). Rome was supplied with iron from India, the shores of the Black Sea, Spain, Elba, and the province of Noricum. The apocalyptic Messiah is to rule the nations with a rod of iron (Rev 2:27; Rev 12:5; Rev 19:15), a symbol of inflexible justice (cf. Psalms 29). The iron gate leading from the fortress of Antonia into the city of Jerusalem opened to St. Peter and the angel of its own accord (, Act 12:10); cf. Homers , (Il. v. 749), and Virgil, aen. vi. 81f.
James Strahan.
Fuente: Dictionary of the Apostolic Church
Iron
(, barzel’; Chald. , parzel’; Gr. , Lat. ferrum). There is not much room to doubt the identity of the metal denoted by the above terms. Tubal-Cain is the first-mentioned smith, a forger of every instrument of iron (Gen 4:22). As this metal is rarely found in its native state, but generally in combination with oxygen, the knowledge of the art of forging it, which is attributed to Tubal-Cain, argues an acquaintance with the difficulties that attend the smelting of this metal. Iron melts at a temperature of about 3000 Fahrenheit, and to produce this heat large furnaces supplied by a strong blast of air are necessary. But, however difficult it may be to imagine a knowledge of such appliances at so early a period, it is perfectly certain that the use of iron is of extreme antiquity, and that therefore some means of overcoming the obstacles in question must have been discovered.
What the process may have been is left entirely to conjecture; a method is employed by the natives of India, extremely simple and of great antiquity, which, though rude, is very effective, and suggests the possibility of similar knowledge in an early stage of civilization (Ure, Dict. Arts and Sciences, s.v. Steel). The smelting furnaces of AEthalia, described by Diodorus (5, 13), remains of which still exist in that country, correspond roughly with the modern bloomeries (Napier, Metallurgy of the Bible p. 140). Malleable iron was in common use, but it is doubtful whether the ancients were acquainted with cast-iron. SEE METAL.
The mineral wealth of Canaan is indicated by describing it as a land whose stones are iron (Deu 8:9), a passage from which it would seem that in ancient times it was a plentiful production of that vicinity (compare Job 28:2), as it is still in Syria, especially in the region of Lebanon (Volney’s Tray. 1, 233). There appear to have been furnaces for smelting at an early period in Egypt (Deu 4:20; comp. Hengstenberg, Mois. u. Aeq. p. 19). Winer, indeed (Realo. s.v. Eisen), understands that the basalt which predominates in the Hauran (Burckhardt, 2, 637) is the material of which Og’s bedstead (Deu 3:11) was made, as it contains a large percentage of iron. But this is doubtful. Pliny (36, 11), who is quoted as an authority, says, indeed, that basalt is ferrei coloris atque duritise, but does not hint that iron was ever extracted from it. The book of Job contains passages which indicate that iron was a metal well known. Of the manner of procuring it, we learn that iron is taken from dust (38, 2). Iron was prepared in abundance by David for the building of the Temple (1Ch 22:3), to the amount of one hundred thousand talents (1Ch 29:7), or, rather, without weight (1Ch 22:14). Working in iron was considered a calling (2Ch 2:7). SEE SMITH.
In Sir 38:28, we have a picture of the interior of an iron-smith’s (Isa 44:12) workshop: the smith, parched with the smoke and heat of the furnace, sitting beside his anvil, and contemplating the unwrought iron, his ears deafened with’ the din of the heavy hammer, his eyes fixed on his model, and never sleeping till he has accomplished his task. The superior hardness and strength of iron above all other substances is alluded to in Dan 2:40; its exceeding utility, in Sir 39:31. It was found among the Midianites (Num 31:22), and was part of the wealth distributed among the tribes at their location in the land (Jos 22:8).
The market of Tyre was supplied with bright or polished- iron by the merchants of Dan and Javan (Eze 27:19). Some, as the Sept. and Vulg., render this wrought iron so De Wette geschmiedetes Eisen. The Targum has bars of iron, which would correspond with the stricture of Pliny (34, 41). But Kimchi (Lex. s.v.) expounds , ashoth, as pure and polished (= Span. acero, steel), in which he is supported by R. Sol. Parchon, and by Ben-Zeb, who gives glanzend as the equivalent (comp. the Homeric , . 7, 473). If the Javan alluded to were Greece, and not, as Bochart (Phaleg, 2, 21) seems to think, some place in Arabia, there might be reference to the iron mines of Macedonia, spoken of in the decree of AEmilius Paulus (Livy, 45, 29); but Bochart urges, as a very strong argument in support of his theory, that, at the time of Ezekiel’s prophecy, the Tyrians did not depend upon Greece for a supply of cassia and cinnamon, which are associated with iron in the merchandise of Dan and Javan, but that rather the contrary was the case. Pliny (34, 41) awards the palm to the iron of Serica, that of Parthia being next in excellence. The Chalybes of the Pontus were celebrated as workers in iron in very ancient times (AEsch. Prom. 733). They were identified by Strabo with the Chaldee of his day (12, 549), and the miles which they worked were in the mountains skirting the seacoast. The produce of their labor is supposed to be alluded to in Jer 15:12, as being of superior quality. Iron mines are still in existence on the same coast, and the ore is found in small nodular masses in a dark yellow clay which overlies a limestone rock (Smith’s Dict. of Class. Geog. s.v. Chalybes).
From the earliest times we meet with manufactures in iron of the utmost variety (some articles of which’ seem to be anticipations of what are commonly supposed to be modern inventions). Thus iron was used for chisels (Deu 27:5), or something of the kind; for axes (Deu 19:5; 2Ki 6:5-6; Isa 10:34; comp. Homer, II. 4:485); for harrows and saws (2Sa 12:31; 1Ch 20:3); for nails (1Ch 22:3), and the fastenings of the Temple; for weapons of war (1Sa 17:7; Job 20:24), and for war chariots (Jos 17:16; Jos 17:18; Jdg 1:19; Jdg 4:3; Jdg 4:13). The latter were plated or studded with it, or perhaps armed with iron scythes at the axles, like the currus falcati of the ancient Romans. Its usage in defensive armor is implied in 2Sa 23:7 (compare Rev 9:9), and as a safeguard in peace it appears in fetters (Psa 105:18), prison gates. (Act 12:10), and bars of gates or doors (Psa 107:16; Isa 45:2), as well as for surgical purposes (1Ti 4:2). Sheet-iron was used for cooking utensils (Eze 4:3; compare Lev 7:9), and bars of hammered iron are mentioned in Job 40:18 (though here the Sept. perversely renders , cast-iron). We have also mention of iron instruments (Num 35:7); barbed irons, used in hunting (Job 41:7); an iron bedstead (Deu 3:11); iron weights (shekels) (1Sa 17:7); iron tools (1Ki 6:7 : 2Ki 6:5); horns (for symbolical use, 1Ki 22:11); trees bound with iron (Dan 4:15); gods of iron (Dan 5:4), etc.
It was used by Solomon, according to Josephus, to clamp the large rocks with which he built up the Temple mount (Ant. 15:11, 3), and by Hezekiah’s workmen to hew out the conduits of Gihon (Sir 48:17). Images were fastened in their niches in later times by iron brackets or clamps (Wis 13:15). Agricultural implements were early made of the same material. In the treaty made by Porsena was inserted a condition like that imposed on the Hebrews by the Philistines, that no iron should be used except for agricultural purposes (Pliny, 34:39). It does not follow from Job 19:24, that it was used for a writing implement, though such may have been the case (comp. Isa 17:1), any more than that adamant was employed for the same purpose (Jer 17:1), or that shoes were shod with iron and brass (Deu 33:25). Indeed, iron so frequently occurs in poetic figures that it is difficult to discriminate between its literal and metaphorical sense. In such passages as the following, in which a yoke of iron (Deu 28:48) denotes hard service; a rod of iron (Psa 2:9), a stern government; a pillar of iron (Jer 1:18), a strong support; and threshing instruments of iron (Amo 1:3), the means of cruel oppression: the hardness and heaviness (Sir 22:15) of iron are so clearly the prominent ideas, that, though it may have been used for the instruments in question, such usage is not of necessity indicated. The furnace of iron (Deu 4:28; 1Ki 8:51) is a figure which vividly expresses hard bondage, as represented by the severe labor which attended the operation of smelting.
Iron is alluded to in the following instances: Under the same figure, chastisement is denoted (Eze 22:18; Eze 22:20; Eze 22:22); reducing the earth to total barrenness by turning it into iron (Deu 28:23); strength, by a bar of it (Job 40:18); affliction, by iron fetters (Psa 107:10); prosperity, by giving silver for iron (Isa 60:17); political strength (Dan 2:33); obstinacy, by an iron sinew in the neck (Isa 48:1); giving supernatural fortitude to a prophet, making him an iron pillar (Jer 1:18); destructive power of empires, by iron teeth (Dan 7:7); deterioration of character, by becoming iron (Jer 6:28; Eze 22:18), which resembles the idea of the iron age; a tiresome burden, by a mass of iron (Sir 22:15); the greatest obstacles, by walls of iron (2Ma 11:9); the certainty With which a real enemy will ever show his hatred, by the rust returning upon iron (Sir 12:10). Iron seems used, as by the Hebrew poets, metonymicaliy for the sword (Isa 10:34), and so the Sept. understands it . The following is selected as a beautiful comparison made to iron (Pro 27:17), Iron (literally) uniteth iron; so a man uniteth the countenance of his friend, gives stability to his appearance by his presence.
It was for a long time supposed that the Egyptians were ignorant of the use of iron, and that the allusion in the Pentateuch were anachronisms, as no traces of it have been found in their monuments; but in the sepulchers at Thebes butchers are represented as sharpening their knives on a round bar of metal attached to their aprons, which, from its blue color, is presumed to be steel. The steel weapons on the tomb of Rameses III are also painted blue; those of bronze being red (Wilkinson, Anc. Eg. 3, 247). One iron mine only has been discovered in Egypt, which was worked by the ancients. It is at Hammami, between the Nile and the Red Sea; the iron found by Mr. Burton was in the form of specular and red ore (ibid. 3:246). That no articles of iron should have been found is readily accounted for by the fact that it is easily destroyed by exposure to the air and moisture. According to Pliny (34, 43), it was preserved by a coating of white lead, gypsum, and liquid pitch. Bitumen was probably employed for the same purpose (35, 52).
The Egyptians obtained their iron almost exclusively from Assyria Proper in the form of bricks or pigs (Layard, Nineveh, 2, 415). Specimens of Assyrian ironwork overlaid with bronze were discovered by Mr. Layard, and are now in the British Museum (Nin. and Bab. p. 191). Iron weapons of various kinds were found at Nimrfid, but fell to pieces on exposure to the air. Some portions of shields and arrow-heads (ib. p. 194, 596) were rescued, and are now in England. A pick of the same metal (ib. p. 194) was also found, as well as part of a saw (p. 195), and the head of an axe (p. 357), and remains of scale-armor and helmets inlaid with copper (Nineveh, 1, 340). It was used by the Etruscans for offensive weapons, as bronze for defensive armor. The Assyrians had daggers and arrow-heads of copper mixed with iron, and hardened with an alloy of tin (Layard, Nineveh, 2, 418). So in the days of Homer war-clubs were shod with iron (I. 7, 141); arrows were tipped with it (II. 4, 123); it was used for the axles of chariots (II. 5, 723), for fetters (Od. 1, 204), for axes and bills (I1. 4, 485; Od. 21:3, 81). Adrastus (II. 6, 48) and Ulysses (Od. 21, 10) reckoned it among their treasures, the iron weapons being kept in a chest in the treasury with the gold and brass (Od. 21, 61). In Od. 1, 184, Mentes tells Telemachus that he is traveling from Taphos to Tamese to procure brass in exchange for iron, which Eustathius says was not obtained from the mines of the island, but was the produce of piratical excursions (Millin, Mineral. Hon. p. 115, 2nd ed.).
Pliny (34, 40) mentions iron as used symbolically for a statue of Hercules at Thebes (comp. Dan 2:33; Dan 5:4), and goblets of iron as among the offerings in the temple of Mars the Avenger, at Rome. Alyattes the Lydian dedicated to the oracle at Delphi a small goblet of iron, the workmanship of Glaucus of Chios, to whom the discovery of the art of soldering this metal is attributed (Herod. 1, 25). The goblet is described by Pausanias (10, 16). From the fact that such offerings were made to the temples, and that Achilles gave as a prize of contest a rudely-shaped mass of the same metal (Homer, II. 23, 826), it has been argued that in early times iron was so little known as to be greatly esteemed for its rarity. That this was not the case in the time of Lycurgus is evident, and Homer attaches to it no epithet which would denote its preciousness (Millin, p. 106). There is reason to suppose that the discovery of brass preceded that of iron (Lucret. 5, 1292), though little weight can be attached to the line of Hesiod often quoted as decisive on this point (Op. et Dies, 150). The Dactyli Idaei of Crete were supposed by the ancients to have the merit of being the first to discover the properties of iron (Pliny, 7:57; Diod. Sic. 5, 64), as the Cyclopes were said to have invented the ironsmith’s forge (Pliny, 7:57). According to the Arundelian marble Iron was known B.C. 1370, while Larcher (Chronologie d’Herod. p. 570) assigns a still earlier date, B.C. 1537. SEE STEEL.
Fuente: Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
Iron (2)
(Heb. Yiron’, , place of alarm; Sept. ), one of the fenced cities of Naphtali, mentioned between En-hazor and Migdal-el (Jos 19:38). De Saulcy (Narrat. 2, 382) thinks it may be the Yaroun marked in Zimmerman’s map north-west of Safed, the Yaron observed by Dr. Robinson (new ed. of Researches, 3. 61, 62, notes). Van de Velde likewise remarks that it is now Yarun, a village of Belad Besharah. On the north- east side of the place are the foundations and other remains of the ancient city (Memoir, p. 322).
Fuente: Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
Iron (3)
The modern representative of this site, Yaruzn, located four miles north- west from El-Jish (Ahlab or Gischala), is described in the Memoirs accompanying the Ordnance Survey (1:203), as “a stone village, containing about 200 Metawileh and 200 Christians. It is situated on the edge of a plain, with vineyards and arable lands; to the west rises a basalt top, called el-Burj [the castle], full of cisterns, and supposed to be the site of an ancient castle; there are large stones strewn about; three large birkehs [pools] and many cisterns to supply water; one of the birkehs is ruined.” The remains of a large church in the village are described in detail (page 258).
Fuente: Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
Iron
Tubal-Cain is the first-mentioned worker in iron (Gen. 4:22). The Egyptians wrought it at Sinai before the Exodus. David prepared it in great abundance for the temple (1 Chr. 22:3: 29:7). The merchants of Dan and Javan brought it to the market of Tyre (Ezek. 27:19). Various instruments are mentioned as made of iron (Deut. 27:5; 19:5; Josh. 17:16, 18; 1 Sam. 17:7; 2 Sam. 12:31; 2 Kings 6:5, 6; 1 Chr. 22:3; Isa. 10:34).
Figuratively, a yoke of iron (Deut. 28:48) denotes hard service; a rod of iron (Ps. 2:9), a stern government; a pillar of iron (Jer. 1:18), a strong support; a furnace of iron (Deut. 4:20), severe labour; a bar of iron (Job 40:18), strength; fetters of iron (Ps. 107:10), affliction; giving silver for iron (Isa. 60:17), prosperity.
Fuente: Easton’s Bible Dictionary
Iron (1)
City of Naphtali (Jos 19:38).
Fuente: Fausset’s Bible Dictionary
Iron (2)
(See CIVILIZATION.) Tubal-cain, 500 years after Adam according to Hebrew chronology, 1,000 according to Septuagint, was the first “instructor of every artificer in brass and iron.” Previously flint, bone, and wood had been used for instruments and weapons. When nations by isolation from the centers of civilization retrograded, they fell back to a flint age, then ascended to bronze, so lastly to iron; as we trace in antiquarian relies in many European countries. The use of iron is of extreme antiquity. The Hindus have had for ages a process of smelting, simple and rude but effective. Canaan is described as “a land whose stones are iron” (Deu 8:9). Traces of ironworks are found on Lebanon. Argob contains abundant ironstone. Iron was among the spoils taken from Midian (Num 31:22), and was common in Egypt centuries before the Exodus.
Axes, harrows, saws, nails, weapons, bars, gates, rods, pillars were of iron (2Ki 6:5-6; 2Sa 12:31; 1Ch 22:3; 1Sa 17:7). In the tombs of Thebes butchers are represented sharpening their knives on a blue bar of metal. The blue blades and the red bronze in the tomb of Rameses III imply that iron and steel were very anciently known in Egypt. The Philistines allowed no iron smiths in the land of the Hebrew, just as Porsena forbade iron, except for agriculture (Pliny, 34,39), to the Romans when subject to him (1Sa 13:19-22). Merchants of Dan and Javan (perhaps rather Vedan, now Aden, a Greek settlement in Arabia) supplied Tyre with polished or “bright iron.” “Dan and Javan” may mean all peoples, whether near, as the Israelite Dan, or far off; as the Greeks or “Javan” conveyed these products to Tyre’s markets. (See DAN.)
In Jer 15:12 “shall iron break the northern iron and the steel?” Rather “can common iron break the northern iron and copper combined into the hardest metal?” The northern Chalybes near the Euxine Pontus made this mixture like our steel. Jeremiah means, can the Jews, hardy though they be, break the still hardier Chaldees of the N.? The smith’s work is described Isa 44:12. A “rod of iron” symbolizes the holy sternness with which the coming Judge and the saints with Him shall punish the wicked (Psa 2:9; Rev 2:27).
Job 28:2 (margin) saith, “iron is taken out of the earth” or “dust,” for the ore looks like mere “earth.” Iron symbolizes the fourth kingdom in Nebuchadnezzar’s vision (Daniel 2), namely, Rome. The metals of the image lessen in specific gravity as they go downward. Silver (Medo-Persia) is not so heavy as gold (Babylon), brass (Greece) not so heavy as silver, and iron not so heavy as brass; the weight being arranged in the reverse of stability. Like iron, Rome was strongest and hardiest in treading down the nations, but less kingly, the government depending on popular choice. As it “breaketh in pieces,” so, in righteous retribution, itself will be “broken in pieces” at last by the kingdom of the Stone, Messiah the Rock (Dan 2:40; Dan 2:44; Rev 13:10).
Fuente: Fausset’s Bible Dictionary
Iron
IRON.1. A city of Naphtali, in the mountains, Jos 19:38. It is probably the modern Yrn. 2. See Mining and Metals.
Fuente: Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible
Iron (1)
urn (, barzel; , sderos): It is generally believed that the art of separating iron from its ores and making it into useful forms was not known much earlier than 1000 bc, and that the making of brass (bronze) antedates it by many centuries, in spite of the frequent Biblical references where brass and iron occur together. This conjecture is based upon the fact that no specimen of worked iron has been found whose antiquity can be vouched for. The want of such instruments, however, can be attributed to the ease with which iron corrodes. Evidence that iron was used is found, for example, in the hieroglyphics of the tomb of Rameses III, where the blades of some of the weapons are painted blue while others are painted red, a distinction believed to be due to the fact that some were made of iron or steel and some of brass. No satisfactory proof has yet been presented that the marvelous sculpturing on the hard Egyptian granite was done with tempered bronze. It seems more likely that steel tools were used. After the discovery of iron, it was evidently a long time in replacing bronze. This was probably due to the difficulties in smelting it. An old mountaineer once described to the writer the process of iron smelting as it was carried on in Mt. Lebanon in past centuries. As a boy he had watched his father, who was a smelter, operate one of the last furnaces to be fired. For each firing, many cords of wood, especially green oak branches, were used, and several days of strenuous pumping at the eight bellows was necessary to supply the air blast. As a result a small lump of wrought iron was removed from the bottom of the furnace after cooling. The iron thus won was carried to Damascus where it was made into steel by workers who kept their methods secret. This process, which has not been worked now for years, was undoubtedly the same as was used by the ancients. It is not at all unlikely that the Lebanon iron, transformed into steel, was what was referred to as northern iron in Jer 15:12 (the King James Version). In many districts the piles of slag from the ancient furnaces are still evident.
Aside from the limited supply of iron ore in Mt. Lebanon (compare Deu 8:9), probably no iron was found in Syria and Palestine. It was brought from Tarshish (Eze 27:12) and Vedan and Jayan (Eze 27:19), and probably Egypt (Deu 4:20).
The first mention of iron made in the Bible is in Gen 4:22, where Tubal-Cain is mentioned as the forger of every cutting instrument of brass and iron. It is likely that the Jews learned the art of metallurgy from the Phoenicians (2Ch 2:14) (see CRAFTS). Iron was used in Biblical times much as it is today. For a description of a smith at work see Ecclesiasticus 38:28. Huge city gates, overlaid with strips of iron (Psa 107:16; Isa 45:2), held in place by crude square-headed nails (1Ch 22:3), are still a familiar sight in the larger cities of Palestine and Syria (Act 12:10). Threshing instruments were made of iron (Amo 1:3); so also harrows (2Sa 12:31), axes (ib; 2Ki 6:6; see Ax), branding irons (1Ti 4:2), and other tools (1Ki 6:7). There were iron weapons (Num 35:16; Job 20:24), armor (2Sa 23:7), horns (1Ki 22:11), fetters (Psa 105:18), chariots (Jos 17:16), yokes (Jer 28:14), breastplates (Rev 9:9), pens (chisels) (Job 19:24; Jer 17:1), sheets or plates (Eze 4:3), gods (Dan 5:4), weights (1Sa 17:7), bedsteads (Deu 3:11). Iron was used extensively in building the temple. See METALS.
Figurative: The iron furnace is used metaphorically for affliction, chastisement (Deu 4:20; Eze 22:18-22). Iron is also employed figuratively to represent barrenness (Deu 28:23), slavery (yoke of iron, Deu 28:48), strength (bars of iron, Job 40:18), severity (rod of iron, Psa 2:9), captivity (Psa 107:10), obstinacy (iron sinew, Isa 48:4), fortitude (iron pillar, Jer 1:18), moral deterioration (Jer 6:28), political strength (Dan 2:33), destructive power (iron teeth, Dan 7:7); the certainty with which a real enemy will ever show his hatred is as the rust returning upon iron (Ecclesiasticus 12:10 the King James Version, the Revised Version (British and American) brass); great obstacles (walls of iron, 2 Macc 11:9).
Fuente: International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Iron (2)
ron (, yir’on): One of the fenced cities in the territory of Naphtali, named with Migdal-el and En-hazor (Jos 19:38). It is represented by the modern Yarun, a village with the ruins of a synagogue, at one time used as a monastery, fully 6 miles West of Kedes.
Fuente: International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Iron
Tubal-Cain is the first-mentioned smith, ‘a forger of every instrument of iron’ (Gen 4:22). From that time we meet with manufactures in iron of the utmost variety (some articles of which seem to be anticipations of what are commonly supposed to be modern inventions); as iron weapons or instruments (Num 25:7; Job 20:24); barbed irons, used in hunting (Job 41:7); an iron bedstead (Deu 3:11); chariots of iron (Jos 17:16, and elsewhere); iron weights (shekels, 1Sa 17:7); harrows of iron (2Sa 12:31); iron armor (2Sa 23:7); tools (1Ki 6:7; 2Ki 6:5); horns (1Ki 22:11); nails, hinges (1Ch 22:3); fetters (Psa 105:18); bars (Psa 107:16); iron bars used in fortifying the gates of towns (Psa 107:16; Isa 45:2); a pen of iron (Job 19:24; Jer 17:1); a pillar (Jer 1:18); yokes (Jer 28:13); pan (Eze 4:3); trees bound with iron (Dan 4:15); gods of iron (Dan 5:4); threshing-instruments (Amo 1:3); and in later times, an iron gate (Act 12:10); the actual cautery (1Ti 4:2); breastplates (Rev 9:9).
The mineral origin of iron seems clearly alluded to in Job 28:2. It would seem that in ancient times it was a plentiful production of Palestine (Deu 8:9). There appear to have been furnaces for smelting at an early period in Egypt (Deu 4:20). The requirement that the altar should be made of ‘whole stones over which no man had lift up any iron,’ recorded in Jos 8:31, does not imply any objection to iron as such, but seems to be merely a mode of directing that, in order to prevent idolatry, the stones must not undergo any preparation by art. Iron was prepared in abundance by David for the building of the temple (1Ch 22:3), to the amount of one hundred thousand talents (1Ch 29:7), or rather ‘without weight’ (1Ch 22:14). Working in iron was considered a calling (2Ch 2:7) [SMITH]. Iron seems to have been better from some countries, or to have undergone some hardening preparation by the inhabitants of them, such as were the people called Chalybes, living near the Euxine Sea (Jer 15:12); to have been imported from Tarshish to Tyre (Eze 27:12), and ‘bright iron’ from Dan and Javan (Eze 27:19). The superior hardness of iron above all other substances is alluded to in Dan 2:40. It was found among the Midianites (Num 31:22), and was part of the wealth distributed among the tribes at their location in the land (Jos 22:8).
Iron is metaphorically alluded to in the following instances:affliction is signified by the furnace for smelting it (Deu 4:20); under the same figure, chastisement(Eze 22:18; Eze 22:20; Eze 22:22); reducing the earth to total barrenness by turning it into iron (Deu 28:23); slavery, by a yoke of iron (Deu 28:48); strength, by a bar of it (Job 40:18); the extreme of hardness (Job 41:27); severity of government, by a rod of iron (Psa 2:9); affliction, by iron fetters (Psa 107:10); prosperity, by giving silver for iron (Isa 60:17); political strength (Dan 2:33); obstinacy, by an iron sinew in the neck (Isa 48:4); giving supernatural fortitude to a prophet, making him an iron pillar (Jer 1:18); destructive power of empires, by iron teeth (Dan 7:7); deterioration of character, by becoming iron (Jer 6:28; Eze 22:18), which resembles the idea of the iron age; a tiresome burden, by a mass of iron (Sir 22:15); the greatest obstacles, by walls of iron (2Ma 11:9); the certainty with which a real enemy will ever show his hatred, by the rust returning upon iron (Sir 12:10). Iron seems used, as by the Greek poets, metonymically for the sword (Isa 10:34). The following is selected as a beautiful comparison made to iron (Pro 27:17): ‘Iron (literally) uniteth iron; so a man uniteth the countenance of his friend,’ gives stability to his appearance by his presence. A most graphic description of a smith at work is found in Sir 38:28.
Fuente: Popular Cyclopedia Biblical Literature
Iron
[I’ron]
City of Naphtali. Jos 19:38. Identified with Yarun, 33 5′ N, 35 25′ E.
This metal is mentioned as early as Gen 4:22, when it was used by artificers; and Job speaks of it as dug out of the earth. Job 28:2. It was in use in Palestine before the Israelites entered, for they found that the Canaanites had chariots of iron. Jos 17:16; Jos 17:18. Og king of Bashan had a bedstead of iron, and iron was used for spear heads, threshing instruments, and other such purposes. Iron is used as a symbol of hardness. Israel is described as obstinate; their neck was like an iron sinew and their brow as brass. Isa 48:4. The Lord Jesus will rule the nations with a rod of iron. Rev 12:5; Rev 19:15. Iron also characterised the kingdom of Rome. When represented as a beast, it had great iron teeth. Dan 7:7; Dan 7:19; and in the great image the character of the various kingdoms had depreciated from gold to silver, then to brass, thence to iron and clay, that would not unite, the traces of which are seen around us in the national governments of the present day. Dan 2:33-45.
Fuente: Concise Bible Dictionary
Iron
H3375
1. A metal
– First recorded use of
Gen 4:22
– Ore of
Deu 8:9; Job 28:2
– Melted
Eze 22:20
– Used in the temple
1Ch 22:3; 1Ch 29:2; 1Ch 29:7
– Articles made of:
b Ax
2Ki 6:6; 2Ch 18:10; Ecc 10:10; Isa 10:34
b Bedstead
Deu 3:11
b Breastplate
Rev 9:9
b Chariot
Jos 17:16; Jos 17:18; Jdg 1:19; Jdg 4:3
b Fetters
Psa 105:18; Psa 107:10; Psa 107:16; Psa 149:8
b File
Pro 27:17
b Furnace
Deu 4:20; 1Ki 8:51; Jer 11:4
b Gate
Act 12:10
b Harrow
2Sa 12:31
b Horn
1Ki 22:11; 2Ch 18:10; Mic 4:13
b Idols
Dan 2:33; Dan 5:4; Dan 5:23
b Pans
Eze 4:3; Eze 27:19
b Pen
Job 19:24; Jer 17:1
b Pillars
Jer 1:18
b Rods for scourging
Psa 2:9; Rev 2:27; Rev 12:5; Rev 19:15
b Threshing instruments
Amo 1:3
b Tools
1Ki 6:7
b Vessels
Jos 6:24
b Weapons
Num 35:16; 1Sa 17:7; Job 20:24; Job 41:7
b Yokes
Deu 28:48; Jer 28:13-14
– Stones of
Deu 8:9; Job 28:2; Isa 60:17 Steel
– Figurative
2Sa 23:7; Jer 15:12; 1Ti 4:2
2. A city of Naphtali
Jos 19:38
Fuente: Nave’s Topical Bible
Iron
Iron is mentioned with brass as the earliest of known metals. Gen 4:22. The natural wealth in iron of the soil of Canaan is indicated by describing it as “a land whose stones are iron.” Deu 8:9. The book of Job contains passages which indicate that iron was a metal well known. Sheet-iron was used for cooking utensils. Eze 4:8; cf. Lev 7:9. That it was plentiful in the time of David appears from 1Ch 22:3. The market of Tyre was supplied with bright or polished iron by the merchants of Dan and Javan. Eze 27:19. Iron ore is now abundant in northern Palestine.
Fuente: People’s Dictionary of the Bible
Iron
I’ron. (pious).
1. One of the cities of Naphtali, Jos 19:38, hitherto totally unknown.
2. Iron is mentioned with brass as the earliest of known metals. Gen 4:22. The natural wealth in iron of the soil of Canaan is indicated by describing it as “a land whose stones are iron.” Deu 8:9. (Recent explorations have shown that iron ore is abundant in the northern part of Palestine. — Editor).
The book of Job contains passages which indicate that iron was a metal well known. Sheet-iron was used for cooking utensils. Eze 4:3. Compare Lev 7:9.
That it was plentiful in the time of David appears from 1Ch 22:3.
The market of Tyre was supplied with bright or polished iron by the merchants of by Dan and Javan. Eze 27:19.
The Chalybes of the Pontus were celebrated as workers in iron in very ancient times. The product of their labor is supposed to be alluded to in Jer 16:12 as being of superior quality.
Specimens of Assyrian iron-work overlaid with bronze were discovered by Mr. Layard, and are now in the British Museum.
Iron weapons of various kinds were found at Nimroud, but fell to pieces on exposure to the air.
Fuente: Smith’s Bible Dictionary
IRON
Iron the symbol of strength, patience, and constancy. So in Jer 1:18 “I have made thee this day a defenced city, an iron pillar.”
In general iron is taken in ill part, for stubborn, cruel, or hard. Thus in Isa 48:4 “Thy neck is an iron sinew, and thy brow brass.” So Jer 6:28, of the rebellious Jews, “they are brass and iron.” And in Jer 17:1, “the sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron:” never to go out of their heart, nor to be expiated, as the following words imply.
In Lev 26:9, a heaven of iron signifies hard times, either on the account of scarcity or tyranny.
In Deu 28:33, earth of iron is an unfruitful land.
So in Jer 28:13-14, yokes of iron, signify grievous bondage. And 1Ki 22:11, the false prophet Zedekiah, who made himself horns of iron, meant by that symbol to shew, that the king of Israel should have irresistible power. And a rod of iron signifies a severe and harsh government. Mic 4:13, the Lord promises to make the horn of the daughter of Zion iron; i. e. to indue her with irresistible power for the destruction of her enemies.
To dream of being changed into iron, denotes, says Artem. L. i. 53, lasting misery and troubles.
When the poet Statius describes the palace of Mars, to shew the mischief of war,f1 he makes it all of iron: so in the oracle about the bones of Orestes in Herodotus,f2 and Pausanias,f3 the anvil and hammer are expressed by , (mischief upon mischief); because, saith the one, iron was invented to do mischief; the other, because arms of iron were invented to that end. So that iron and mischief are in this oracle synonymous.
Horace,f4 iron troops are bold, hardy, mischievous enemies.
F1 Pap. Stat. Theb. L. vii. ver. 43.
F2 Herodot. L. i. c. 67.
F3 Pausan. Lacon. . 83. Stephan. de Urbib. Voc. .
F4 Hor. L. iv. Od. 4, ver. 29, 30.
Fuente: A Symbolical Dictionary
IRON
Num 31:22; Deu 3:11; Jos 8:31; Jos 17:16; 1Ki 22:11; 1Ch 22:3; 1Ch 29:7
Job 19:24; Act 12:10
Fuente: Thompson Chain-Reference Bible
Iron
“iron,” occurs in Rev 18:12.
“of iron,” occurs in Act 12:10, of an iron gate; “of iron,” Rev 2:27; Rev 9:9; Rev 12:5; Rev 19:15.
Fuente: Vine’s Dictionary of New Testament Words
Iron
; occurs first in Gen 4:22, and afterward frequently; and the Chaldee , in Dan 2:33; Dan 2:41, and elsewhere often in that book; , Rev 18:12, and the adjectives, Act 12:10; Rev 2:27; Rev 9:9; Rev 12:5; Rev 19:15; a well known and very serviceable metal. The knowledge of working it was very ancient, as appears from Gen 4:22. We do not, however, find that Moses made use of iron in the fabric of the tabernacle in the wilderness, or Solomon in any part of the temple at Jerusalem. Yet, from the manner in which the Jewish legislator speaks of iron, the metal, it appears, must have been in use in Egypt before his time. He celebrates the great hardness of it, Lev 26:19; Deu 28:23; Deu 28:48; takes notice that the bedstead of Og, king of Bashan, was of iron, Deu 3:11; he speaks of mines of iron, Deu 8:9; and he compares the severity of the servitude of the Israelites in Egypt to the heat of a furnace for melting iron, Deu 4:20. We find, also, that swords, Num 35:16, axes, Deu 19:5, and tools for cutting stones, Deu 27:5, were made of iron. By the northern iron,
Jer 15:12, we may probably understand the hardened iron, called in Greek , from the Chalybes, a people bordering on the Euxine sea, and consequently lying on the north of Judea, by whom the art of tempering steel is said to have been discovered. Strabo speaks of this people by the name of Chalybes, but afterward Chaldaei; and mentions their iron mines. These, however, were a different people from the Chaldeans, who were united with the Babylonians.
Fuente: Biblical and Theological Dictionary
Iron
Psa 2:9 (b) This evidently refers to the severe judgment that the Lord JESUS will execute against all His enemies.
Ecc 10:10 (c) We understand by this that if the mind is not acute, and the spirit of man is not alert, and if the understanding is not clear, then more effort must be put into the work that is being done. It probably has a direct reference to the fact that those who teach and preach must know the subject well, must; be enthused in the matter, must have original thoughts, and must know how to present the subject to others in an effective way.
Isa 10:34 (b) This picture represents the irresistible power of GOD to destroy all wicked leaders and evildoers.
Isa 45:2 (b) By this we understand that GOD will destroy every opponent and remove every hindrance to His will.
Isa 48:4 (a) This type represents the hard, stiff, unbending attitude of Israel toward GOD in that they refused to obey Him, and to walk in His ways.
Jer 1:18 (a) GOD promised the prophet that he would be able to stand and to withstand all the opposition of the enemies of GOD in Israel.
Jer 15:12 (b) This question refers to the fact that Israel as iron would be able to conquer and destroy two northern kingdoms which would be very strong in themselves. These two kingdoms may be the Syrians and the Chaldonians.
Jer 28:13 (b) As wood is easily broken, but iron cannot be broken, so the oppression of former invaders would not be as severe and difficult as the oppression brought by Nebuchadnezzar.
Eze 4:3 (b) This strange passage may have several meanings. It may refer to the fact that the kingdom which shall come to besiege Jerusalem will be hard and irresistible. Or, it may mean that the prophet’s message would not reach the hearts of the people in Jerusalem because of the hardness of their hearts, and their resistance to the things of GOD.
Dan 2:33 (b) This represents the strength that will characterize the world empires.
Dan 7:7 (b) This is a picture of the fierceness and power that will characterize the revived Roman Empire.
Amo 1:3 (a) The type in this passage represents the power and strength of the invaders from Damascus.
Mic 4:13 (b) By this figure is described the victorious power of the conquering armies of Israel.
1Ti 4:2 (a) As heat destroys the feeling in any part that is burned, so sinning dulls the conscience about GOD and His Word.
Rev 2:27 (b) This indicates the stern force that our Lord JESUS will use in conquering the rebellious nations of earth. (See also Psa 2:9; Rev 12:5; 19:15).