Bible Dictionaries
Iron

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Tubal-Cain is the first-mentioned worker in iron (Genesis 4:22 ). The Egyptians wrought it at Sinai before the Exodus. David prepared it in great abundance for the temple (1 Chronicles 22:3 : 29:7 ). The merchants of Dan and Javan brought it to the market of Tyre (Ezekiel 27:19 ). Various instruments are mentioned as made of iron (Deuteronomy 27:5; 19:5; Joshua 17:16,18; 1 Samuel 17:7; 2 Samuel 12:31; 2 Kings 6:5,6; 1 Chronicles 22:3; Isaiah 10:34 ).

Figuratively, a yoke of iron (Deuteronomy 28:48 ) denotes hard service; a rod of iron (Psalm 2:9 ), a stern government; a pillar of iron (Jeremiah 1:18 ), a strong support; a furnace of iron (Deuteronomy 4:20 ), severe labour; a bar of iron (Job 40:18 ), strength; fetters of iron (Psalm 107:10 ), affliction; giving silver for iron (Isaiah 60:17 ), prosperity.