What is the rod of iron?
Psalms 2:9
"Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."
Revelation 2:27
"And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father."
Iron is a strong metal, is magnetic or can be magnetized, and I've heard that it is also why blood is red. If it is about smashing pottery, that seems to be violent imagery, or what is the symbolism of that?
In Psalm 2, which is apparently being referenced in the Revelation, the rod of iron is a power used against kings and rulers who are plotting against God, and it's an almost comical situation they should believe it's even possible to do. In the Revelation, though, is no laughing matter, yet there is a blessing to those who overcome the devil's influences.
So it's not just about a violent action, swinging a stick and beating someone with it, but to rule with it. To rule is to make rules or to enforce rules, hence the question, what exactly is the rod of iron?
Psalms 2:9
"Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."
Revelation 2:27
"And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father."
Iron is a strong metal, is magnetic or can be magnetized, and I've heard that it is also why blood is red. If it is about smashing pottery, that seems to be violent imagery, or what is the symbolism of that?
In Psalm 2, which is apparently being referenced in the Revelation, the rod of iron is a power used against kings and rulers who are plotting against God, and it's an almost comical situation they should believe it's even possible to do. In the Revelation, though, is no laughing matter, yet there is a blessing to those who overcome the devil's influences.
So it's not just about a violent action, swinging a stick and beating someone with it, but to rule with it. To rule is to make rules or to enforce rules, hence the question, what exactly is the rod of iron?