Allen S. Maller

Prophet King David’s Iron From Allah

Quran 34:10 says that God made metal soft for Prophet King David: “And indeed We bestowed grace on David … And We made iron soft for him.” The iron age started about a century or two before or after depending on the location, of Prophet King David. Iron replaced lead and copper for weapons. But even more important researchers have just now found that ancient hominids—including early humans—were exposed to lead poisoning throughout their childhood, leaving chemical traces in fossil teeth.

Experiments suggest this exposure may have driven genetic changes that strengthened language-related brain functions in modern humans. New research has found that human ancestors lived with toxic lead exposure for more than two million years and this hidden environmental negative pressure may have reshaped the evolution of our brains, behavior, and even language.

This passage highlights the Philistines’ control over iron technology, which they used to maintain military superiority over the Israelites. The Philistines’ monopoly on blacksmithing prevented the Israelites from producing their own iron weapons, forcing them to rely on their enemies even for the sharpening of agricultural tools. This technological edge allowed the Philistines to dominate the region and posed a significant threat to Israel’s security and independence.

The significance of iron in warfare is further underscored in the account of Goliath, the Philistine giant, who is described as being heavily armed with iron. In 1 Samuel 17:5-7, Goliath’s armor is detailed: “He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a coat of scale armor of bronze weighing five thousand shekels. He had bronze greaves on his legs and a bronze javelin slung between his shoulders. The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s rod, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels.”

The mention of the iron spearhead emphasizes the advanced military technology possessed by the Philistines, contrasting with the more rudimentary equipment available to the Israelites. This disparity in armament is a recurring theme in the biblical narrative, illustrating the challenges faced by God’s people in their struggle against their technologically superior foes.

The use of iron weapons is also noted in the context of King David’s military campaigns. In 2 Samuel 23:7 , iron is mentioned in a metaphorical sense, highlighting its strength and durability: “But the man who touches them must be armed with iron and the shaft of a spear. They will be completely burned up with fire in their place.” This reference underscores the association of iron with power and might, qualities essential for a successful warrior and leader like Prophet King David. God bestowed grace on David … And made iron soft for him.

God’s grace was Prophet David’s wonderful poems in the Book of Psalms. Foe example, Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the Temple of the Lord always.

God’s making iron soft for King David was the wonderful way King David was able to achieved the conquest of Jerusalem.

About the Author
Rabbi Allen S. Maller has published over 1100 articles on Jewish values in over a dozen Christian, Jewish, and Muslim magazines and web sites. Rabbi Maller is the author of "Tikunay Nefashot," a spiritually meaningful High Holy Day Machzor, two books of children's short stories, and a popular account of Jewish Mysticism entitled, "God, Sex and Kabbalah." His most recent books are "Judaism and Islam as Synergistic Monotheisms' and "Which Religion Is Right For You?: A 21st Century Kuzari" both available on Amazon.
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