Implements of Iron

The Bible says God chastens those whom He loves (Hebrews 12:6).  At times in the history of Israel God empowered nations as His implement to move His people to repentance.  The Syrians were a people God utilised for this purpose.  What often happened is those who defeated Israel oppressed them, and were lifted up with pride against the God who had given them victory.  When they saw the Israelites were powerless to defend themselves, they were cruel.  Their brutality was observed by God, and He would later punish them for it.

Amos 1:3 reads, "Thus says the LORD: "For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, because they have threshed Gilead with implements of iron."  Threshing is the act of separating the husk from the kernel, removing the worthless chaff to expose the edible grain.  Depending on the kind of grain to be threshed, different tools and methods were used.  The aim of threshing is to remove the husk and retain the edible grain whole.  For some grain types, the hooves of animals was enough to do the job.  Other times a wooden sledge was pulled by animals over the grain.  Syria was condemned by God for the sin of using "implements of iron" to thresh Gilead.  God's intention was to chasten His people - not crush them to powder.  For the Syrian's overreach they would be punished.  Being trampled underfoot may have been enough to remove the husk of pride which covered the hearts of His people, but using implements of iron to pulverise them was criminal.

When I read this passage last night, I considered how before God parents have the responsibility to chasten their children, to discipline them when necessary according to God's Word.  A parent ought to remain humble before God to properly wield authority, for when we are proud ourselves - not demonstrating God's love, compassion, and mercy - we can be guilty as the Syrians were of overstepping their bounds.  We can be too harsh and severe because our patience is done.  We can become furious and allow our emotions to dictate our speech, decisions, and actions.  James 1:19-20 provides a fitting exhortation:  "So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; ²⁰ for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God."  Instead of being personally wounded by rebellion or disobedience, it is good for us to recognise all sin is primarily against God.  Realising this means we don't need to "get back" at someone because of offence, and with a clear conscience and biblical insight we can choose the right threshing implement and properly wield it for the good of others.  Biblical discipline always works to the end of restoration and the healthy renewal of relationship.

Have you used an implement of iron for "threshing" when a wooden rod would have been more appropriate?  For our overreach in discipline we will answer before God whose discipline is always perfectly weighted in severity to accomplish His purposes, justice and righteousness balanced with love and grace.