Ephraem the Syrian
"Your boots are made of iron and brass." This illustrates the unwavering strength and steadfastness required of those who glorify and declare the greatness of God.
His shoe shall be iron and brass. As the days of thy youth, so also shall thy old age be.
בַּרְזֶ֥ל וּנְחֹ֖שֶׁת מִנְעָלֶ֑יךָ וּכְיָמֶ֖יךָ דָּבְאֶֽךָ׃
3 Church Fathers comment on this verse
"Your boots are made of iron and brass." This illustrates the unwavering strength and steadfastness required of those who glorify and declare the greatness of God.
Moses also inquired on behalf of Asher regarding the richness of the land and the prosperity of the sea, for he proclaimed that he would immerse his foot in oil, and the iron and bronze of his footwear would symbolize a wealth of blessings.
Moses discreetly references the Holy Church, where footwear in Scripture symbolizes empowerment for evangelism, as indicated by the verse, "And having shod His feet in readiness to preach the gospel to the world" (Eph. 6:15). Iron represents moral strength, while brass embodies endurance; thus, the footwear of Christ is depicted through these materials, as His message is fortified by both insight and steadfastness. With iron, He confronts and vanquishes malevolence, whereas with brass, He patiently safeguards the goodness that has been achieved.
Passages read together with this verse.