THEOSISGregory the Great
He will escape from the iron weapon and seek refuge in the bow of brass, as stated in Job 20:24. It is essential to recognize that greed can sometimes dominate individuals due to pride or fear. Some people, in their relentless quest for more power and influence, become consumed by the desire for what belongs to others; others, out of anxiety that they may not have what is necessary for their lives, become fixated on material gain and pursue possessions that do not belong to them, believing their own resources may prove inadequate. Necessities are rightly referred to as "iron weapons" because they inflict distress on those who desire them, creating a deep sense of painful urgency.
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This is reflected in the Scripture which mentions that "Iron entered into his soul," in Psalms 104:18, illustrating the burden of a person who finds himself abandoned and beset by sorrow. What, then, is this "iron," if not the relentless demands of life's necessities that weigh heavily upon us and exacerbate the struggles of the needy? Iron, although prone to rust, symbolizes present needs that are fleeting; in contrast, brass signifies enduring destruction. Thus, the iron arms represent the transitory necessities of today, while the brass denotes the finality of ruin. The judgments of God are often imperceptible to the wicked, resembling a bow that strikes unexpectedly, unseen by the one affected. Consequently, he will flee from the iron weapon and hasten to the bow of brass, driven by fear of want, he snatches up innumerable possessions and, through his wrongdoing, exposes himself to the severe repercussions of divine judgment. While attempting to evade the iron weapon, he encounters the arrows of the brass bow; for in foolishly trying to shield himself from temporary misfortunes, he inevitably falls into everlasting ruin. Whoever, burdened with guilt, avoids earthly scarcity will encounter the eternal consequences of righteous retribution. The text continues to elaborate on the actions of this wayward individual: