THEOSISGregory the Great
For he regards iron as straw and brass as decayed wood, as noted in Job 41:19. What is termed ‘spear’ is further identified as ‘iron,’ and what is referred to as ‘lats’ is now known as ‘brass.’ Indeed, copper is not easily ravaged by rust. This is why Moses communicated to the Holy Church regarding the tribe of Asher, “His shoes are iron and brass” (Deuteronomy 33:25). The term ‘shoes’ signifies the readiness to proclaim the Gospel, as stated in Ephesians 6:15, where the feet are prepared for this mission. Iron symbolizes strength, whereas brass represents steadfastness. Thus, when the act of preaching is fortified by both strength and resilience, iron serves to pierce through evil, while brass patiently upholds the blessing extended to others.
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This is further illustrated by the expression, “As it was in the days of youth, so it shall be in old age” (Deuteronomy 33:25). However, when this Leviathan wields the sword, which Scripture associates with the Antichrist in embodying evil, he will regard iron as straw and brass as decayed wood. Unless Divine grace provides protection, he will consume the strength of ministers like straw in the fire of his malice and shatter the patience of the enduring as if it were rotten wood. Consequently, the might of iron and the resilience of brass diminish when, through violence and malevolence, the profound understanding of their preaching is dulled, and their long-suffering endurance is eroded. If Divine assistance does not fortify the Elect, what hope is there for the weak, if even the robust are likened to straw? What, then, will this Leviathan do with straw, if he deems iron to be straw? What becomes of rotten wood, if he can destroy even strong copper as if it were worthless? Yet, how many among us believe ourselves to be as sturdy as iron and as steadfast as brass, only to discover in adversity that we are indeed straw and decayed wood? And how many, recognizing their own frailty, fear they are merely straw, yet, through God’s aid, find strength to become iron and brass? The stronger God’s support against their adversaries, the more they are reminded of their inherent weakness. As this Behemoth rises up against God’s chosen ones with wonderous acts, the saints face intensified persecution for their proclamations against him, as he takes hold of the thoughts of the forsaken and does not relinquish them, even as he is pierced by the arrows of truth.