The Path is Unique - The Rod of Iron
by JaredAlmond » Sun Apr 20, 2014 12:22 pm
I had to reconsider my understanding of “The Rod of Iron”.
Let me explain:
I was hiking mountains near my home and had chosen the steepest mountain I could see, which had a most rigorous ascent. I learned a lot on this ascent and found something very valuable at the summit—“The Rod of Iron” (I would like to show you and explain.)
From the base, I gazed up to the top as if the summit above was issuing a call. Feeling up to the challenge I had to answer the call. This is a steep climb… I had made my decision to ascend. The climb was challenging and I noticed I didn't have any tracks to follow. It seemed that there hadn't been many on this path before and it required me to navigate it uniquely to my skill. As I climbed I felt the strength of the opposing challenge. Due to this, I had to particularly focus on each step at hand constantly being focused on the finding the strength in me. I repeatedly had to dig deep inside and hold onto the strength I found inside.
As I climbed I imagined and could feel a divine thread(See post- Celestial Form) that ran within me and would guide me up to the summit as long as I stayed focused and patiently followed. It reminded me of rod of Iron I’ve tried to follow in life. It was easy to get distracted by how tired I had become or how beautiful the views were. It became apparent that I had to climb without haste so that each step retained my strength for the following stride.
The views were sufficiently beautiful. I would pause to gaze but found I was tempted to be satisfied with the spot at which I had arrived. I felt often that I was satisfied with the view.. voices attempting to mislead, saying it wasn't necessary to reach the summit. I pressed and pushed on with my eye focused on my end goal. As I was reaching the top I couldn't help notice the deer that I could spot on the terrain observing me-- appearing as angels giving notice from a far.
I finally reached the top of the mountain, happy to be finished with my ascent. Where I was sitting I looked down and found something that changed my perspective. Sitting on the ground was “The Rod of Iron” (see the picture below.) I picked up the 2 foot Rod made out of Iron and my mind opened up. With a pondering spirit I realized that this is more like the Rod of Iron. On my descent I carried it on my journey to the bottom.
My prior understanding of the rod of Iron was that it was extending on a fixed path that I had to follow and hold onto to know the word of God or his will. I found it is not that but a rod that we have individually and carry in whatever path we are on. It is unique to us and always in reach. It is not a Rod that leads along a predetermined path. It doesn't follow a path from which you get lost and have to find your way back in order to hold on. It is a Rod of Iron that is always with you(see post- Witness) but you must find it and hold on tightly. It will take you where ever you are to go.
I found this definition interesting.
Rod definitions
Webster's 1828 Dictionary
ROD, n. [L. radius, ray, radix, root.]
A king of scepter.
A long thin implement made of metal or wood
a staff or wand. 2 Samuel 14.
Support.
Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Psalms 23.
Power; authority. Psalms 125.
Rod of iron, the mighty power of Christ. Revelation 19. Psalms 2.
Let me explain:
I was hiking mountains near my home and had chosen the steepest mountain I could see, which had a most rigorous ascent. I learned a lot on this ascent and found something very valuable at the summit—“The Rod of Iron” (I would like to show you and explain.)
From the base, I gazed up to the top as if the summit above was issuing a call. Feeling up to the challenge I had to answer the call. This is a steep climb… I had made my decision to ascend. The climb was challenging and I noticed I didn't have any tracks to follow. It seemed that there hadn't been many on this path before and it required me to navigate it uniquely to my skill. As I climbed I felt the strength of the opposing challenge. Due to this, I had to particularly focus on each step at hand constantly being focused on the finding the strength in me. I repeatedly had to dig deep inside and hold onto the strength I found inside.
As I climbed I imagined and could feel a divine thread(See post- Celestial Form) that ran within me and would guide me up to the summit as long as I stayed focused and patiently followed. It reminded me of rod of Iron I’ve tried to follow in life. It was easy to get distracted by how tired I had become or how beautiful the views were. It became apparent that I had to climb without haste so that each step retained my strength for the following stride.
The views were sufficiently beautiful. I would pause to gaze but found I was tempted to be satisfied with the spot at which I had arrived. I felt often that I was satisfied with the view.. voices attempting to mislead, saying it wasn't necessary to reach the summit. I pressed and pushed on with my eye focused on my end goal. As I was reaching the top I couldn't help notice the deer that I could spot on the terrain observing me-- appearing as angels giving notice from a far.
I finally reached the top of the mountain, happy to be finished with my ascent. Where I was sitting I looked down and found something that changed my perspective. Sitting on the ground was “The Rod of Iron” (see the picture below.) I picked up the 2 foot Rod made out of Iron and my mind opened up. With a pondering spirit I realized that this is more like the Rod of Iron. On my descent I carried it on my journey to the bottom.
My prior understanding of the rod of Iron was that it was extending on a fixed path that I had to follow and hold onto to know the word of God or his will. I found it is not that but a rod that we have individually and carry in whatever path we are on. It is unique to us and always in reach. It is not a Rod that leads along a predetermined path. It doesn't follow a path from which you get lost and have to find your way back in order to hold on. It is a Rod of Iron that is always with you(see post- Witness) but you must find it and hold on tightly. It will take you where ever you are to go.
- 20140412_133236 (1).jpg (131.89 KiB) Viewed 28 times
Rod definitions
Webster's 1828 Dictionary
ROD, n. [L. radius, ray, radix, root.]
A king of scepter.
A long thin implement made of metal or wood
a staff or wand. 2 Samuel 14.
Support.
Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Psalms 23.
Power; authority. Psalms 125.
Rod of iron, the mighty power of Christ. Revelation 19. Psalms 2.
Last edited by JaredAlmond on Sun Apr 20, 2014 9:30 pm, edited 3 times in total.
“In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer." Albert Camus
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Re: This path is unique- The Rod of Iron
by Taliesin » Sun Apr 20, 2014 7:41 pm
Yes! Nice insight! A while ago I looked up every reference to a rod in the scriptures. Every single time that the scriptures talk about a rod they mean a hand-hald rod, not a long-bannister-type rod. I don't see why the iron rod in 1 Nephi would be any different. To add more to the symbolism, I recently learned that iron has special spiritual/energetic properties.
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Re: This path is unique- The Rod of Iron
by JaredAlmond » Sun Apr 20, 2014 9:15 pm
Thank you for the insight Joe. You are right. I think it is important to realize this because there is essential strength that has to be found within. We each have been sufficiently equipped for this journey. The prophets are trying to relay meaning to us that will change our life and elevate our minds to higher plains.
A couple additional things I found helpful-
Aaron and Moses both carried hand held rods.
The word rod is "shebet" in Hebrew. This word is defined as following in Strong's Hebrew Lexicon #7626: rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe a. rod, staff b. shaft (of spear, dart) c. club (of shepherd's implement) d. truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority) e. clan, tribe
From Visions of Glory.. Spencer explains--- My hearing was acutely attuned to the word of the Lord. Revelation became constant and unending. I no longer walked through mists of darkness. I didn't hold onto the Iron Rod because it became a part of me, a part of my soul, what I was.
A couple additional things I found helpful-
Aaron and Moses both carried hand held rods.
The word rod is "shebet" in Hebrew. This word is defined as following in Strong's Hebrew Lexicon #7626: rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe a. rod, staff b. shaft (of spear, dart) c. club (of shepherd's implement) d. truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority) e. clan, tribe
From Visions of Glory.. Spencer explains--- My hearing was acutely attuned to the word of the Lord. Revelation became constant and unending. I no longer walked through mists of darkness. I didn't hold onto the Iron Rod because it became a part of me, a part of my soul, what I was.
“In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer." Albert Camus
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Re: This path is unique- The Rod of Iron
by Jeremy » Mon Apr 21, 2014 10:47 amSimilar descriptions of "led" is used for the rod and the path. This leads (lol - pun intended) me to believe what was seen was much like a hand rail. I know it is the general assumption but it happens to be one I agree with. :)20 And I also beheld a strait and narrow path, which came along by the rod of iron, even to the tree by which I stood;and it also led by the head of the fountain, unto a large and spacious field, as if it had been a world.
1 Nephi 8 wrote:24 And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree.
In Jared's picture, catching hold of the end doesnt seem to have the same implications as it would if the rod was long and covered some distance. Though I see the insight and appreciate what Jared is sharing. I find this discussion very interesting and I think I will have to do a similar word search and investigate this "rod" idea more. :) Thank you both.
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Re: This path is unique- The Rod of Iron
by JaredAlmond » Mon Apr 21, 2014 12:22 pm
Thanks Jeremy, I liked your pun you threw in there:) The insight I had wasn't to explain what exactly Nephi saw but expand on the image and meaning that I held in my head... also the meaning of the Rod of IRON. I've seen and heard the interpretation of Lehi/Nephi's analogy throughout my life portrayed in one way through our church, the insight was a little mind opening and welcoming.
One of the restrictions, at least for me, with the narrative that i've heard traditionally is that it leads me to visualize a predetermined path that I am either on or am not on. once I have left it can be hard to find or must take a long time. Also that it makes me look more outwardly to find the path. Looking for someone or something to guide me there- instead of looking within...
Nephi gives us the meaning of the Rod of Iron (not Iron Rod) as the word of God. The word of God and the association with the Rod of Iron and how it is to lead us to the Love of God is important and deep with meaning. As we can see from the dream it is essential to find it and hold on at all times. The path and midsts of Darkness are rigorous and can mislead if our hold isn't firm. Our hold or better said "connection" seems to be particularly important to Nephi. How spencer explains it connects with my visualization-- "My hearing was acutely attuned to the word of the Lord. Revelation became constant and unending. I no longer walked through mists of darkness. I didn't hold onto the Iron Rod because it became a part of me, a part of my soul, what I was."
In relating my hiking experience I attempted, with steep meaning, to relate lessons the Lord has taught me on this "journey to the fullness". The holy Ghost, who speaks the word of God, that leads me to the veil, that leads me to the Savior is a guide God has endowed us with. I do appreciate and love the discussion.
Note- Rods were used historically for measurement purposes. See Below. I can see how both visualizations of a long rod vs one that fits in your hand can be reconciled. If you were to explain a path, what led you and the length it took to get you there it could be explained by a Rod.
Measuring rod
From Wikipedia, A measuring rod is a tool used to physically measure lengths and survey areas of various sizes. Most measuring rods are round or square sectioned, however they can be flat boards. Some have markings at regular intervals. It is likely that the measuring rod was used before the line, chain or steel tapes used in modern measurement.
Graeco-Egyptian God Serapis with measuring rod (Image from Wikipedia)
One of the restrictions, at least for me, with the narrative that i've heard traditionally is that it leads me to visualize a predetermined path that I am either on or am not on. once I have left it can be hard to find or must take a long time. Also that it makes me look more outwardly to find the path. Looking for someone or something to guide me there- instead of looking within...
Nephi gives us the meaning of the Rod of Iron (not Iron Rod) as the word of God. The word of God and the association with the Rod of Iron and how it is to lead us to the Love of God is important and deep with meaning. As we can see from the dream it is essential to find it and hold on at all times. The path and midsts of Darkness are rigorous and can mislead if our hold isn't firm. Our hold or better said "connection" seems to be particularly important to Nephi. How spencer explains it connects with my visualization-- "My hearing was acutely attuned to the word of the Lord. Revelation became constant and unending. I no longer walked through mists of darkness. I didn't hold onto the Iron Rod because it became a part of me, a part of my soul, what I was."
In relating my hiking experience I attempted, with steep meaning, to relate lessons the Lord has taught me on this "journey to the fullness". The holy Ghost, who speaks the word of God, that leads me to the veil, that leads me to the Savior is a guide God has endowed us with. I do appreciate and love the discussion.
Note- Rods were used historically for measurement purposes. See Below. I can see how both visualizations of a long rod vs one that fits in your hand can be reconciled. If you were to explain a path, what led you and the length it took to get you there it could be explained by a Rod.
Measuring rod
From Wikipedia, A measuring rod is a tool used to physically measure lengths and survey areas of various sizes. Most measuring rods are round or square sectioned, however they can be flat boards. Some have markings at regular intervals. It is likely that the measuring rod was used before the line, chain or steel tapes used in modern measurement.
Graeco-Egyptian God Serapis with measuring rod (Image from Wikipedia)
- 330px-Serapis_on_crocodile.png (60.5 KiB) Viewed 14 times
“In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer." Albert Camus
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Re: This path is unique- The Rod of Iron
by Jeremy » Mon Apr 21, 2014 4:09 pmAh yes. I understand more what you were sharing now. And I agree completely. Great insights. Thank you.JaredAlmond wrote:One of the restrictions, at least for me, with the narrative that i've heard traditionally is that it leads me to visualize a predetermined path that I am either on or am not on. once I have left it can be hard to find or must take a long time. Also that it makes me look more outwardly to find the path. Looking for someone or something to guide me there-instead of looking within.
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Re: This path is unique- The Rod of Iron
by JaredAlmond » Mon Apr 21, 2014 4:17 pm
Great Thanks. I'm glad you presented the questions to consider.
“In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer." Albert Camus
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Re: This path is unique- The Rod of Iron
by Taliesin » Tue Apr 22, 2014 8:53 amJaredAlmond wrote:Nephi gives us the meaning of the Rod of Iron (not Iron Rod) as the word of God. The word of God and the association with the Rod of Iron and how it is to lead us to the Love of God is important and deep with meaning. As we can see from the dream it is essential to find it and hold on at all times. The path and midsts of Darkness are rigorous and can mislead if our hold isn't firm. Our hold or better said "connection" seems to be particularly important to Nephi. How spencer explains it connects with my visualization-- "My hearing was acutely attuned to the word of the Lord. Revelation became constant and unending. I no longer walked through mists of darkness. I didn't hold onto the Iron Rod because it became a part of me, a part of my soul, what I was."
In relating my hiking experience I attempted, with steep meaning, to relate lessons the Lord has taught me on this "journey to the fullness". The holy Ghost, who speaks the word of God, that leads me to the veil, that leads me to the Savior is a guide God has endowed us with. I do appreciate and love the discussion.
Note- Rods were used historically for measurement purposes. See Below. I can see how both visualizations of a long rod vs one that fits in your hand can be reconciled. If you were to explain a path, what led you and the length it took to get you there it could be explained by a Rod.
Measuring rod
From Wikipedia, A measuring rod is a tool used to physically measure lengths and survey areas of various sizes. Most measuring rods are round or square sectioned, however they can be flat boards. Some have markings at regular intervals. It is likely that the measuring rod was used before the line, chain or steel tapes used in modern measurement.
On your shirt there is a square, a compass, and another mark over the bellybutton. Can you guess what that other mark represents? It is a measuring rod. And you are supposed to lay hold on it. When you are at the veil, you "lay hold" on, or grab, a hand that is protruding from a cut in the veil that corresponds to the mark over your bellybutton. Holding the hand of the Lord is associated with laying hold on the rod of iron. What happens after you lay hold on the hand of the Lord? Your knowledge is tested, or measured. Proverbs 3:8 says "It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones". In the Hebrew, the word 'navel' is actually 'umbilical cord'. In this context, the umbilical cord is a connection between you and God. D&C 112:10 gives some more insight into this concept of umbilical cord, iron rod, and hand shakes - "Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers."
The navel mark is (depending on your perspective) the iron rod as described in 1 Nephi. As long as I'm here, I might as well mention another perspective. The compass mark is the two spindles on the Liahona, also described in 1 Nephi. I haven't thought about the square mark being described in 1 Nephi, but it might be in there as well.
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Re: This path is unique- The Rod of Iron
by JaredAlmond » Tue Apr 22, 2014 11:15 am
That is great Joe. Thank you for adding this and giving an important direction to ponder. This direction is essential in understanding ourselves and the Holy Ghost.
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