The Symbolism of Jesus' Feet like Burnished Bronze

In the biblical text of Revelation 1:10-18, it is written that Jesus' feet were 'like burnished bronze.' This imagery is rich with profound meaning, woven through themes of judgment, purification, and salvation. To fully understand this symbolism, it is necessary to explore the historical, spiritual, and textual contexts that provide insight into why Jesus' feet are compared to burnished bronze.

God’s Refining Process: The Furnace of the Cross

First, the term 'burnished bronze' refers to bronze that has been melted and refined with silver, resulting in a brilliant and polished appearance. This process of refinement can be seen as a metaphor for the purification that Christ experienced on the cross. Like metal refined in a furnace, Christ was refined through the crucifixion, emerging as the quintessential representation of God's grace and righteousness. Eliyahu Evans Sobol weaves this into the concept of Christ's call for us to 'take up our cross,' which is a symbolic command to follow His example and undergo personal trials and hardships for the sake of faith and righteousness.

Serpent and Salvation: A Recurring Symbolism

A significant aspect of this imagery is the connection between Jesus' feet and the serpent in the wilderness. In Numbers 21:4-9, the Israelites were bitten by a venomous serpent sent as a judgment for their sin. The Lord instructed Moses to raise up a bronze serpent on a pole, and all who looked upon it were healed. This event is a foreshadowing of Christ's sacrificial death on the cross, where He willingly submitted to the judgment of God to save humanity from the serpent's venom, which represents sin and death.

The color and metal of Jesus' feet, burnished bronze, bear this symbolism. Just as the bronze serpent on the pole was a means of healing, Jesus' feet, reflecting the same qualities, are a source of hope and salvation. By looking upon Him, believers can find healing and assurance of eternal life. John Newton's paraphrase of John 3:14-15 further reinforces this idea: 'Because He was lifted up, He draws all to Himself. Let us follow the example of looking up to Him for our salvation.' This act of looking is not just physical but a spiritual and transformative one.

The Four Living Creatures: Burnished Bronze and Divine Attributes

A deeper exploration of the imagery of burnished bronze can be found in the description of the Four Living Creatures in Ezekiel 1:7. Here, they are described adorned with burnished bronze, symbolizing divine attributes and the majestic presence of God. The Four Living Creatures represent aspects of the divine presence:

The Lion: The Lion of Judah, symbolizing strength and majesty. The Ox: The nurturing motherly qualities and divine provision. The Man: Christ in His Incarnation, the Messiah, one with the Father. The Eagle: The Bride of Christ, representing the Church and spiritual vision.

Looking at Jesus' feet, which are like burnished bronze, can be seen as a meditation on these divine attributes. It is a call to consider Christ's presence in His full divinity and humanity, reflecting the intricate tapestry of His character. This imagery is not merely a visual description but a call to reflect on the multifaceted nature of God's presence and His ongoing work in the world.

Conclusion: Judgment and Second Coming

Ultimately, Jesus' feet like burnished bronze symbolize His presence in judgment and His future return. As described in various passages and in the Second Coming, Christ will tread down all wickedness, conquering His enemies and establishing His rule over the earth. This imagery, while foreboding, is also a source of hope, as it assures believers of the ultimate triumph of God's reign and the peace that will follow.

Bibliographic Sources and Further Reading

For a deeper understanding of these themes, readers are encouraged to explore the following:

Walter Harner, The Book of Revelation, Fortress Press, 1987. Roger Thomas Bilous, Revelation of John: Unveiling the Cosmic Battle, Kregel Publications, 2009. Eliyahu Evans Sobol, The Cross in the Darkness: Understanding Daniel 9:24-27, Xlibris Corporation, 2008.