Iron Rod

In The Book of Mormon, which is part of the official canon of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Lehi, a prophet, has a vision. In his vision he sees “a tree, whose fruit was desirable to make one happy. … And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy”(1 Ne. 8:10, 12). There was a straight and narrow path, which led to the tree, but there were many obstacles along the path. There was also a rod of iron leading to the tree that acted as a guide for those who would hold onto it and follow it.

Nephi, the son of Lehi was also shown this vision and was taught to understand the symbolism of the vision. He learned that the tree of life was a symbol of Christ, that the straight and narrow path was the way to salvation, that the fruit of the tree was the Gospel, and that the iron rod was the word of God (see 1 Nephi 11). To members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints the iron rod has become a well-known symbol for following God’s commandments. A song included in the LDS hymnbook is a good explanation of all that it stands for in the LDS faith.

The Iron Rod

“To Nephi, seer of olden time, A vision came from God, Wherein the holy word sublime Was shown an iron rod.

[Chorus] Hold to the rod, the iron rod; ’Tis strong, and bright, and true. The iron rod is the word of God; ’Twill safely guide us through.

[Chorus] While on our journey here below, Beneath temptation’s pow’r, Through mists of darkness we must go, In peril ev’ry hour.

[Chorus] And when temptation’s pow’r is nigh, Our pathway clouded o’er, Upon the rod we can rely, And heaven’s aid implore.

[Chorus] And, hand o’er hand, the rod along, Through each succeeding day,

With earnest prayer and hopeful song, We’ll still pursue our way.

[Chorus] Afar we see the golden rest To which the rod will guide, Where, with the angels bright and blest, Forever we’ll abide.

The Iron rod, as illustrated by the song, is now synonymous in the Church with clinging to the Gospel and enduring to the end even when the way is dangerous and hard. The path is clear and God’s rules are simple, just as holding tight to a railing that will lead you when you are in the dark. It would not make much sense to let go, especially if your surroundings are unfamiliar. So when a Latter-day Saint is heard encouraging a friend by saying, “just hold to the rod,” he is telling his friend to continue trying to live the commandments of God.

Other Links: http://www.zionsbest.com/people.html http://scriptures.lds.org/1_ne/8