Bible Dictionaries
Rust
Holman Bible Dictionary
Coating produced by the corrosive effects of air and water on a metal, especially iron. Rust on a copper cooking pot symbolized Jerusalem's persistent wickedness in Ezekiel 24:6 ,Ezekiel 24:6,24:12-13 . Jesus highlighted the folly of relying on earthly treasures subject to rust (Matthew 6:19-20 ). In the style of an Old Testament prophet, James outlined God's future judgment on the wealth-reliant rich as if it were already accomplished (James 5:1-6 ). James' mention of riches, moths, and rust (James 5:2-3 ) suggests that he was applying Jesus' saying. The scientific observation that gold and silver do not rust should not obscure James' primary emphasis: one is a fool to rely on riches which will not survive God's coming judgment. Ill-gotten riches will serve as evidence and witness for God's prosecution. The very riches relied on for security will provide the corrosive rust effecting God's judgment.
Copyright Statement
These dictionary topics are from the Holman Bible Dictionary, published by Broadman & Holman, 1991. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Broadman & Holman.
Bibliography Information
Butler, Trent C. Editor. Entry for 'Rust'. Holman Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/hbd/r/rust.html. 1991.