In the biblical context, brass, often referred to as bronze, is a significant metal used in various articles and structures, particularly in the construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple. The use of brass in the Bible symbolizes strength, durability, and judgment.

Tabernacle and Temple Articles

The Tabernacle, as described in the Book of Exodus, utilized brass extensively. The altar of burnt offering, also known as the brazen altar, was made of acacia wood overlaid with brass (Exodus 27:1-2). This altar was central to the sacrificial system, symbolizing the atonement for sin through sacrifice. The laver, used by the priests for ceremonial washing, was also made of brass (Exodus 30:18).

In Solomon's Temple, brass was used even more extensively. The two pillars, Jachin and Boaz, were made of cast brass (1 Kings 7:15). These pillars stood at the entrance of the Temple, representing stability and strength. The "Sea of cast metal," a large basin for the priests' ablutions, was also made of brass and rested on twelve oxen, symbolizing the tribes of Israel (1 Kings 7:23-25).

Symbolism and Significance

Brass, as a metal, is an alloy of copper and tin, known for its hardness and resistance to corrosion. In the biblical narrative, it often symbolizes judgment and endurance. The brazen serpent, crafted by Moses and set upon a pole, was made of brass (Numbers 21:9). This serpent was a foreshadowing of Christ's crucifixion, as referenced in John 3:14-15, where Jesus likens His being lifted up to the serpent in the wilderness.

The use of brass in the construction of sacred articles underscores its symbolic role in divine judgment and purification. The brazen altar, where sacrifices were made, and the laver, where priests cleansed themselves, both point to the necessity of purification and atonement before approaching a holy God.

Military and Practical Uses

Beyond religious articles, brass was also used for practical and military purposes. Goliath's armor included a helmet and coat of mail made of brass, highlighting the metal's association with strength and protection (1 Samuel 17:5-6). The shields and weapons of warriors were often made of brass, signifying readiness for battle and the defense of God's people.

Prophetic Imagery

In prophetic literature, brass is used metaphorically to convey strength and judgment. In the vision of Daniel, the statue representing successive empires had legs of iron and feet partly of iron and partly of clay, with a belly and thighs of brass (Daniel 2:32-33). This imagery signifies the enduring yet ultimately flawed nature of human kingdoms in contrast to God's eternal kingdom.

In Revelation, the feet of the glorified Christ are described as "like polished bronze refined in a furnace" (Revelation 1:15), symbolizing His purity, strength, and authority in judgment.

Conclusion

The use of brass in the Bible, particularly in articles made of bars, reflects its symbolic significance in the religious, military, and prophetic contexts. Its enduring strength and association with judgment and purification underscore its importance in the biblical narrative.1 Kings 4:13
The son of Geber, in Ramothgilead; to him pertained the towns of Jair the son of Manasseh, which are in Gilead; to him also pertained the region of Argob, which is in Bashan, three score great cities with walls and brazen bars:
Nave's Topical Index

Imperial Tombs.
... as paved with marble, enclosed with brass railings, and ... mundus muliebris (wedding
gifts) and toilet articles of Maria ... it not for the rough sketches made at the ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter iv imperial tombs.htm

How Christ Performed the Office of Redeemer in Procuring Our ...
... into the Creed, it will shortly be made plain, that ... into this compendium, in which
the principal articles of faith ... He hath broken the gates of brass, and cut ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 16 how christ performed.htm

Scriptural Types.
... and all the pillars of the court, were of brass. ... sacredness of these solemn
sin-offerings made it necessary ... clean and unclean in respect to articles of food ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm

The Holy War,
... Churches and hospitals, as well as other houses, were made a prey to the enraged ...
would witness a great and arduous battle, in which there is no brass or steel ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy war.htm

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
... as both he and all others know, about 30 years ago, I was made regenerate by ... and
to me a spiritual father, my teacher in the creed and the articles of belief. ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /

Memoir of John Bunyan
... and he assisted in forming those enlarged and nonsectarian principles which made
his ministry ... Lord, break these gates of brass, and cut these bars of iron ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

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