Topical Bible: Brass: Articles Made of Money

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, brass, often referred to as bronze, was a significant metal used for various purposes, including the creation of articles related to money and commerce. The term "brass" in the Bible is typically understood to mean a copper alloy, commonly bronze, which was widely used in the ancient Near East.

Biblical References and Usage

Brass is mentioned numerous times throughout the Bible, often in the context of wealth, trade, and craftsmanship. In Ezekiel 27:13, the prophet describes the trading activities of Tyre, noting, "Javan, Tubal, and Meshech were your merchants. They exchanged slaves and articles of bronze for your merchandise." This passage highlights the value of brass as a traded commodity, akin to currency in its time.

In the construction of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, brass was used extensively. Exodus 27:3-4 describes the making of the altar of burnt offering: "Make all its utensils of bronze—its pots to remove the ashes, its shovels, sprinkling bowls, meat forks, and firepans. Make a grate for it, a bronze network, and make a bronze ring at each of the four corners of the network." The use of brass in these sacred objects underscores its importance and value.

Symbolism and Significance

Brass, due to its durability and luster, often symbolizes strength and endurance in the Bible. In Daniel 2:32, the statue in Nebuchadnezzar's dream has a belly and thighs of bronze, representing the Greek Empire, known for its strength and influence. The use of brass in this context signifies the enduring power and wealth of the empire.

Moreover, brass is associated with judgment and purification. In Numbers 21:9, Moses makes a bronze serpent and sets it on a pole, so that anyone bitten by a snake could look at it and live. This act of looking upon the bronze serpent for healing prefigures the redemptive work of Christ, as noted in John 3:14-15.

Craftsmanship and Economy

The skill of working with brass was highly regarded in ancient Israel. Artisans like Hiram of Tyre, who assisted King Solomon, were renowned for their expertise in crafting with this metal. 1 Kings 7:14 describes Hiram as "a widow’s son from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a craftsman in bronze. Hiram was filled with wisdom, understanding, and skill for doing any work in bronze."

Brass was not only a material for sacred and royal use but also played a role in the everyday economy. It was used to make various tools, weapons, and household items, contributing to the economic stability and prosperity of the society.

Conclusion

The use of brass in the Bible reflects its multifaceted role in ancient society, symbolizing wealth, strength, and divine judgment. Its presence in both sacred and secular contexts underscores its value and significance in the biblical narrative.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 10:9
Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,
Nave's Topical Index

Mark 12:41
And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Oracles.
... Besides these articles, there were others made, far more ... to the throne, caused this
statue to be made, and now ... In fact, statues of brass or of marble generally ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter vi the oracles.htm

Hiram, the Inspired Artificer
... in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in ... All things were made from forms and
types which were in ... decoration of delicate beauty, so that the articles of the ...
/.../milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/hiram the inspired artificer.htm

The Destruction of Babylon.
... vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron ... She is thus made to feel her
widowhood,"her divorce ... And these articles of traffic are symbolized by the ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the destruction of babylon.htm

In Jerusalem when Herod Reigned
... and enlarged, this fort (now Antonia), and made it a ... the moulder, or the artificer
in iron or brass. ... from foreign lands - nay, the rarest articles from the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter i in jerusalem when.htm

On the First Commandment
... "Charms" are articles worn about ... do not expect any help from the little piece of
brass or cloth ... We read in the Holy Scriptures that God at times made known His ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 30 on the first.htm

The Story of Panthea.
... He made one chariot much larger than the rest, for ... These articles formed a suit of
armor sufficient to cover all ... breast-pieces and side-pieces of brass for the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter x the story of.htm

The City of Benares.
... They produce articles which command a large and profitable sale. ... Of late years the
enchased brass vessels made in ... The last time I made it I was accompanied by ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter vii the city of.htm

Disestablishment
... When all articles had been approved, the constitution was ... cloths, and wool
cloth,"all these made in families ... 18 naileries, [USD]27,092; 4 brass foundries, 1 ...
/.../chapter xv disestablishment.htm

Pagan Cemeteries.
... As a rule, the ceremony of cutting the brass clamps which ... close to the right hip,
a box containing toilet articles. The box was made of thin pieces of hard wood ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter vi pagan cemeteries.htm

Sweet Comfort for Feeble Saints
... persons beloved by fame are men made of brass or iron ... when he said he wished God
had made him a ... Both of these articles, however worthless they may be, may yet ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/sweet comfort for feeble saints.htm