Topical Bible: Gates: Made of Brass

◄ Gates: Made of Brass ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical literature, gates often symbolize authority, power, and protection. They serve as critical points of entry and defense for cities and fortresses. The mention of gates made of brass in the Bible underscores their strength and durability, reflecting the might and security of the cities they protect.

Biblical References

The concept of gates made of brass is notably mentioned in the book of Isaiah. In Isaiah 45:2, the Lord speaks through the prophet Isaiah, promising to Cyrus, the Persian king, "I will go before you and level the mountains; I will break down the gates of bronze and cut through the bars of iron." . This passage highlights God's power to overcome formidable obstacles and barriers, symbolized by the strong and seemingly impenetrable gates of brass.

Symbolism and Significance

Gates of brass represent formidable strength and security. In ancient times, brass (or bronze) was a material known for its resilience and was often used in the construction of weapons and fortifications. The use of brass for gates implies a level of defense that is not easily breached, signifying the strength of the city or kingdom.

In a spiritual context, the breaking of brass gates by divine intervention, as mentioned in Isaiah, symbolizes God's ability to overcome human defenses and obstacles. It reflects the theme of divine sovereignty and the futility of human efforts against God's will. The imagery of God breaking through these gates serves as a powerful reminder of His omnipotence and the assurance of His promises to His people.

Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, city gates were not only functional but also held significant social and political importance. They were places where leaders met, judgments were rendered, and commerce was conducted. The strength of a city's gates was directly related to its ability to withstand sieges and attacks. Thus, gates made of brass would have been seen as a formidable deterrent to enemies.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the breaking of brass gates can be seen as a metaphor for liberation and deliverance. It signifies God's intervention in human affairs to bring about His purposes. For believers, this imagery can be a source of comfort and hope, illustrating that no barrier is too strong for God to overcome.

In summary, gates made of brass in the Bible symbolize strength, security, and the formidable nature of human defenses. Yet, they also serve as a testament to God's supreme power and His ability to break through any barrier to fulfill His divine will.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 107:16
For he has broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 45:2
I will go before you, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Of the Building of this Temple
... which were made of electrum, [the finest brass,] forty thousand. 9. Solomon made
all these things for the honor of ... was entered into by very high gates, each of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 of the building.htm

Concerning the Tabernacle which Moses Built in the Wilderness for ...
... on each side, after the resemblance of open gates. These were made wholly of silver,
and polished, and that all over, excepting the bases, which were of brass. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 concerning the tabernacle.htm

Concerning the Sabbatic River which Titus Saw as He was Journeying ...
... their several commanders, in the night time, and were about the gates, not of ... of
a trident in their position, and had every one a socket made of brass for a ...
/.../chapter v concerning the sabbatic.htm

Palestine under Pagan Kings.
... They were built of brick, cemented together with bitumen. They had twenty gates
made of solid brass, and were surmounted with two hundred and fifty towers. ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/palestine under pagan kings.htm

How the Philistines Made Another Expedition against the Hebrews ...
... he had also a helmet and greaves of brass, as large as ... But Saul and the entire army
of the Hebrews made a shout ... to the borders of Garb, and to the gates of Ekron ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 how the philistines.htm

Chel. The Court of the Women.
... But one, without the Temple, made of Corinthian brass, did much exceed, in glory,
those, that were overlaid with silver and gold. And two gates of every court ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 29 chel the court.htm

God Hath Made Manifest
... in the public hall, nor statues of brass, these cold ... For the present we find the
gates closed; but when ... theatre, when a great silence hath been made, then the ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily i god hath made.htm

Climbing the Mountain
... sang the language of the seventh verse, "Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be
ye ... When he said he would give you show that were made of brass, you thought ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/climbing the mountain.htm

The Peace of God
... power of creating or of altering circumstances, by which God made all worlds ... him
from youth to age tearing with weak hands at the gates of brass, and beating ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxv the peace of.htm

A Description of the Temple.
... of the] temple, there was a partition made of stone ... 3. Now nine of these gates were
on every side ... the] holy house, which was of Corinthian brass, and greatly ...
/.../chapter 5 a description of 2.htm