In biblical times, the use of metals such as brass (often referred to as bronze in modern translations) was prevalent in various aspects of life, including warfare, religious practices, and daily living. The term "brass" in the Bible typically refers to an alloy of copper and tin, known today as bronze. This metal was highly valued for its durability and strength, making it an ideal material for crafting weapons, tools, and sacred objects.

Biblical References and Symbolism

1. Construction of the Tabernacle and Temple: Brass was extensively used in the construction of the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem. The altar of burnt offering, the laver, and various utensils were made of brass. Exodus 27:1-3 describes the altar: "You are to construct the altar of acacia wood, five cubits long and five cubits wide—the altar is to be square—and three cubits high. Make a horn at each of the four corners, so that the horns are of one piece with the altar, and overlay it with bronze."

2. The Bronze Serpent: In Numbers 21:8-9, God instructed Moses to make a serpent of brass and set it on a pole. Those who looked upon it were healed from the bites of fiery serpents. This event is later referenced in John 3:14-15 as a foreshadowing of Christ's crucifixion: "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in Him."

3. Symbol of Judgment and Strength: Brass is often associated with judgment and strength in the Bible. In Revelation 1:15, the feet of the glorified Christ are described as "like polished bronze, refined in a furnace," symbolizing His purity and strength in judgment.

4. Military Use: The strength of brass made it a preferred material for weapons and armor. Goliath's armor, for instance, included a helmet and coat of mail made of brass (1 Samuel 17:5-6). This highlights the formidable nature of the Philistine warrior and sets the stage for David's triumph through divine intervention.

5. Idolatry and False Worship: Despite its positive uses, brass was also used in the creation of idols, which were condemned by God. In 2 Kings 25:13-17, the Babylonians destroyed the bronze pillars and other items in the Temple, which had been misused in idolatrous practices.

Theological Implications

The use of brass in the Bible carries significant theological implications. It represents human strength and durability, yet it is also a reminder of the need for divine intervention and redemption. The bronze serpent, for example, serves as a powerful symbol of salvation through faith, prefiguring the redemptive work of Christ.

In summary, brass in the Bible is a multifaceted symbol, representing both human achievement and the need for divine grace. Its presence in sacred and secular contexts underscores the interplay between human effort and divine sovereignty, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture.1 Samuel 17:6
And he had greaves of brass on his legs, and a target of brass between his shoulders.
Nave's Topical Index

Protest and Agony. (I, iv. 10, 19, vi. 11, xi. 18-xii. 6, xv. 10 ...
... hurtles on his career like one slung at a target who knows ... the arm on my shoulder
iron 12 Or brass my brow ... been his weakness as a man"may have made him, from ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/1 protest and agony i.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... manual exercises, fencing, and shooting at a target; the war ... a conical roof; some
of them were made of closely ... each leg eighteen rings of solid brass as thick ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

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