Topical Bible: Copper Brass: Extensive Commerce In

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Topical Encyclopedia

Copper and its alloy, brass, hold significant places in the biblical narrative, both as materials of practical utility and as symbols of wealth and trade. The ancient Near East, including the regions surrounding Israel, was rich in copper resources, which facilitated extensive commerce and contributed to the economic and cultural development of the area.

Biblical References and Usage

Copper is mentioned numerous times in the Bible, often in the context of construction, craftsmanship, and trade. In the construction of the Tabernacle, copper was a critical material. Exodus 27:2 describes the altar of burnt offering: "Make a horn at each of the four corners, so that the horns and the altar are of one piece, and overlay the altar with bronze." Here, "bronze" is often understood to be an alloy of copper and tin, similar to what we know as brass.

The use of copper and brass extends to the Temple of Solomon. In 1 Kings 7:45-47 , the extensive use of bronze is detailed: "the pots, shovels, and sprinkling bowls. All these objects that Huram made for King Solomon for the house of the LORD were of polished bronze. The king had them cast in clay molds in the plain of the Jordan between Succoth and Zarethan. Solomon left all these articles unweighed, because there were so many; the weight of the bronze could not be determined."

Commerce and Trade

The trade of copper and brass was a significant aspect of ancient commerce. The Bible provides insights into the extensive trade networks that existed during the time. Ezekiel 27:12 highlights the city of Tyre's trade relations: "Tarshish was your merchant because of your great wealth of goods; they exchanged silver, iron, tin, and lead for your merchandise." This passage indicates the exchange of metals, including copper, as part of a broader commercial system.

The Phoenicians, known for their seafaring and trade, played a crucial role in the distribution of copper and brass throughout the Mediterranean. Their trade routes facilitated the exchange of these metals, which were essential for various applications, from weaponry to art.

Symbolism and Significance

In biblical symbolism, copper and brass often represent strength and durability. The prophet Daniel, in his visions, describes a statue with legs of iron and feet partly of iron and partly of clay, but earlier in the vision, the statue's belly and thighs are made of bronze (Daniel 2:32). This imagery conveys the idea of empires and their varying degrees of strength and resilience.

Moreover, the use of copper and brass in sacred contexts, such as the Tabernacle and Temple, underscores their value and the skill required to work with these materials. The artisans, like Bezalel and Oholiab, were endowed with divine wisdom to craft these metals for holy purposes (Exodus 31:2-5).

Conclusion

The extensive commerce in copper and brass in biblical times reflects the economic and cultural dynamics of the ancient world. These metals were not only practical materials but also carried symbolic weight, representing strength, wealth, and divine craftsmanship. The biblical narrative, through its detailed descriptions and symbolic uses, provides a window into the significance of copper and brass in the ancient Near East.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 27:13
Javan, Tubal, and Meshech, they were your merchants: they traded the persons of men and vessels of brass in your market.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Revelation 18:12
The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The City of Benares.
... Of late years the enchased brass vessels made in ... Jae Singh, and a massy and extensive
structure, with ... gold leaf, spread over plates of copper overlaying the ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter vii the city of.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... coast itself, Tamassos near the copper-mines, and a ... to enter Egyptian provinces,
and thus crippling Chaldaean commerce. ... it one of the most extensive ruins in ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... on account of its strategic position and its favourable situation for commerce,
but this ... was the coat of scale mail and the helmet of brass; their weapons ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... The mountains contained copper, iron, lead, some gold and silver,* several kinds
of white or coloured marble,** and precious stones, such as topaz, garnets ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm