Topical Bible: Copper Brass: Extreme Drought

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Copper and Brass in the Bible

Copper and brass, though distinct in modern metallurgy, are often used interchangeably in biblical texts due to the ancient understanding of metals. Copper, a naturally occurring element, and brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, were both significant in biblical times for their utility and symbolic meanings.

In the Bible, copper is frequently mentioned as a material used in the construction of sacred objects and structures. For instance, in the construction of the Tabernacle, God instructed Moses to use copper for various elements, including the altar of burnt offering and the laver (Exodus 27:1-3). The use of copper in these sacred contexts underscores its value and durability.

Brass, while not explicitly mentioned in the original Hebrew texts, is often translated from the Hebrew word "nechosheth," which can mean copper or bronze. The King James Version and other translations sometimes use "brass" to describe items made from this metal. For example, the "brazen serpent" that Moses made in the wilderness (Numbers 21:9) is often understood to be made of bronze or copper.

Symbolism and Significance

Copper and brass symbolize strength, judgment, and endurance in biblical literature. The prophet Daniel's vision of a statue with legs of iron and feet partly of iron and partly of clay (Daniel 2:33) includes a torso of bronze, symbolizing a kingdom of great strength and resilience. Similarly, the Apostle John describes Jesus in the Book of Revelation with feet "like polished bronze refined in a furnace" (Revelation 1:15), indicating purity and strength.

Extreme Drought in the Bible

Drought is a recurring theme in the Bible, often depicted as a divine judgment or a test of faith. Extreme droughts are portrayed as periods of severe hardship, leading to famine and suffering. These events are frequently used to call God's people to repentance and reliance on Him.

One of the most notable droughts in the Bible occurred during the reign of King Ahab, when the prophet Elijah declared that there would be neither dew nor rain in the land except at his word (1 Kings 17:1). This drought lasted for three and a half years and was a direct consequence of Israel's idolatry and disobedience. The drought ended only after Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, demonstrating God's power and sovereignty (1 Kings 18:41-45).

In the Book of Jeremiah, drought is depicted as a tool of divine judgment against Judah for their unfaithfulness. The prophet laments the desolation caused by the lack of rain, describing the ground as cracked and the animals as panting for water (Jeremiah 14:1-6). This imagery underscores the severity of drought and its impact on both the land and its inhabitants.

Spiritual Lessons from Drought

Droughts in the Bible serve as powerful reminders of humanity's dependence on God for sustenance and provision. They are often used to illustrate spiritual dryness and the need for repentance and renewal. In times of drought, the people of God are called to turn back to Him, seeking His mercy and restoration.

The prophet Joel speaks of a devastating drought and locust plague as a call to repentance, urging the people to return to the Lord with fasting, weeping, and mourning (Joel 1:13-14). This call to repentance is accompanied by a promise of restoration and blessing, highlighting God's desire to renew and refresh His people.

In the New Testament, Jesus uses the imagery of living water to describe the spiritual nourishment He offers. In His conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well, He promises that whoever drinks the water He gives will never thirst again (John 4:13-14). This metaphor emphasizes the sufficiency of Christ to satisfy the deepest spiritual needs, contrasting the physical thirst experienced during a drought.

Overall, the themes of copper, brass, and extreme drought in the Bible convey messages of strength, judgment, and the necessity of reliance on God. These elements serve as reminders of the enduring truths found in Scripture and the call to live faithfully in accordance with God's will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 28:23
And your heaven that is over your head shall be brass, and the earth that is under you shall be iron.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... to strengthen their ancient posts or found others"such as Carpasia, Gerynia, and
Lapathos on the Achaean coast itself, Tamassos near the copper-mines, and a ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... death, who would devote to destruction the estimable Fravashis;** Apaosha, the enemy
of Tishtrya the wicked black horse, the bringer of drought, who interferes ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... far as the brook of Kanah, and thus formed in this direction the extreme outpost
of ... all alike was the coat of scale mail and the helmet of brass; their weapons ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm