Topical Encyclopedia Copper and its alloy, brass, have been utilized throughout biblical history for various purposes, including the construction of idols. The use of these metals in idol-making is significant in the biblical narrative, as it often symbolizes the turning away from the worship of the one true God to the worship of man-made images.Biblical References: 1. The Golden Calf (Exodus 32:1-4): One of the most notable instances of idol-making in the Bible is the creation of the golden calf by the Israelites. While the text specifically mentions gold, the practice of using metals, including copper and brass, for idol-making was common in the ancient Near East. The Israelites, impatient for Moses' return from Mount Sinai, demanded that Aaron make them gods to lead them. Aaron collected gold from the people and fashioned it into a calf, which they then worshiped. This act of idolatry provoked God's anger and led to severe consequences for the Israelites. 2. Nebuchadnezzar's Statue (Daniel 3:1-6): King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon constructed a massive statue made of gold, which may have included copper or brass in its construction, given the common use of these metals in large statues. He commanded all his subjects to worship the image, under penalty of death in a fiery furnace. This event highlights the use of metal in creating objects of worship and the pressure to conform to idolatrous practices. 3. The Idols of the Nations (Psalm 115:4-8): The psalmist describes the idols of the nations as being made of silver and gold, the work of human hands. While copper and brass are not explicitly mentioned, the passage underscores the futility of worshiping metal images, which cannot speak, see, hear, or walk. The psalmist contrasts these lifeless idols with the living God, emphasizing the folly of idolatry. 4. The Bronze Serpent (Numbers 21:8-9): Although not an idol in the traditional sense, the bronze serpent made by Moses at God's command became an object of idolatry in later years. Initially, it served as a means for the Israelites to be healed from snake bites, but it was eventually destroyed by King Hezekiah because the people began to worship it (2 Kings 18:4). This incident illustrates how objects made from metals like bronze can become idols when they are revered beyond their intended purpose. Theological Implications: The use of copper and brass in idol-making reflects a broader theme in Scripture: the human tendency to create and worship tangible representations of the divine. This practice is consistently condemned in the Bible, as it violates the first and second commandments, which call for exclusive worship of God and prohibit the making of graven images (Exodus 20:3-4). The crafting of idols from metals like copper and brass is portrayed as a departure from true faith, leading to spiritual blindness and separation from God. Throughout the biblical narrative, the prophets and leaders of Israel repeatedly call the people back to the worship of Yahweh, urging them to abandon their idols and return to the covenant relationship with God. The use of metals in idol-making serves as a powerful reminder of the allure of idolatry and the need for vigilance in maintaining faithfulness to God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Daniel 5:4They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone. Torrey's Topical Textbook Revelation 9:20 Library Answer to the Objection of the Heathen, that it was not Right to ... The City of Benares. The Absurdity and Impiety of the Heathen Mysteries and Fables ... The Rise of the Assyrian Empire The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire The Iranian Conquest Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources What was the significance of the bronze laver? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was Nehushtan? | GotQuestions.org What was the brazen altar? | GotQuestions.org Brass: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Brass: Abundance of, for the Temple Brass: Articles Made of Altar, Vessels, and Other Articles of the Tabernacle and Temple Brass: Articles Made of Cymbals Brass: Articles Made of Fetters Brass: Articles Made of Household Vessels Brass: Articles Made of Mirrors Brass: Articles Made of Trumpets Copper Brass: Antiquity of Working In Copper Brass: Canaan Abounded In Copper Brass: Characterised by Fusibility Copper Brass: Characterised by Hardness Copper Brass: Characterised by Sonorousness Copper Brass: Characterised by Strength Copper Brass: Characterised by Yellow Colour Copper Brass: Collected by David fthe Temple Copper Brass: Dug out of the Mountains Copper Brass: Extensive Commerce In Copper Brass: Inferiin Value to Gold and Silver Copper Brass: Macedonian Empire Copper Brass: Made Into: Altars Copper Brass: Made Into: Bars fGates Copper Brass: Made Into: Fetters Copper Brass: Made Into: Gates Copper Brass: Made Into: Greaves fthe Legs Copper Brass: Made Into: Helmets Copper Brass: Made Into: Household Vessels Copper Brass: Made Into: Idols Copper Brass: Made Into: Instruments of Music Copper Brass: Made Into: Lavers Copper Brass: Made Into: Mirrors Copper Brass: Made Into: Pillars Copper Brass: Made Into: Sacred Vessels Copper Brass: Made Into: Shields Copper Brass: Made Into: Sockets fPillars Copper Brass: Moses Made the Serpent of Copper Brass: Obstinate Sinners Copper Brass: Offerings of, fthe Tabernacle Copper Brass: Offerings of, fthe Temple Copper Brass: Purified by Smelting Copper Brass: Strength Given to Saints Copper Brass: Taken in War: Cleansed by Fire Copper Brass: Taken in War: Generally Consecrated to God Copper Brass: Taken in War: Often in Great Quantities Copper Brass: Takes a High Polish Copper Brass: The Decrees of God Copper Brass: The Earth Made Barren Copper Brass: The Strength and Firmness of Christ Copper Brass: Working In, a Trade Related Terms Connecting-rods (8 Occurrences) Heave-offering (55 Occurrences) |
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