Topical Bible: Copper Brass: The Strength and Firmness of Christ

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Copper and brass hold significant symbolic meaning within the biblical narrative, often representing strength, durability, and divine judgment. These metals are frequently mentioned in the context of the tabernacle, temple, and various implements used in worship and warfare, underscoring their importance in the spiritual and physical realms.

Biblical References and Symbolism

In the construction of the tabernacle and later the temple, copper and brass were used extensively. Exodus 27:1-3 describes the altar of burnt offering made of acacia wood overlaid with bronze (a term often used interchangeably with brass in biblical translations). This altar, central to the sacrificial system, symbolizes the enduring nature of God's covenant and the strength of His provision for atonement.

The prophet Daniel provides a vivid image of divine strength and judgment in his vision of a heavenly being: "His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of polished bronze, and the sound of his words like the roar of a multitude" (Daniel 10:6). Here, the gleam of polished bronze signifies the unyielding and majestic nature of divine authority.

Christ as the Fulfillment of Strength and Firmness

The New Testament further develops the symbolism of copper and brass in the person of Jesus Christ. In the book of Revelation, the apostle John describes the glorified Christ: "The hair of His head was white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes were like a blazing fire. His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and His voice was like the roar of many waters" (Revelation 1:14-15). The imagery of Christ's feet as polished bronze emphasizes His steadfastness and the purity of His judgment.

This portrayal of Christ aligns with the Old Testament use of copper and brass as symbols of strength and resilience. Just as these metals were integral to the structure and function of the tabernacle and temple, so too is Christ the cornerstone of the Church, embodying the strength and firmness necessary for the foundation of faith.

Theological Implications

The use of copper and brass in biblical imagery points to the enduring and unbreakable nature of Christ's character and mission. As metals that resist corrosion and maintain their integrity under pressure, they reflect the unwavering resolve and eternal nature of Christ's love and justice. In a world where human strength often falters, the biblical depiction of Christ as having feet like polished bronze offers believers assurance of His unchanging power and presence.

In summary, copper and brass serve as powerful symbols within the biblical narrative, pointing to the strength, firmness, and divine authority of Christ. Through these metals, Scripture communicates the enduring nature of God's promises and the steadfastness of His Son, who stands as the ultimate expression of divine strength and righteousness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Daniel 10:6
His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in color to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Revelation 1:15
And his feet like to fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Shoes of Iron, and Strength Sufficient: a New Year's Promise
... of the shoe was to be studded with iron or copper nails. ... march towards Canaan; "Thy
shoes shall be iron and brass, and as thy days, so shall thy strength be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/shoes of iron and strength.htm