In the biblical context, music plays a significant role in worship, celebration, and various aspects of life. Among the instruments mentioned in the Scriptures, those made of brass hold a particular place, often associated with ceremonial and religious functions.

Trumpets

The trumpet is one of the most frequently mentioned brass instruments in the Bible. It was used for a variety of purposes, including signaling, worship, and warfare. In Numbers 10:2, God commands Moses, "Make two trumpets of hammered silver to summon the congregation and set out the camps." Although these trumpets were made of silver, the term "trumpet" in a broader sense includes brass instruments used in similar contexts. Trumpets were integral to the Israelites' religious ceremonies, as seen in 2 Chronicles 5:12-13, where the Levites used them to praise the Lord during the dedication of Solomon's Temple.

Horns

The horn, often referred to as the "shofar," is another significant brass instrument. While traditionally made from a ram's horn, the term "horn" in a broader sense can include brass instruments used for similar purposes. The shofar was used in various religious and military contexts. Joshua 6:4 describes the use of horns in the battle of Jericho: "Have seven priests carry seven trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets."

Cymbals

Cymbals, though not exclusively made of brass, often included brass in their construction and were used in conjunction with other brass instruments. They played a vital role in the musical worship of Israel. In 1 Chronicles 15:16, David commands the leaders of the Levites to appoint musicians to "raise sounds of joy with musical instruments—harps, lyres, and cymbals." Cymbals were used to enhance the sound of other instruments and to create a joyful noise unto the Lord.

Symbolism and Significance

Brass instruments in the Bible often symbolize strength, clarity, and proclamation. Their use in worship and warfare underscores their importance in conveying messages, both divine and human. The sound of brass instruments was associated with the presence and power of God, as seen in the use of trumpets during the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:16).

In summary, brass instruments in the Bible were not only tools for music but also instruments of communication and symbols of divine interaction with humanity. Their presence in biblical narratives highlights the importance of music in expressing faith, obedience, and the glory of God.1 Corinthians 13:1
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

How the Hebrews were Delivered from a Famine when the Gibeonites ...
... He also made instruments of music, and taught the Levites to sing hymns ... by the fingers;
the cymbals were broad and large instruments, and were made of brass ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 12 how the hebrews.htm

That David Made Great Preparations for the House of God; and That ...
... and delivered the government to him, or not; for that he had made a splendid ... the
earth and the air echoed with the multitude of the instruments of music. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 that david made.htm

Hiram, the Inspired Artificer
... All things were made from forms and types which were in ... of special men, one is turned
to music, another to ... all, and each may be perfected instruments by which ...
/.../milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/hiram the inspired artificer.htm

Palestine under Pagan Kings.
... came the Chaldeans with their musical instruments, who are ... earnest prayer of Daniel,
God made the secret ... Dura, and commanded that, when music sounded, everyone ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/palestine under pagan kings.htm

On the Psalms. I.
... while the appropriate sound is also made to accompany it, rendered harmoniously
by the instruments; and "songs ... second place, and accompanies the music of the ...
/.../hippolytus/the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/on the psalms i.htm

The Fulfilment
... whips, and bundles of fagots; iron spikes, instruments of torture ... Thou hast stripped
me and made me see ... to strike together with keen and exquisitely fine music. ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xxiii the fulfilment.htm

The Temple and Its Dedication
... on Mount Moriah was noiselessly upreared with "stone made ready before it ... up their
voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 2 the temple and.htm

Noah's Justice
... Well, my friends, to understand what made Noah so great, we must ... and flesh; that
they had invented all sorts of music and musical instruments; that they ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon x noahs justice.htm

The Revelation
... wrong act, those who banished John became instruments in the ... His voice is like the
music of many waters. ... Patmos is made resplendent with the glory of the risen ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 57 the revelation.htm

The Four Captive Children.
... He made Daniel chief ruler in his realm and gave also ... were there also, with many
kinds of instruments, and a ... At the first sound of the bands of music all were ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxxi the four captive.htm

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