Copper and brass hold significant places in biblical history and craftsmanship, often mentioned in the context of skilled labor and trade. These metals were essential in the construction of sacred objects and everyday tools, reflecting the advanced metallurgical practices of ancient times.

Biblical References and Usage

Copper, a naturally occurring metal, and brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, are frequently mentioned in the Bible. The Berean Standard Bible provides several references to these metals, highlighting their importance in various contexts.

In the construction of the Tabernacle, copper was extensively used. Exodus 27:3-4 describes the making of utensils for the altar: "Make all its utensils of bronze—its pots to remove the ashes, its shovels, sprinkling bowls, meat forks, and firepans. Make a grate for it, a bronze network, and make a bronze ring at each of the four corners of the network." Here, "bronze" is often understood to refer to copper or a copper alloy, indicating the metal's durability and suitability for sacred purposes.

The skilled artisans who worked with copper and brass were highly valued. In 1 Kings 7:14 , Hiram of Tyre is noted for his expertise: "He was the son of a widow from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a craftsman in bronze. Hiram was filled with wisdom, understanding, and skill for doing any work in bronze. So he came to King Solomon and performed all his work." Hiram's craftsmanship was instrumental in the construction of Solomon's Temple, where he created pillars, capitals, and other intricate items.

Symbolism and Significance

Copper and brass are often symbolic of strength and endurance in the Bible. The use of these metals in the construction of the Tabernacle and Temple signifies the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people. The metals' resistance to corrosion and their ability to withstand fire make them apt symbols of resilience and divine protection.

In prophetic literature, these metals are sometimes used metaphorically. For instance, in Ezekiel 1:7 , the prophet describes the appearance of the living creatures: "Their legs were straight, and the soles of their feet were like the hooves of a calf, gleaming like polished bronze." This imagery conveys a sense of divine majesty and strength.

Trade and Economy

The trade of copper and brass was a significant aspect of the ancient economy. These metals were not only used locally but were also traded with neighboring regions. The demand for skilled metalworkers was high, as they were essential for producing tools, weapons, and decorative items.

The Bible acknowledges the economic importance of these trades. In Ezekiel 27:13 , the prophet lists the goods traded by Tyre: "Javan, Tubal, and Meshech were your merchants. They exchanged slaves and bronze articles for your merchandise." This passage highlights the extensive trade networks and the value placed on metal goods.

Conclusion

Copper and brass, through their practical applications and symbolic meanings, played a vital role in biblical times. The skilled artisans who worked with these metals were crucial to the religious and economic life of ancient Israel, leaving a legacy that underscores the importance of craftsmanship and trade in the biblical narrative.Genesis 4:22
And Zillah, she also bore Tubalcain, an instructor of every artificer in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubalcain was Naamah.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 7:14
He was a widow's son of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in brass: and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass. And he came to king Solomon, and worked all his work.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 24:12
And the king and Jehoiada gave it to such as did the work of the service of the house of the LORD, and hired masons and carpenters to repair the house of the LORD, and also such as worked iron and brass to mend the house of the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Timothy 4:14
Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... the blacksmith's and also the goldsmith's trade, working up both ... on each leg eighteen
rings of solid brass as thick ... finger, and three rings of copper above the ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

Monos
... These garments, and perhaps a brass pot, were probably all ... hates the Coolie as a
hard-working interloper, and ... the mouth, in intense black and copper and olive ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter vi monos.htm

The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple
... was made of quite short spikes of brass wire set ... similar"wide funnels made of thin
copper, ending in ... very wide sleeves, which they rolled up when working. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/iii the presentation of the.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... old masters such deference that they obtained as great freedom of trade with the ...
and Lapathos on the Achaean coast itself, Tamassos near the copper-mines, and ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of 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

The Iranian Conquest
... creation, presiding over the machinery of nature and maintaining it in working order. ...
Obliged by the exigencies of their trade to cut up the large gold ingots ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

What was the significance of the bronze laver? | GotQuestions.org

What was Nehushtan? | GotQuestions.org

What was the brazen altar? | GotQuestions.org

Brass: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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