In the Bible, brass often symbolizes strength, judgment, and permanence. It is frequently associated with God’s judgment, such as in the construction of altar items in the Old Testament, where it represents resilience and the enduring nature of divine law.
Scripture
1 “You shall make the altar of acacia wood, five cubits long and five cubits broad. The altar shall be square, and its height shall be three cubits.
2 And you shall make horns for it on its four corners; its horns shall be of one piece with it, and you shall overlay it with bronze.
3 Five cubits shall be the length of the one curtain, and five cubits the breadth of the one curtain for the first set of curtains, and five cubits the length of the one curtain, and five cubits the breadth of the one curtain for the second set of curtains.
4 You shall make for it a grating of network of bronze, and on the net you shall make four bronze rings at its four corners.
5 You shall put it under the ledge of the altar so that the net shall extend halfway down the altar.
6 You shall make poles for the altar, a net of bronze network, to be set halfway up the altar.
7 And you shall put it under the ledge of the altar so that the net shall extend halfway down the altar.
8 It shall be made with cherubim skillfully worked into it.
Brass Symbolism in the Bible
In the Bible, brass is a potent symbol that conveys themes of strength, judgment, and permanence. Its durable nature serves as a metaphor for the unyielding character of God’s laws and decrees. For instance, the use of brass in the construction of the altar and other items in the Tabernacle signifies not only the weightiness and seriousness of God’s commands but also their lasting impact on worship and morality (Exodus 39:39). In contrast to other metals that may corrode or change, brass remains, serving as a reminder of the steadfastness of God’s covenant with His people, as well as the eternal consequences associated with obedience and disobedience.
Furthermore, brass as a symbol also highlights the concept of divine judgment. In the book of Revelation, the description of Jesus’s eyes as “a flame of fire” (Revelation 1:14) parallels the oppressive and purifying qualities associated with brass, which, like fire, reflects strength and the ability to refine. The association of brass with judgment extends to imagery of warfare and the instruments of conflict, as seen in Jeremiah 6:28, which speaks of people who are “bronze and iron” concerning their hard-heartedness and resistance to God’s messages. Thus, brass encapsulates a duality of strength and judgment, serving as a reminder of God’s enduring nature while also warning against the consequences of spiritual stubbornness.
The symbolism of brass in the Bible transcends mere physical properties, offering a deeper reflection on humanity’s relationship with God. Its use as a construction material, particularly in sacred spaces, highlights an underlying theme of sanctification and the seriousness of divine service. By employing brass in pivotal worship artifacts, the text underscores the gravity of drawing near to God in holiness and the vital role of maintaining purity in spiritual practices. This notion ties brass to the concept of integrity—both in the physical and moral sense—emphasizing that just as brass withstands fire and time, so too should the faith and commitment of believers withstand trials and tribulations.
Equally compelling is brass’s connection to themes of authority and power in the biblical narrative. In ancient contexts, brass was often used in weaponry and armor, representing not only the might of earthly kingdoms but also the unyielding strength of divine authority. The incorporation of brass in prophetic imagery can foreshadow the divine judgment of nations and individuals who oppose God’s will. Its weight implies a burden of responsibility for leaders and followers alike, symbolizing the accountability that comes with exercising power. Thus, the dual symbolism of brass in the Bible serves a multifaceted role, embodying steadfastness and purity while also acting as a stark reminder of the consequences of straying from the path of righteousness.
Strength and Endurance
Brass is often associated with strength and durability in biblical symbolism. Its hardness and resistance to corrosion make it a fitting metaphor for resilience and steadfastness in faith. This quality can be seen as a representation of God’s unyielding nature and the enduring spirit of believers who withstand trials and tribulations.
Judgment and Purification
In various contexts, brass symbolizes judgment and purification. Its use in instruments for refining and purifying metals reflects the process of spiritual cleansing and the divine judgment that leads to transformation. This aspect of brass serves as a reminder of the necessity of purification through trials, leading to a more refined and holy state.
Wealth and Prosperity
Brass is also linked to wealth and prosperity, often representing material abundance and the blessings that come from God. In biblical times, brass was a valuable metal used in various applications, including tools and ornaments. This association highlights the idea that material wealth can be a sign of divine favor, but it also serves as a caution against the potential pitfalls of placing too much value on earthly riches.
How to Cultivate Strength and Resilience in Faith
Cultivating strength and resilience in your faith is a deeply personal journey that requires intentionality and openness to God’s guidance. Start by immersing yourself in Scripture, allowing the Word to nourish your spirit and provide a solid foundation during challenging times. Surround yourself with a supportive community—fellow believers who can uplift you and share their own experiences of faith. Remember, prayer is not just a ritual; it’s a lifeline that connects you to God’s wisdom and comfort. When faced with trials, reflect on the stories of biblical figures like Job or Paul, who exemplified unwavering faith amidst adversity. Embrace the idea that struggles can deepen your relationship with God, transforming you into a more compassionate and resilient person. Finally, practice gratitude daily, recognizing the blessings in your life, which can shift your perspective and strengthen your resolve. As you nurture these habits, you’ll find that your faith becomes a source of unshakeable strength, guiding you through life’s storms.
Bible References to the Symbolism of Brass:
Numbers 21:4-9: 4 From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom. And the people became impatient on the way.
5 And the people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food.”
6 Then the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died.
7 And the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you. Pray to the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people.
8 And the Lord said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.”
9 So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live.
Deuteronomy 8:7-9: 7 For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, flowing out in the valleys and hills,
8 a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey,
9 a land in which you will eat bread without scarcity, in which you will lack nothing, a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills you can dig copper.
1 Kings 7:13-22: 13 And King Solomon sent and brought Hiram from Tyre.
14 He was the son of a widow of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in bronze. And he was full of wisdom, understanding, and skill for making any work in bronze. He came to King Solomon and did all his work.
15 He cast two pillars of bronze. Eighteen cubits was the height of one pillar, and a line of twelve cubits measured its circumference. It was hollow, and its thickness was four fingers. The second pillar was the same.
16 He also made two capitals of cast bronze to set on the tops of the pillars. The height of the one capital was five cubits, and the height of the other capital was five cubits.
17 There were lattices of checker work with wreaths of chain work for the capitals on the tops of the pillars, a lattice for the one capital and a lattice for the other capital.
18 So he made the pillars, and two rows around on the one network to cover the capitals that were on the top of the pomegranates. And so he did for the other capital.
19 So he set the pillars at the entrance of the temple, one on the south, the other on the north.
20 There were capitals on the two pillars, above the rounded projection next to the latticework.
21 And he set up the pillars at the vestibule of the temple. He set up the pillar on the south and called its name Jachin, and he set up the pillar on the north and called its name Boaz.
22 And on the tops of the pillars was lily-work. Thus the work of the pillars was finished.
2 Kings 25:13-17: 13 And the bronze pillars that were in the house of the Lord, and the stands and the bronze sea that were in the house of the Lord, the Chaldeans broke in pieces and carried the bronze to Babylon.
14 And he carried away all Jerusalem and all the officials and all the mighty men of valor, 10,000 captives, and all the craftsmen and the smiths. None remained, except the poorest people of the land.
15 The fire pans also and the bowls. What was of gold the captain of the guard took away as gold, and what was of silver, as silver.
16 The two pillars, the one sea, and the stands that Solomon had made for the house of the Lord, the bronze of all these vessels was beyond weight.
17 The height of the one pillar was eighteen cubits, and on it was a capital of bronze. The height of the capital was three cubits. A latticework and pomegranates, all of bronze, were all around the capital. And the second pillar had the same, with the latticework.
2 Chronicles 4:1-6: 1 He made an altar of bronze, twenty cubits long and twenty cubits wide and ten cubits high.
2 And he cast a round molding, half a cubit high, around the top of it.
3 Now figures like oxen were under it, and all around it. And the second row of oxen was below the first row.
4 He also made a sea of cast metal ten cubits from brim to brim, circular in form, and five cubits high, and a line of thirty cubits measured its circumference.
5 It was a handbreadth thick, and its brim was made like the brim of a cup, like the flower of a lily. It held 3,000 baths.
6 He also made ten basins in which to wash, and set five on the south side, and five on the north side, to rinse in them things for the burnt offering. They were made of cast metal.
Job 28:1-2: 1 “Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place for gold that they refine.”
2 Iron is taken out of the earth,
and copper is smelted from the ore.
Isaiah 48:4: 4 Because I know that you are obstinate,
and your neck is an iron sinew
and your forehead brass,
Jeremiah 6:27-30: 27 “I have made you a tester of metals among my people, that you may know and test their ways.”
28 They are all stubbornly rebellious,
going about with slanders;
they are bronze and iron;
all of them act corruptly.
29 The bellows blow fiercely;
the lead is consumed by the fire;
in vain the refining goes on,
for the wicked are not removed.
30 They are called ‘rejected silver,’ for the Lord has rejected them.”
Ezekiel 1:4-7: 4 As I looked, behold, a stormy wind came out of the north, and a great cloud, with brightness around it, and fire flashing forth continually, and in the midst of the fire, as it were gleaming metal.
5 And from the midst of it came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: they had a human likeness.
6 but each had four faces, and each of them had four wings.
7 Their legs were straight, and the soles of their feet were like the sole of a calf’s foot. And they sparkled like burnished bronze.
Daniel 2:31-35: 31 You saw, O king, and behold, a great image. This image, mighty and of exceeding brightness, stood before you, and its appearance was frightening.
32 The head of this image was of fine gold, its chest and arms of silver, its middle and thighs of bronze,
33 its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay.
34 As you looked, a stone was cut out by no human hand, and it struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces.
35 Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold, all together were broken in pieces, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, so that not a trace of them could be found. But the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.
Daniel 10:4-6: 4 On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river (that is, the Tigris)
5 I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist.
6 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 burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude.
Revelation 1:12-15: 12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands,
13 and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest.
14 The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire,
15 his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters.
Revelation 2:18-23: 18 “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: ‘The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze.
19 “‘I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first.
20 But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols.
21 I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality.
22 Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works,
23 and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.