Brass

Which is an alloy of copper and zinc, was not known till the thirteenth century. What is designated by this word in Scripture is properly copper (Deut 8:9). It was used for fetters (Judg 16:21; 2 Kgs 25:7), for pieces of armour (1 Sam 17:5, 6), for musical instruments (1 Chr 15:19; 1 Cor 13:1), and for money (Matt 10:9).

It is a symbol of insensibility and obstinacy in sin (Isa 48:4; Jer 6:28; Ezek 22:18), and of strength (Ps 107:16; Mic 4:13).

The Macedonian empire is described as a kingdom of brass (Dan 2:39). The “mountains of brass” Zechariah (6:1) speaks of have been supposed to represent the immutable decrees of God.

The serpent of brass was made by Moses at the command of God (Num 21:4-9), and elevated on a pole, so that it might be seen by all the people when wounded by the bite of the serpents that were sent to them as a punishment for their murmurings against God and against Moses. It was afterwards carried by the Jews into Canaan, and preserved by them till the time of Hezekiah, who caused it to be at length destroyed because it began to be viewed by the people with superstitious reverence (2 Kgs 18:4).

The brazen serpent is alluded to by our Lord in John 3:14, 15.