Topical Bible: Brass: Articles Made of Idols

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In the biblical context, brass, often referred to as bronze, is a significant metal used in various applications, including the construction of idols. The use of brass in idol-making is mentioned in several passages, highlighting the material's importance and the spiritual implications of idolatry.

Biblical References and Context

Brass is an alloy of copper and tin, known for its durability and resistance to corrosion. In ancient times, it was a valuable material used for crafting tools, weapons, and religious artifacts. The Bible frequently mentions brass in the context of idol-making, underscoring the Israelites' struggle with idolatry and the surrounding pagan cultures.

One notable reference to brass in idol-making is found in the book of Daniel. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon constructed a massive image of gold, which some scholars suggest may have had elements of brass due to its size and the common use of bronze in large statues. Daniel 3:1 (BSB) states, "King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, sixty cubits high and six cubits wide, and he set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon." While the text specifies gold, the construction of such a large statue likely involved a combination of metals, including brass, to provide structural integrity.

In the prophetic literature, the use of brass in idols is often condemned as a symbol of false worship and rebellion against God. The prophet Isaiah speaks against the making of idols, emphasizing their futility and the folly of worshiping man-made objects. Isaiah 44:9-10 (BSB) declares, "Those who fashion idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame. Who fashions a god or casts an idol which profits him nothing?"

Spiritual Implications

The use of brass in idol-making serves as a poignant reminder of the Israelites' recurring temptation to adopt the idolatrous practices of their neighbors. Despite God's clear commandments against idolatry, as seen in Exodus 20:4-5 (BSB), "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters beneath. You shall not bow down to them or worship them," the allure of tangible, visible deities often led them astray.

The crafting of idols from brass and other materials represents a deeper spiritual issue: the human tendency to replace the worship of the invisible, true God with visible, false gods. This practice not only violated the covenant relationship between God and His people but also led to moral and spiritual decay.

Cultural and Historical Significance

In the ancient Near East, the use of metals like brass in idol-making was widespread. These idols were often associated with various deities and were believed to possess power and influence over different aspects of life, such as fertility, weather, and war. The craftsmanship involved in creating these idols was highly regarded, and the materials used, including brass, were chosen for their aesthetic appeal and symbolic meaning.

The biblical narrative consistently challenges the legitimacy and power of these idols, contrasting them with the sovereignty and holiness of the God of Israel. The prophets and leaders of Israel called the people to repentance and a return to the worship of Yahweh, the one true God, who is not confined to images or idols made of brass or any other material.

Conclusion

The use of brass in the making of idols serves as a powerful symbol of the spiritual conflict between true worship and idolatry. Throughout the Bible, the emphasis is placed on the futility of idol worship and the call to serve the living God, who transcends all material representations.

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Daniel 5:4
They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.
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Revelation 9:20
And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:
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Library

The City of Benares.
... has workers in stone, wood, iron, brass, silver and ... They produce articles which command
a large and profitable ... The images while being made are only stone, brass ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter vii the city of.htm

On the First Commandment
... "Charms" are articles worn about ... do not expect any help from the little piece of
brass or cloth ... We read in the Holy Scriptures that God at times made known His ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 30 on the first.htm

Whether Sufficient Reason Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies ...
... THE CAUSES OF THE CEREMONIAL PRECEPTS (SIX ARTICLES) Whether sufficient ... and thou
shalt cover it with brass": and (Ex.30 ... because just as the ark was made of setim ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether sufficient reason can be.htm

On the Clause, and Shall Come in Glory to Judge the Quick and the ...
... he had delivered to the Catechumens those articles of the ... as a creature, or thing
made, or as made out of ... and terrible: it had iron teeth and claws of brass. ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xv on the clause.htm

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... The devils believe all the articles in the creed ... By this we are made the children
of God, and wherever this ... If he would put his stamp upon brass or leather, it ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
... or silver were as common as iron or brass, the one ... all other oaths, even those which
are made by God ... which they called upon the names of their idols; yea, that ...
/.../proposition xv concerning salutations and.htm

The Sixth vision "On Earth"
... 6; xvi.2; xx.7, 8). Doubtless the idols and idolatry ... over Israel's People, City,
and Land is made known. ... his belly and his thighs of brass, (three) 4. verse 33 ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth vision on earth.htm

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... Him before all ages, God the Word, through whom all things were made, both those ...
he had so vigorously withstood them in the discussion of the articles of the ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... cessation of Egyptian authority over countries in which it had so long prevailed
did not at once do away with the deep impression which it had made upon their ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus ...
... and the result was that Bunyan, who vindicated the scriptures and those articles,
was kept ... to wonder how it could be, that state religion thus made a mockery ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a defence of the doctrine.htm