BRASS

Is frequently mentioned in the English Bible, Ge 4:22 De 8:9; but there is little doubt that copper is intended, brass being a mixed metal-two-thirds copper and one-third zinc-for the manufacture of which we are indebted to the Germans. The ancients knew nothing of that particular compound, though well acquainted with bronze, of which arms, mirrors, and ornaments were made. Copper was used for many purposes about the temple, Le 6:28 Nu 16:39 2Ch 4:16; for filters, Jud 16:21 2Ki 25:7; for armor, 1Sa 17:5,6,38; for musical instruments, 1Ch 15:19; and for money, Mt 10:9. "Brass" is used to describe drought, insensibility, baseness, and obstinacy in sin, Le 26:19 De 28:23 Isa 48:4 Jer 6:28 Eze 22:18. It is also a symbol of strength, Ps 107:16 Da 2:39 Zec 6:1. See COPPER.

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Brass. 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 Kings 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; Micah 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 Kings 18:4). (See NEHUSHTAN.)

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

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BRASS. → (Or more probably COPPER) → Smelted Eze 22:20; Job 28:2 → A mineral of Canaan De 8:9; Jos 22:8 → Of Syria 2Sa 8:8 → Tyrians traded in Eze 27:13 → Abundance of, for the temple 1Ki 7:47; 1Ch 22:14 → Articles made of
* Altar, vessels, and other articles of the tabernacle and temple Ex 38:28-31; 1Ki 7:14-47; Ezr 8:27
* Cymbals 1Ch 15:19
* Trumpets 1Co 13:1
* Armor 1Sa 17:5,6; 2Ch 12:10
* Bows, see Bows
* Fetters Jud 16:21; 2Ki 25:7
* Gates Ps 107:16; Isa 45:2
* Bars 1Ki 4:13
* Idols Da 5:4; Re 9:20
* Mirrors Ex 38:8
* Household vessels Mr 7:4
* Money Mt 10:9; Mr 12:41

→ Workers in: Tubal-cain Ge 4:22 → Hiram 1Ki 7:14 → Alexander 2Ti 4:14 → See BRAZIER → See COPPER → See MOLDING → FIGURATIVE Le 26:19; De 33:25; Isa 48:4; Jer 1:18; Eze 1:7; Da 2:32,39; 7:19; 10:6; Zec 6:1; Re 1:15

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The word nechosheth is improperly translated by "brass." In most places of the Old Testament the correct translation would be copper, although it may sometimes possibly mean bronze a compound of copper and tin. Indeed a simple metal was obviously intended, as we see from (8:9; 33:25; Job 28) Copper was known at a very early period. (Genesis 4:22)

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Ex 25:3; 26:11; 1Ki 7:14; 2Ki 25:13; 2Ch 12:10; Mt 10:9

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brass. Brass, n. a substance, composed of copper, zink, and calamin; effrontery, impudence, strength durability

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Brass (�), n.; pl. Brasses (�). [[OE. bras, bres, AS. bræs; akin to Icel. bras cement, solder, brasa to harden by fire, and to E. braze, brazen. Cf. 1st & 2d Braze.]] 1. 1. An alloy (usually yellow) of copper and zinc, in variable proportion, but often containing two parts of copper to one part of zinc. It sometimes contains tin, and rarely other metals.
2. 2. (Mach.) A journal bearing, so called because frequently made of brass. A brass is often lined with a softer metal, when the latter is generally called a white metal lining. See Axle box, Journal Box, and Bearing.
3. 3. Coin made of copper, brass, or bronze.
Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, nor scrip for your journey. Matt. x. 9. 4. 4. Impudence; a brazen face.
5. 5. pl. Utensils, ornaments, or other articles of brass.
The very scullion who cleans the brasses. Hopkinson. 6. 6. A brass plate engraved with a figure or device. Specifically, one used as a memorial to the dead, and generally having the portrait, coat of arms, etc.
7. 7. pl. (Mining) Lumps of pyrites or sulphuret of iron, the color of which is near to that of brass.
☞ The word brass as used in Sculpture language is a translation for copper or some kind of bronze. ☞ Brass is often used adjectively or in self-explaining compounds; as, brass button, brass kettle, brass founder, brass foundry or brassfoundry. Brass band (Mus.), a band of musicians who play upon wind instruments made of brass, as trumpets, cornets, etc. — Brass foil, Brass leaf, brass made into very thin sheets; — called also Dutch gold.