BRASS
Is frequently mentioned in the English Bible, Genesis 4:22; Deuteronomy 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, Leviticus 6:28; Numbers 16:39; 2 Chronicles 4:16; for filters, Judges 16:21 2 Kings 25:7; for armor, 1 Samuel 17:5, 1 Samuel 1:17, 1 Samuel 1:17; for musical instruments, 1 Chronicles 15:19; and for money, Matthew 10:9. "Brass" is used to describe drought, insensibility, baseness, and obstinacy in sin, Leviticus 26:19; Deuteronomy 28:23; Isaiah 48:4; Jeremiah 6:28; Ezekiel 22:18. It is also a symbol of strength, Psalms 107:16; Daniel 2:39; Zechariah 6:1. See COPPER.