With us a mixed metal, consisting of copper and zinc; but the brass of the Bible is one dug simple out of the earth (Deuteronomy 8:9; Job 28:2), probably copper. Bronze, a composition of copper and tin, extensively known in ancient times, may m some passages be meant. In Deuteronomy 33:25, "thy shoes shall be iron and brass," it is implied Asher should have a mine abounding territory. Keil and Delitzsch translate, "iron and brass shall be thy castle" min'al ); Asher's dwellings were to be impregnable as if of iron and brass. Copper was used earlier than iron, its ductility being its recommendation for general use.
Tubal-cain is termed "the instructor of every artificer in brass and iron" (Genesis 4:22). "Brass" is used in a good sense for strength (Psalms 107:16; Jeremiah 1:18). In a bad sense, for impudent stubbornness (Isaiah 48:4; Jeremiah 6:28). For money, Matthew 10:9. In Leviticus 26:19, "I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass," i.e. hard, yielding no rain, and producing no fruit. "Flesh of brass," i.e. invulnerable (Job 6:12). The thighs of brass in Nebuchadnezzar's image (Daniel 2:32) represent the brazen armed Greeks. In Revelation 1:15," His feet like unto fine brass," rather, "glowing brass, as if they had been made red hot in a furnace."