What is the symbolic meaning of ALLOY in the Bible?

Answer 1

Alloys mentioned in The Bible were usually of a copper base. Usually bronze and some brass. There are several different symbolic meanings when it comes to copper alloys.

Copper, generally, was not as easy metal to come by, so much of the symbolic meaning of copper alloys were to indicate value and preciousness. It was also used to represent wealth. (Compare Psalms 68:31) Solomon had an abundance of copper and hired a man skilled in working with it so he could display his God-given wealth in buildings such as the temple. (1 Kings 7:13,14)

Some idols that were worshipped were also made from copper alloys. Since such alloys can tarnish, lose their luster, or oxidize, God indicated that he is not made from these inanimate physical materials. Kingdoms of men were sometimes pictured as copper-like, or having the appearance of strength, but nothing when compared to the might of God. (Compare Daniel 2:32 and Revelation 9:20)

Because of their rigidness, copper alloys were sometimes used symbolically to mean great strength, or unyieldingness in a figurative sense. (Compare Jeremiah 1:18)

Because of the luminescence of copper based alloys, they were sometimes figuratively used to represent the shining light of God's righteous ways. (Compare Revelation 2:18)