Copper in the Tabernacle and Temple
Copper holds a special place in God's design for worship throughout Scripture. In the construction of the tabernacle, God specified copper for the altar of burnt offering (Exodus 27:1-2), the laver for washing (Exodus 30:18), and various tools and utensils. The use of copper in these sacred items was not arbitrary—this metal's durability and reflective properties made it ideal for structures meant to last and to catch the light of God's presence. Bezalel and his craftsmen used copper skillfully in creating these essential furnishings that would facilitate Israel's relationship with the Lord.
The temple that Solomon built continued this tradition. Hiram, the craftsman from Tyre, created magnificent bronze (a copper alloy) pillars called Jachin and Boaz that stood at the temple's entrance (1 Kings 7:15-22). These towering pillars symbolized God's strength and establishment. The Sea of cast bronze, a massive basin containing water for priestly purification, was another masterwork of copper craftsmanship (1 Kings 7:23-26). These items remind us that God cares about beauty and craftsmanship in worship, and that our service to Him deserves our best efforts.
Copper and Redemption
Copper takes on profound spiritual meaning in connection with Christ's sacrifice. The bronze serpent that Moses lifted up in the wilderness (Numbers 21:8-9) becomes a powerful type of Jesus's crucifixion. When the Israelites were bitten by serpents and dying, God instructed Moses to create a bronze serpent on a pole. Those who looked upon it in faith were healed. Jesus Himself referenced this event, explaining that just as the serpent was lifted up, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life (John 3:14-15).
The copper altar represents the place where judgment fell upon the sacrificial offering rather than upon the people. This powerfully foreshadows Christ, who bore our judgment at Calvary. In Revelation, John describes the risen Christ with feet like burnished bronze (Revelation 1:15), suggesting strength, judgment, and purity refined by fire. Copper's ability to be refined and purified through fire mirrors the refining work of God's judgment and grace in our lives.
Applying Copper's Lessons Today
What can we learn from copper's biblical significance? First, we're reminded that God values excellence and beauty in worship. Whether in our church services, personal prayer, or creative expressions of faith, we should offer our best to the Lord. Second, copper teaches us about redemption through sacrifice. As we contemplate Christ lifted up on the cross, we find healing for our souls and peace with God. Finally, like copper refined in fire, we too are refined through trials, emerging stronger and more useful in God's hands.
May we approach our worship and service with the same care that ancient craftsmen applied to copper vessels, and may we never forget that our redemption came through Christ's sacrifice, as surely as healing came to Israel through the bronze serpent.
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:14-15, KJV)