bronze

An alloy of copper and tin. The Middle Bronze Age (2000–1500 BCE) saw the replacement of copper by bronze in the production of metal weapons, tools, jewelry, and vessels, since bronze was harder than copper, which had been used earlier. Because of its qualities, bronze was used not only for weapons of war but also for decorations, since it could be burnished to a bright, smooth surface. Both qualities, hardness and brightness, are reflected in the many biblical references to bronze, both literal (Job 20:24; Exod 25-38; 1Kgs 7) and figurative (Job 40:18; Rev 1:15).