Bronze is the third material in the descending order of Olympic medals behind Gold and Silver. It is composed of a mixture of copper and other elements (normally tin in Bible times). It was used in the construction of the Tabernacle and later the Temple:
“Build an altar of acacia wood, three cubits high; it is to be square, five cubits long and five cubits wide. Make a horn at each of the four corners, so that the horns and the altar are of one piece, and overlay the altar with bronze. Make all its utensils of bronze—its pots to remove the ashes, and its shovels, sprinkling bowls, meat forks and firepans. Make a grating for it, a bronze network, and make a bronze ring at each of the four corners of the network.
Exodus 27: 1-4 [NIV]
Bronze was chosen for the altar to withstand great heat owing to the high melting point of copper, and the material would be more suitable as it is cheaper and more readily available than gold or silver. It also offers good resistance to weather, and was also used to make the wash basin in which the priests purified themselves, before offering sacrifices on the altar.
Although we don’t live in the time before Christ where burnt offerings were needed to cancel out the sin and be made right with God, we still need to come before God and seek forgiveness. When did you last offer an act of repentance? Do you need to get right with God today? Take the opportunity to cleanse yourself in a prayer of repentance today.
Lord, I have sinned and need your forgiveness. Help me to turn from my sinful ways and draw close to you again. Thank you for the price paid in the perfect sacrifice of Jesus. Amen
Dave MacLellan
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