The Aramaic word nᵉchâsh, represented by H5174, is the term for brass or copper. It appears 9 times across 9 unique verses in the Bible, exclusively within the book of Daniel. The word is consistently used to describe materials within prophetic visions and as a substance for crafting idols, often listed alongside other metals of varying value.
In the biblical narrative, H5174 is central to the prophetic visions in Daniel. In Nebuchadnezzar's dream, the great image had a belly and thighs of brass Daniel 2:32, which was interpreted as a "third kingdom of brass" that would rule over the earth Daniel 2:39. The metal also appears as a component of the fourth beast in Daniel's own vision, which had "nails of brass" Daniel 7:19. In a different context, a "band of iron and brass" is used to preserve the stump of the tree in Nebuchadnezzar's vision of his humbling (Daniel 4:15, Daniel 4:23). Finally, it is listed among the materials used to create lifeless idols praised by Belshazzar (Daniel 5:4, Daniel 5:23).
Several other words for materials are consistently found alongside nᵉchâsh, establishing a clear pattern in prophetic and descriptive passages:
- H6523 parzel (iron): This metal is frequently paired with brass to signify strength or restraint. In Nebuchadnezzar's dream, the image's legs were of iron, following the thighs of brass, and in his second vision, a band of iron and brass binds the tree stump Daniel 4:15.
- H1722 dᵉhab (gold): As the most precious metal, gold is often listed first in the sequence of materials for both the prophetic image and the idols, representing the highest value or the first kingdom (Daniel 2:32, Daniel 5:4).
- H3702 kᵉçaph (silver): This term for silver is typically placed between gold and brass in the descending order of value within the great image and the list of idolatrous materials (Daniel 2:32, Daniel 5:4).
- H69 ʼeben (a stone): Stone is mentioned as one of the base materials for idols Daniel 5:4 and, significantly, as the object cut without hands that ultimately destroys the image made of gold, silver, brass, iron, and clay Daniel 2:45.
The theological and symbolic weight of H5174 is expressed in several distinct ways within Daniel:
- Symbol of Worldly Kingdoms: Its primary symbolic role is to represent a specific world power. The "third kingdom of brass" Daniel 2:39 illustrates a succession of human empires, each represented by a metal of decreasing value but, in some cases, increasing hardness.
- Material of False Worship: Brass is listed as a material for idols that are praised instead of the one true God. These gods "of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone" are explicitly contrasted with the living God because they "see not, nor hear, nor know" Daniel 5:23.
- Instrument of Power and Restraint: As "nails of brass" on a dreadful beast Daniel 7:19, the metal symbolizes destructive worldly power. Conversely, as a "band of iron and brass," it symbolizes the restraining power of God over a prideful king Daniel 4:23.
In summary, H5174 nᵉchâsh is a significant term used in the book of Daniel to convey deeper prophetic and theological truths. It functions as a symbol for a major world empire in the grand timeline of Nebuchadnezzar's dream. Furthermore, it represents the lifelessness of idols and the nature of worldly power, standing in stark contrast to the eternal and living God whose kingdom ultimately shatters all earthly ones.
TRV