There were two Mizbeach’s in the Mishkan. One was inside the Heichal (on which they burned the Ketores every day, morning and evening, and for the blood of the Korbanos on Yom Kippur). The second (for all the Korbanos) was positioned outside the Heichal, in the: עַז רִה courtyard. Its name was Mizbeach HaNechoshes (the “copper” Mizbeach). This seems difficult, since the stones of the Mizbeach are not even allowed to touch metal, since the Mizbeach is created to lengthen the life of a person, and metal shortens the life of a person. And Nechoshes (copper) is used for battle, like Golyas HaPelishti, who was covered from head to toe with Nechoshes (copper). So how can the Mizbeach be made of total Nechoshes (copper)?
However, it also says that Golyas had a spear made out of: בַּר זֶל iron. It appears that only: בַּר זֶל iron is the real culprit, used in warfare to actually kill. Copper is there to protect the soldier, so he shouldn’t get hurt. If so, a Mizbeach should Davka be made of copper, since copper protects a person from harm, and lengthens the life of a person!
Also, we have plenty of: ז ה בִכֶסֶף וּנ חוֹשֶׁת gold, silver, and copper throughout the Mishkan, which implies that the: הַק פִּד ה issue is only with iron. Copper is actually a symbol of Chutzpa; as it symbolizes an inability to bend and to give in, like a Chutzpi'nyak who doesn’t listen, and shows his bold unyielding face.
We can suggest that this is a big Ma'ala; i.e., when a Yid remains tough in the face of his difficult issues, and doesn’t get impressed by danger, etc. He isn’t Nis'pael, and this is ideal for a Mizbeach. Copper symbolizes holding strong against adversity, like it says: הֱוֵי עַז כַנ מֵר לַעֲשוֹת ר צוֹן א ב יך שֶׁבַּש מ י ם Be bold as a leopard to do the will of your loving Father in Shamayim, and a: נ מֵר leopard has Chutzpa.
