Beryl is a precious stone mentioned several times in the Bible, often associated with beauty and divine splendor. In the Hebrew text, the word for beryl is "tarshish," which is sometimes translated as "chrysolite" or "topaz" in various Bible versions. Beryl is a mineral composed of beryllium aluminum cyclosilicate and can appear in various colors, including green, blue, yellow, and pink. The most well-known variety of beryl is the emerald.

In the Old Testament, beryl is listed as one of the stones in the High Priest's breastplate, known as the "Breastplate of Judgment." Exodus 28:20 states, "The fourth row will be a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. Mount these stones in gold filigree settings." This breastplate was worn by the High Priest as a symbol of his role as a mediator between God and the people of Israel.

Beryl is also mentioned in the context of the vision of the prophet Ezekiel. In Ezekiel 1:16 , the prophet describes the appearance of the wheels accompanying the living creatures: "The appearance of the wheels and their workmanship was like the gleam of beryl, and all four had the same likeness. Their appearance and workmanship were like a wheel within a wheel."

In the New Testament, beryl is one of the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem, as described in the Book of Revelation. Revelation 21:20 lists beryl as the eighth foundation stone: "the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase."

Sapphires

Sapphires are another precious stone frequently mentioned in the Bible, symbolizing purity, wisdom, and divine favor. The Hebrew word for sapphire is "sappir," and it typically refers to a blue gemstone, although sapphires can come in various colors except red, which are classified as rubies.

Sapphires are first mentioned in the context of the divine encounter on Mount Sinai. In Exodus 24:10 , the appearance of God is described: "and they saw the God of Israel. Under His feet was a work like a pavement made of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself." This imagery conveys the majesty and holiness of God's presence.

The prophet Ezekiel also uses sapphire imagery in his vision of the divine throne. Ezekiel 1:26 states, "Above the expanse over their heads was the likeness of a throne, with the appearance of a sapphire stone. And on the throne high above was a figure like that of a man."

In the Book of Job, sapphires are mentioned in the context of wisdom and the value of divine understanding. Job 28:6 refers to the hidden treasures of the earth: "Its rocks are the source of sapphires, containing flecks of gold."

Sapphires are also included in the description of the New Jerusalem in Revelation. Revelation 21:19 lists sapphire as the second foundation stone: "The foundations of the city walls were adorned with every kind of precious stone: The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald."

Throughout the Bible, both beryl and sapphires are used to convey the beauty and majesty of God's creation and His divine presence. These stones serve as symbols of the heavenly realm and the glory of God's kingdom.