Topical Encyclopedia The term "carbuncle" refers to a precious stone mentioned in the Bible, known for its deep red color and radiant appearance. In ancient times, the carbuncle was highly valued for its beauty and was often associated with wealth and status. The exact identification of the carbuncle in modern gemology is uncertain, but it is generally thought to be a type of red garnet or possibly a ruby.Biblical References The carbuncle is mentioned in several key passages of the Bible, often in contexts that highlight its beauty and value. In the book of Exodus, the carbuncle is listed as one of the stones set in the breastplate of the High Priest. This breastplate, known as the "breastplate of judgment," was an important part of the priestly garments and was adorned with twelve stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Exodus 28:17-18 states: "And mount on it a setting of gemstones—four rows of stones: The first row shall be a ruby, a topaz, and an emerald; the second row shall be a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond." In the prophetic literature, the carbuncle is used symbolically to describe the splendor and glory of the restored Jerusalem. Isaiah 54:11-12 proclaims: "O afflicted city, lashed by storms and not comforted, I will rebuild you with stones of turquoise, your foundations with sapphires. I will make your pinnacles of rubies, your gates of sparkling jewels, and all your walls of precious stones." Here, the carbuncle is part of a vivid image of divine restoration and blessing, emphasizing the beauty and strength of God's promises to His people. Symbolism and Significance In biblical symbolism, precious stones like the carbuncle often represent beauty, value, and divine favor. The use of such stones in the High Priest's breastplate signifies the preciousness of the tribes of Israel in the eyes of God and the importance of the priestly role in mediating between God and His people. The carbuncle's inclusion in the description of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:19-20 further underscores its association with divine glory and eternal splendor: "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, the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst." Historical and Cultural Context In the ancient Near East, precious stones like the carbuncle were not only valued for their aesthetic qualities but also for their supposed protective and healing properties. They were often used in jewelry, amulets, and ceremonial objects. The deep red color of the carbuncle, reminiscent of fire or blood, may have contributed to its symbolic associations with life, vitality, and protection. The carbuncle's mention in biblical texts reflects the broader cultural appreciation for gemstones in the ancient world, where they were seen as manifestations of divine beauty and power. The biblical use of the carbuncle, therefore, serves to communicate themes of divine majesty, covenantal faithfulness, and the ultimate restoration of God's people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 28:17And you shall set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 54:12 Library Introduction. The Promises Addressed to Jerusalem in the Prophets Refer to the ... How Ptolemy Philadelphus Procured the Laws of the Jews to be ... High Priest The Best Introduction to this Production Will be the Following ... Pagan Shrines and Temples. Mahometans. Another Cavil Met, IE , the Devil who Instigated Man to Sin ... Of the Fall of the Devil and the Angels. Panegyric on the Splendor of Affairs. Resources Who does God say I am? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about when God will judge us? | GotQuestions.org What is a plumb line in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Precious: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Lapidary: One Who Cuts Precious Stones Precious Stones of Great Variety Precious Stones of Many Colours Precious Stones used for Adorning the Breastplate of Judgment Precious Stones used for Adorning the High Priest's Ephod Precious Stones used for Adorning the Temple Precious Stones used for Decorating the Person Precious Stones used for Honoring Idols Precious Stones used for Ornamenting Royal Crowns Precious Stones used for Setting in Seals and Rings Precious Stones: A Part of the Treasure of Kings Precious Stones: Art of Engraving Upon, Early Known to the Jews Precious Stones: Art of Setting, Known to the Jews Precious Stones: Beauty and Stability of the Church Precious Stones: Brilliant and Glittering Precious Stones: Brought from Ophir Precious Stones: Brought from Sheba Precious Stones: Called: Jewels Precious Stones: Called: Precious Jewels Precious Stones: Called: Stones of Fire Precious Stones: Called: Stones to be Set Precious Stones: Dug out of the Earth Precious Stones: Extensive Commerce In Precious Stones: Given by Chief Men for the Temple Precious Stones: Given by the Jews for the Tabernacle Precious Stones: Glory of Heavenly Jerusalem Precious Stones: Highly Prized by the Ancients Precious Stones: Often Given As Presents Precious Stones: Preciousness of Christ Precious Stones: Prepared by David for the Temple Precious Stones: Sardine or Sardius Precious Stones: Seductive Splendour and False Glory of the Apostasy Precious Stones: Stability of Heavenly Jerusalem Precious Stones: Worldly Glory of Nations Related Terms |
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