Topical Encyclopedia Precious stones have long held significant value and symbolism in biblical times, often being used as gifts to convey honor, wealth, and divine favor. These stones, due to their rarity and beauty, were considered treasures and were frequently exchanged as presents among individuals of high status and royalty.Biblical Instances of Precious Stones as Gifts 1. The Gifts of the Magi: One of the most well-known instances of precious stones being given as gifts is found in the account of the Magi visiting the infant Jesus. While the Bible specifically mentions gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11), it is understood that these gifts were of great value, akin to precious stones, symbolizing the recognition of Jesus' kingship and divinity. 2. The Queen of Sheba's Visit to Solomon: The Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon is another notable example. She brought with her a great quantity of spices, gold, and precious stones as gifts to Solomon, acknowledging his wisdom and wealth. "And she gave the king 120 talents of gold, a great quantity of spices, and precious stones. Never again did such abundance of spices come as those the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon" (1 Kings 10:10). 3. Gifts to Rebekah: When Abraham's servant sought a wife for Isaac, he presented Rebekah with gifts of jewelry, including a gold nose ring and bracelets, which were likely adorned with precious stones. These gifts were a sign of the wealth and honor of Abraham's household (Genesis 24:22). 4. Joseph's Rise to Power: After interpreting Pharaoh's dreams, Joseph was elevated to a position of power in Egypt. Pharaoh adorned Joseph with fine linen and a gold chain, which may have included precious stones, as a symbol of his new authority and status (Genesis 41:42). Symbolism and Significance Precious stones in the Bible often symbolize beauty, wealth, and divine favor. They are used in various contexts to represent the splendor of God's creation and the richness of His blessings. In the construction of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, precious stones were used to adorn the garments of the high priest, signifying holiness and the glory of God (Exodus 28:17-20). In the New Testament, the imagery of precious stones is used to describe the New Jerusalem, the heavenly city, which is adorned with every kind of precious stone, reflecting the glory and majesty of God (Revelation 21:19-21). Cultural and Historical Context In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the exchange of precious stones as gifts was a common practice among royalty and the elite. These stones were not only valued for their beauty but also believed to possess protective and healing properties. The giving of such gifts was a demonstration of wealth, power, and the desire to establish or strengthen alliances. Conclusion Throughout the Bible, the giving of precious stones as presents is a recurring theme that underscores the value placed on these treasures in ancient times. They serve as symbols of honor, wealth, and divine favor, reflecting the cultural and spiritual significance attributed to them in biblical narratives. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 10:2,10And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bore spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library How Ptolemy Philadelphus Procured the Laws of the Jews to be ... The Work of Christ. The Lively Stones. Rev. W. Morley Punshon. Christ's Priestly Office Introduction The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem A Warning Rejected. A Warning Rejected Ancestors of the Blessed virgin The Birth of Saint George. 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 |
    |