Onyx is a precious stone mentioned several times in the Bible, often associated with beauty, wealth, and divine craftsmanship. It is a form of chalcedony, a variety of quartz, characterized by its parallel bands of color, typically black and white. In biblical times, onyx was highly valued and used in various religious and ceremonial contexts.

Biblical References

1. Creation and the Garden of Eden: Onyx is first mentioned in the context of the Garden of Eden. In Genesis 2:12, the land of Havilah is described as a place where gold, bdellium, and onyx stone are found: "And the gold of that land is pure, and bdellium and onyx are there." This early mention highlights the stone's intrinsic value and its association with the divine creation.

2. Priestly Garments: Onyx stones were integral to the high priest's garments, as described in the book of Exodus. The ephod, a sacred vestment worn by the high priest, featured two onyx stones set in gold filigree. These stones were engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, serving as a memorial before the Lord. Exodus 28:9-12 states, "Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel... Fasten them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel."

3. The Breastplate of Judgment: Onyx is also mentioned in the context of the breastplate of judgment, another component of the high priest's attire. This breastplate contained twelve stones, each representing one of the tribes of Israel. While onyx is not specifically listed among these twelve stones in Exodus 28:17-20, its presence in the priestly garments underscores its importance in Israelite worship and symbolism.

4. Solomon's Temple: The opulence of King Solomon's reign is well-documented, and onyx was among the precious materials used in the construction of the Temple. In 1 Chronicles 29:2, David, in preparation for the building of the Temple, mentions onyx as part of the wealth he has gathered: "Now with all my ability I have made provision for the house of my God—gold for the gold articles, silver for the silver, bronze for the bronze, iron for the iron, and wood for the wood, as well as onyx for the settings, turquoise, stones of various colors, all kinds of precious stones, and alabaster in abundance."

Symbolism and Significance

Onyx, as a precious stone, symbolizes strength, durability, and divine favor. Its use in the high priest's garments signifies the importance of remembrance and representation before God. The engraving of the tribes' names on the onyx stones of the ephod highlights the covenant relationship between God and His people, with the high priest serving as an intermediary.

The presence of onyx in the Garden of Eden and its use in Solomon's Temple further emphasize its association with divine beauty and the splendor of God's creation. As a material of great worth, onyx reflects the glory and majesty of God, serving as a reminder of His provision and the richness of His blessings.

In summary, onyx holds a significant place in biblical history and theology, representing both the material wealth of God's creation and the spiritual wealth of His covenant with Israel. Its enduring beauty and strength continue to capture the imagination of believers, symbolizing the eternal and unchanging nature of God's promises.Exodus 28:20
And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their settings.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 28:16
It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Introduction.
... onyx 6. iaspis 11 ... These precious stones have been identified as follows, taking the
High Priest's breastplate: i. 1. Red carnelian 2. Chrysolite (greenish-yellow ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/introduction 4.htm

High Priest
... The external part of this gorget was set with four rows of precious stones; the
first ... ligure, an agate, and an amethyst, and the fourth, a beryl, an onyx and a ...
/.../conversion of a high priest into a christian worker/chapter iv high priest.htm

On Counter Promises.
... that it is to have a wall composed of many precious stones, as jasper, and sapphire,
and chalcedony, and emerald, and sardonyx, and onyx, and chrysolite, and ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter xi on counter promises.htm

The Work of Christ.
... Upon both the onyx stones, upon the shoulder and the twelve stones on the ... names of
the Israelites were engraven upon these precious stones also has a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the work of christ/ii the work of christ.htm

The Names on Aaron's Breastplate
... was composed of folded cloth, in which were lodged twelve precious stones, in four ...
On each shoulder it was clasped by an onyx stone bearing the names of six of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the names on aarons breastplate.htm

First Impressions
... It was of gold decorated with precious stones, and between ... or reader's pulpit, which
was of precious marbles with ... the seats of the clergy, was made of onyx. ...
/.../chapter xx first impressions.htm

Fragment vi. In a Similar Manner Should He Conduct Himself to ...
... he should make an inventory of how many and which sort of precious stones are in ...
Some think they were made of onyx stone, others of variegated glass: but most ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/theonas/epistle of phileas/fragment vi in a similar.htm

Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ...
... ephod, by its many colors, signified the starry heaven; the two onyx stones denoted
the two hemispheres, or the sun and moon. The twelve precious stones on the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there can be any 2.htm

Another Cavil Met, IE , the Devil who Instigated Man to Sin ...
... "Every precious stone was ... the sardius, the topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the
onyx, and the ... holy mountain of God, thou wast in the midst of stones of fire ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter x another cavil met i e.htm

Of the Fall of the Devil and the Angels.
... pleasures of the paradise of God: every precious stone was ... and the jasper, the
chrysolyte and the onyx and the ... hast walked in the midst of the stones of fire. ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter viii of the fall 2.htm

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