Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, precious stones often symbolize beauty, value, and divine favor. They are frequently used metaphorically to describe the people of God, particularly the saints, who are considered precious in the eyes of the Lord. This symbolism is woven throughout Scripture, highlighting the spiritual significance and esteemed position of the saints in God's redemptive plan.Old Testament References The use of precious stones to represent God's people is evident in the Old Testament. In the construction of the High Priest's breastplate, as described in Exodus 28:17-21, twelve precious stones are set in four rows, each stone representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This imagery underscores the value and uniqueness of each tribe in God's covenant community. The Berean Standard Bible 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; the third row shall be a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; the fourth row shall be a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. They shall be mounted in gold filigree settings." The prophet Isaiah also uses the imagery of precious stones to describe the future glory and restoration of God's people. In Isaiah 54:11-12 , the Lord promises: "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." This passage conveys the transformation and exaltation of the saints, reflecting their beauty and worth in God's sight. New Testament References In the New Testament, the imagery of precious stones continues to illustrate the spiritual identity and destiny of the saints. The Apostle Peter, in 1 Peter 2:4-5 , describes believers as "living stones" being built into a spiritual house: "As you come to Him, the living stone, rejected by men but chosen and precious in God’s sight, you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." Here, the saints are likened to precious stones, chosen and valued by God, forming a spiritual temple. The Book of Revelation further amplifies this imagery in its depiction of the New Jerusalem. Revelation 21:18-21 describes the city's foundations adorned with every kind of precious stone: "The wall was made of jasper, and the city itself of pure gold, as pure as glass. 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. The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of pure gold, as transparent as glass." This vision symbolizes the eternal beauty and glory of the saints, who are integral to the heavenly city. Theological Significance The metaphor of precious stones in relation to the saints emphasizes their intrinsic worth and the transformative work of God in their lives. Just as precious stones are formed under pressure and refined to reveal their beauty, so too are the saints shaped and sanctified through trials and divine grace. This imagery serves as a reminder of the saints' calling to reflect God's glory and to be a testament to His redemptive power. Throughout Scripture, the use of precious stones to describe the saints underscores their esteemed position in God's kingdom. They are cherished, chosen, and destined for eternal glory, reflecting the beauty and majesty of their Creator. Torrey's Topical Textbook Malachi 3:17And they shall be mine, said the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spares his own son that serves him. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 3:12 Library From the Twenty-First and Twenty-Second Chapters. The Examination and Rewarding of the Believer's Works. The Destruction of Babylon. The Temple of Solomon did not Take Forty-Six Years to Build. With ... The Church Triumphant On Counter Promises. The Seven Sleepers Of the Praise of Solitary Life and of the First Lovers Thereof ... Book vii. On the Useful or the Ordinary Against Excessive Fondness for Jewels and Gold Ornaments. 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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