Topical Encyclopedia The Bible frequently references precious stones, attributing to them both aesthetic beauty and symbolic significance. These stones are often associated with wealth, divine craftsmanship, and spiritual truths. Throughout Scripture, they are used in various contexts, from the adornment of sacred garments to the construction of heavenly visions.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, precious stones are prominently featured in the description of the High Priest's breastplate, known as the "breastplate of judgment." This sacred garment, worn by Aaron, the first High Priest, is detailed in Exodus 28:17-20: "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; and the fourth row shall be a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. Mount these stones in gold filigree settings." Each stone represented one of the twelve tribes of Israel, signifying the unity and diversity of God's chosen people. Ezekiel 28:13 also mentions precious stones in the context of the lament over the King of Tyre, who is depicted with an array of jewels: "You were in Eden, the garden of God; every kind of precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, and diamond; beryl, onyx, and jasper; sapphire, turquoise, and emerald. Your mountings and settings were crafted in gold, prepared on the day of your creation." This passage highlights the opulence and beauty associated with these stones, as well as their divine origin. New Testament References In the New Testament, the Book of Revelation provides a vivid description of the New Jerusalem, adorned with a variety of precious stones. Revelation 21:19-21 states: "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. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The main street of the city was pure gold, as clear as glass." This imagery conveys the glory and perfection of God's eternal kingdom, with each stone reflecting a facet of divine beauty and majesty. Symbolism and Spiritual Significance Throughout Scripture, precious stones symbolize various spiritual truths. They often represent beauty, value, and durability, qualities that are attributed to God's character and His promises. In 1 Corinthians 3:12-13, the Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of building with gold, silver, and precious stones to describe the enduring quality of works built on the foundation of Jesus Christ: "If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, his workmanship will be evident, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will prove the quality of each man's work." Moreover, precious stones are associated with wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 3:15-16 extols wisdom, stating, "She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor." Here, the value of wisdom surpasses even the most treasured gems, emphasizing its supreme importance in the life of a believer. Conclusion The biblical portrayal of precious stones serves as a reminder of the beauty and splendor of God's creation, as well as the spiritual truths that these stones symbolize. Whether in the context of the High Priest's breastplate, the opulence of the New Jerusalem, or the metaphorical use in teaching spiritual lessons, precious stones in Scripture point to the divine craftsmanship and eternal value found in God's kingdom. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Chronicles 29:2Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for things to be made of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and the brass for things of brass, the iron for things of iron, and wood for things of wood; onyx stones, and stones to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colors, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Now as a New Thickness of Darkness, Hardness, or Substantiality... Of the Building of this Temple Concerning Herod's Death, and Testament, and Burial. A Bad Bargain Vive Jesus. Preface. The Worship of the Church. The Religion of the Primitive ... Entire Sanctification in Type. An Old Subscription List Concerning the Sabbatic River which Titus Saw as He was Journeying ... How Ptolemy Philadelphus Procured the Laws of the Jews to be ... Resources Is it possible for gold dust to come down during a church service? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Jesus Christ is the cornerstone? | GotQuestions.org Can a Christian lose salvation? | 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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