Precious Stones used for Setting in Seals and Rings
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In biblical times, precious stones held significant value and were often used in the creation of seals and rings, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. These stones were not only admired for their beauty but also for their representation of wealth, status, and divine favor.

Biblical References and Symbolism

The use of precious stones is frequently mentioned in the Bible, often in contexts that highlight their beauty and value. In the Book of Exodus, the high priest's breastplate is described as being adorned with twelve stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel (Exodus 28:17-21). These stones included sardius, topaz, emerald, turquoise, sapphire, diamond, jacinth, agate, amethyst, beryl, onyx, and jasper. The precise identification of these stones can be challenging due to changes in terminology and classification over time, but their significance as symbols of divine favor and covenant is clear.

In the Book of Revelation, the New Jerusalem is described as having foundations adorned with every kind of precious stone (Revelation 21:19-21). This imagery underscores the glory and perfection of God's eternal kingdom, with each stone contributing to the splendor of the heavenly city.

Seals and Rings in Ancient Culture

Seals and rings were common in ancient Near Eastern cultures, including among the Israelites. They were used to authenticate documents, signify authority, and serve as personal identifiers. The use of precious stones in these items added an element of prestige and durability. For instance, the signet ring of a king or noble would often feature a carved stone, which could be pressed into clay or wax to leave an impression.

The account of Judah and Tamar in Genesis 38 provides an example of the significance of a seal and cord, which Judah gave to Tamar as a pledge (Genesis 38:18). This incident illustrates the importance of such items as personal identifiers and symbols of one's word and authority.

Spiritual and Theological Implications

In a spiritual context, precious stones are often associated with divine beauty and the glory of God. The prophet Ezekiel, in his lament over the king of Tyre, describes the king as being adorned with every precious stone, symbolizing the king's former glory and beauty before his fall (Ezekiel 28:13). This passage highlights the transient nature of earthly splendor compared to the eternal glory of God.

Furthermore, the use of precious stones in biblical descriptions often serves to remind believers of the value and beauty of God's creation. The intricate design and variety of these stones reflect the creativity and majesty of the Creator, encouraging believers to appreciate the divine craftsmanship evident in the natural world.

Conclusion

The use of precious stones in seals and rings throughout the Bible reflects their multifaceted role in ancient society as symbols of authority, beauty, and divine favor. These stones, with their enduring allure, continue to capture the imagination and inspire reflection on the spiritual truths they represent.
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Songs 5:12
His eyes are as the eyes of doves by the rivers of waters, washed with milk, and fitly set.
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Library

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... it with essences, and wrapping it in precious cloths, transmitted it ... to know why
such a number of stones should have ... and on a kind of bracelet used partly for ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

The Holy War,
... I have used similitudes.'"Hosea ... with their slings and battering-rams, their great
and precious promises to ... I heard the stones fly whizzing by mine ears, What ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy war.htm

Naparima and Montserrat
... the Gospel' several years before him, and used to read ... burned"the savings of years,
the precious Bible among ... multitude of small stones, like no stones in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter x naparima and montserrat.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... bronze hinges, which turned upon two blackish stones firmly set ... they never seem to
have been used, even in ... for weighed quantities of the precious metals, the ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... Thirdly, Thou must hate his setting of thy feet in ... the Gospel comes in the sweet
and precious influences thereof ... do; for he wanted that which used to relieve ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... 'Setting their feet upon the necks of kings, And through ... the Book of Sports, to be
used on Sundays ... Then came glimmerings of hope"precious promises saving him ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

Resources
Who does God say I am? | GotQuestions.org

What 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 ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Lapidary: One Who Cuts Precious Stones

Precious

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: Agate

Precious Stones: Amethyst

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: Beryl

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: Carbuncle

Precious Stones: Chalcedony

Precious Stones: Chrysolite

Precious Stones: Chrysoprasus

Precious Stones: Coral

Precious Stones: Diamond

Precious Stones: Dug out of the Earth

Precious Stones: Emerald

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: Jacinth

Precious Stones: Jasper

Precious Stones: Often Given As Presents

Precious Stones: Onyx

Precious Stones: Pearl

Precious Stones: Preciousness of Christ

Precious Stones: Prepared by David for the Temple

Precious Stones: Ruby

Precious Stones: Saints

Precious Stones: Sapphire

Precious Stones: Sardine or Sardius

Precious Stones: Sardonyx

Precious Stones: Seductive Splendour and False Glory of the Apostasy

Precious Stones: Stability of Heavenly Jerusalem

Precious Stones: Topaz

Precious Stones: Worldly Glory of Nations

Related Terms

Jewel (12 Occurrences)

Coral (3 Occurrences)

Diamond (5 Occurrences)

Pearl (5 Occurrences)

Costly (26 Occurrences)

Quantities (13 Occurrences)

Adorned (20 Occurrences)

Ointment (29 Occurrences)

Onyx (16 Occurrences)

Jasper (8 Occurrences)

Emerald (8 Occurrences)

Sapphire (11 Occurrences)

Valuable (17 Occurrences)

Treasure-house (6 Occurrences)

Pearls (8 Occurrences)

Breastplate (45 Occurrences)

Carbuncle (6 Occurrences)

Almug (2 Occurrences)

Algum (3 Occurrences)

Scarlet (54 Occurrences)

Finest (23 Occurrences)

Choicest (32 Occurrences)

Purple (54 Occurrences)

Glittering (12 Occurrences)

Expensive (6 Occurrences)

Michtam (12 Occurrences)

Mine (2991 Occurrences)

Malcam (6 Occurrences)

Jewels (54 Occurrences)

Bdellium (2 Occurrences)

Beryl (12 Occurrences)

Sardius (5 Occurrences)

Settings (19 Occurrences)

Ophir (12 Occurrences)

Quantity (18 Occurrences)

Marble (5 Occurrences)

Amount (66 Occurrences)

Treasures (77 Occurrences)

Spices (64 Occurrences)

Articles (78 Occurrences)

Worth (36 Occurrences)

Vessels (210 Occurrences)

Gem (1 Occurrence)

Ruby (5 Occurrences)

Chalcedony (1 Occurrence)

Train (17 Occurrences)

Treasure (66 Occurrences)

Abundance (194 Occurrences)

Fine (184 Occurrences)

Choice (113 Occurrences)

Gold (429 Occurrences)

Exceeding (101 Occurrences)

Desirable (49 Occurrences)

Dominion (72 Occurrences)

Silver (329 Occurrences)

Merchandise (34 Occurrences)

Yield (78 Occurrences)

Riches (118 Occurrences)

Nard (5 Occurrences)

Onycha (1 Occurrence)

Ore (5 Occurrences)

Ouches (8 Occurrences)

Lading (7 Occurrences)

Gilded (2 Occurrences)

Frequent (10 Occurrences)

Traded (16 Occurrences)

Tarshish (24 Occurrences)

Thyne (1 Occurrence)

Reclining (25 Occurrences)

Retinue (4 Occurrences)

Rubies (8 Occurrences)

Realm (23 Occurrences)

Ephod (45 Occurrences)

Dedan (10 Occurrences)

Disallowed (7 Occurrences)

Dear (120 Occurrences)

Decked (10 Occurrences)

Moons (17 Occurrences)

Preciousness (2 Occurrences)

Precious Stones used for Ornamenting Royal Crowns
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