Beryls are a group of precious stones mentioned several times in the Bible, known for their beauty and variety of colors. The term "beryl" in the biblical context is derived from the Hebrew word "tarshish," which is often associated with a yellow or golden hue, though beryls can also be green, blue, or colorless. These stones are part of the mineral family that includes emeralds and aquamarines.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 28:20; 39:13 · Beryls are listed as one of the stones set in the breastplate of the High Priest. The breastplate, known as the "Breastplate of Judgment," contained twelve stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The beryl is mentioned as the fourth stone in the fourth row: "and the fourth row shall be a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. They shall be set in gold filigree."

2. Ezekiel 1:16; 10:9 · In Ezekiel's vision of the wheels, beryls are used to describe the appearance of the wheels associated with the cherubim: "The appearance of the wheels and their workmanship was like the gleam of beryl, and all four had the same likeness."

3. Daniel 10:6 · The prophet Daniel describes a heavenly being whose body had the appearance of beryl: "His body was like beryl, his face like the brilliance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of polished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude."

4. Revelation 21:20 · In the description of the New Jerusalem, beryl is mentioned as one of the foundation stones of the city: "the fifth foundation was made of onyx, the sixth of carnelian, the seventh of chrysolite, the eighth of beryl, the ninth of topaz, the tenth of chrysoprase, the eleventh of jacinth, and the twelfth of amethyst."

Symbolism and Significance:

In biblical symbolism, beryls are often associated with beauty, value, and divine revelation. Their inclusion in the High Priest's breastplate signifies their importance in the religious and cultural life of ancient Israel. The use of beryl in prophetic visions, such as those of Ezekiel and Daniel, underscores its association with heavenly and divine appearances.

The mention of beryl in the New Jerusalem's foundation stones in Revelation highlights its enduring value and beauty, symbolizing the eternal and perfect nature of God's kingdom. The variety of colors found in beryls may also reflect the diversity and richness of God's creation and His multifaceted nature.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Beryls were highly prized in the ancient world for their clarity and color. They were often used in jewelry and ornamentation, signifying wealth and status. The trade routes of the ancient Near East would have facilitated the exchange of such precious stones, making them accessible to the Israelites and other cultures of the time.

In summary, beryls hold a significant place in biblical literature, representing both the physical beauty of God's creation and the spiritual truths revealed through divine visions and symbols.

Pagan Shrines and Temples.
... of the goddess] studded with gems; a sistrum of gilded silver; a gilt cup; a patera
ornamented with ears of corn; a necklace studded with beryls; two bracelets ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter ii pagan shrines and.htm

Whereunto Art Thou Like? Let Thy Stillness Speak to one that Hears
... Goodly gems are thy brethren, with beryls and unions as thy companions: may gold
be as it were thy kinsman, may there be unto the King of kings a crown from ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn ii whereunto art thou.htm

Particulars of the Alleged Communication to a Montanist Sister.
... "Thunder-stones," [1547] indeed, are not of igneous substance, because they shine
with ruddy redness; nor are beryls composed of aqueous matter, because they ...
/.../tertullian/a treatise on the soul/chapter ix particulars of the alleged.htm

A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of ...
... His hands are as gold rings set with the beryls; By them we are delivered out of
perils; His legs like marble, stand in boots of gold, His countenance is ex ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse of the building.htm

Beryls (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Beryls (4 Occurrences). Exodus 25:7 Beryls and stones
of value to be put on the ephod and on the priest's bag. (BBE). ...
/b/beryls.htm - 7k

Jewels (54 Occurrences)
... as on a stamp. (BBE). Exodus 35:9 And beryls and jewels to be cut for the
ephod and for the priest's bag. (BBE). Exodus 35:22 They ...
/j/jewels.htm - 23k

Priest's (75 Occurrences)
... Abraham, (WEB ASV NAS). Exodus 25:7 Beryls and stones of value to be put
on the ephod and on the priest's bag. (BBE). Exodus 28:1 ...
/p/priest's.htm - 29k

Bag (52 Occurrences)
... your cup was seen. (BBE). Exodus 25:7 Beryls and stones of value to be put
on the ephod and on the priest's bag. (BBE). Exodus 28:4 ...
/b/bag.htm - 29k

Beryl (12 Occurrences)

/b/beryl.htm - 11k

Precious (128 Occurrences)
... The lapidaries cut all beryls of a hexagonal form because the color which is deadened
by a dull uniformity of surface is heightened by the reflections ...
/p/precious.htm - 71k

Stones (244 Occurrences)
... The lapidaries cut all beryls of a hexagonal form because the color which is deadened
by a dull uniformity of surface is heightened by the reflections ...
/s/stones.htm - 74k

Ornament (23 Occurrences)
... gold, and the silver for the silver things, and the brass for the brass things,
iron for the things of iron, and wood for the things of wood; beryls and jewels ...
/o/ornament.htm - 17k

Framed (8 Occurrences)
... gold, and the silver for the silver things, and the brass for the brass things,
iron for the things of iron, and wood for the things of wood; beryls and jewels ...
/f/framed.htm - 9k

Polished (23 Occurrences)
... gold, and the silver for the silver things, and the brass for the brass things,
iron for the things of iron, and wood for the things of wood; beryls and jewels ...
/p/polished.htm - 13k

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