Sapphire, a precious gemstone renowned for its striking blue hue, holds significant symbolic and material value in biblical texts. The term "sapphire" is derived from the Hebrew word "sapir," which is often associated with beauty, purity, and divine favor. Throughout the Scriptures, sapphire is mentioned in various contexts, reflecting its importance in ancient culture and its symbolic representation of heavenly realities.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 24:10 · In the account of Moses and the elders of Israel encountering God on Mount Sinai, the sapphire is described as part of the divine vision: "and they saw the God of Israel. Under His feet was a work like a pavement made of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself." This imagery suggests the purity and transcendence of God's presence, with the sapphire pavement symbolizing the heavenly realm.

2. Ezekiel 1:26 · The prophet Ezekiel's vision of the divine throne includes a reference to sapphire: "Above the expanse over their heads was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like a sapphire stone; and on the throne high above was a figure like that of a man." Here, the sapphire throne signifies the majesty and authority of God, emphasizing His sovereign rule.

3. Ezekiel 10:1 · In another vision, Ezekiel describes a similar scene: "Then I looked, and I saw above the expanse that was over the heads of the cherubim something like a sapphire stone, resembling a throne, appearing above them." The repetition of sapphire in these visions underscores its association with divine glory and the celestial order.

4. Isaiah 54:11 · The prophet Isaiah uses sapphire metaphorically to describe the future restoration and beauty of Jerusalem: "O afflicted city, lashed by storms and not comforted, I will rebuild you with stones of turquoise, your foundations with sapphires." This promise highlights the transformation and splendor that God will bestow upon His people.

5. Revelation 21:19 · In the New Testament, the Book of Revelation describes the New Jerusalem's foundations adorned with precious stones, including sapphire: "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." This depiction of the heavenly city reflects the eternal beauty and perfection of God's kingdom.

Symbolism and Significance:

Sapphire's deep blue color is often associated with the heavens, symbolizing divine wisdom, truth, and purity. Its use in biblical descriptions of God's throne and the New Jerusalem underscores its representation of divine authority and the eternal nature of God's promises. The stone's durability and brilliance make it a fitting symbol of the steadfastness and glory of God's covenant with His people.

In ancient times, sapphires were highly valued and often used in royal and religious settings. Their inclusion in biblical imagery serves to convey the splendor and holiness of God's presence, as well as the hope and restoration promised to His faithful followers. The recurring motif of sapphire in Scripture invites believers to contemplate the majesty of God and the beauty of His eternal kingdom.Job 28:6,16
The stones of it are the place of sapphires: and it has dust of gold.
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Isaiah 54:11
O you afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay your stones with fair colors, and lay your foundations with sapphires.
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Ezekiel 28:13
You have been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of your tabrets and of your pipes was prepared in you in the day that you were created.
Nave's Topical Index

The New Jerusalem.
... And the foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of precious
stone. The first foundation was a jasper; the second, a sapphire; the third ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the new jerusalem.htm

Christ the Redeemer
... The Greek word for undefiled alludes to a precious stone called Amiantus, which
cannot be blemished ... it is compared to pure gold, and to the sapphire and emerald ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/8 christ the redeemer.htm

Another Cavil Met, IE , the Devil who Instigated Man to Sin ...
... "Every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, the topaz, and the diamond,
the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter x another cavil met i e.htm

Of the Fall of the Devil and the Angels.
... paradise of God: every precious stone was thy covering: the sardius, the topaz and
the jasper, the chrysolyte and the onyx and the beryl, the sapphire and the ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter viii of the fall 2.htm

On Counter Promises.
... composed of many precious stones, as jasper, and sapphire, and chalcedony ... and moulded,
and made a living stone, a stone elect and precious, because he has ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter xi on counter promises.htm

The People of the New Earth
... adorned with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was a jasper (dark
green, and transparent, with red veins): the second, a sapphire (azure blue ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the people of the new.htm

An Exhortation to Theodore after his Fall. Letter I.
... humble the insolence of the proud, and they who are left shall be more precious
than unsmelted gold, and a man shall be more precious than the sapphire stone. ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/an exhortation to theodore after.htm

Here Followeth the History of Tobit
... The gates of Jerusalem shall be edified of sapphire and emerald, and all the circuit
of his walls of precious stone; all the streets thereof shall be paved ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here followeth the history of 2.htm

The Promises Addressed to Jerusalem in the Prophets Refer to the ...
... Jerusalem, and to be built with the precious stones of ... following: [5131] "Behold
I prepare for thy stone carbuncle and for thy foundation sapphire; and I ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of john/26 the promises addressed to.htm

The Throne of Grace
... Now, the attribute of sovereignty is very high and terrible; its light is like unto
a jasper stone, most precious, and like unto a sapphire stone, or, as ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the throne of grace.htm

What was the firmament in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Is there any spiritual significance to birthstones? | GotQuestions.org

Summary of the Book of Ezekiel - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org

Sapphire: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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