Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, precious stones hold significant symbolic and practical value, often associated with beauty, wealth, and divine craftsmanship. The term "stones to be set" refers to precious stones that are specifically designated for use in settings, such as in the high priest's breastplate, the construction of sacred spaces, and other ornamental purposes.High Priest's Breastplate One of the most notable uses of precious stones in the Bible is in the high priest's breastplate, also known as the "breastplate of judgment." This sacred garment, worn by the high priest of Israel, featured twelve stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The stones were set in gold filigree and arranged in four rows of three. The Berean Standard Bible describes this in Exodus 28:17-21: "You are to 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. These stones shall be set in gold filigree. The twelve stones are to correspond to the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes." These stones were not only ornamental but also served a spiritual purpose, symbolizing the high priest's role as a mediator between God and the people of Israel. Construction of Sacred Spaces Precious stones were also used in the construction and adornment of sacred spaces, such as the Temple of Solomon. The use of these stones signified the beauty and holiness of the dwelling place of God. In 1 Chronicles 29:2, King David speaks of the materials prepared for the temple: "Now with all my ability I have made provision for the house of my God—gold for the gold articles, silver for the silver, bronze for the bronze, iron for the iron, and wood for the wood, as well as onyx, stones for settings, turquoise, stones of various colors, all kinds of precious stones, and alabaster in abundance." Symbolism and Spiritual Significance Throughout Scripture, precious stones are often used metaphorically to convey spiritual truths. In Revelation 21:19-21, the New Jerusalem is described with foundations adorned with every kind of precious stone, symbolizing the glory and perfection of God's eternal kingdom: "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 great street of the city was pure gold, as pure as transparent glass." Conclusion In summary, precious stones in the Bible, referred to as "stones to be set," are rich in both literal and symbolic meaning. They are integral to the religious and cultural practices of ancient Israel, serving as a testament to God's beauty, creativity, and covenant with His people. 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 Of Precious Stones and Pearls. Introduction. Passages from Moses, which the Heretics Pervert to the Support of ... The Building of the Golden House. Living Stones on the Living Foundation Stone How Ptolemy Philadelphus Procured the Laws of the Jews to be ... Bezaleel and Aholiab. Against Excessive Fondness for Jewels and Gold Ornaments. Demonstration v. --Of Wars. Of the Building of this Temple Resources What does it mean that Jesus and believers are living stones in 1 Peter 2:4-5? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Jesus loves the little children? | GotQuestions.org In what ways are believers partakers of the divine nature? | 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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