Precious Stones: Given by the Jews for the Tabernacle
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Topical Encyclopedia
In the construction of the Tabernacle, as described in the Book of Exodus, the Israelites contributed various precious stones as part of their offerings. These stones were integral to the design and function of the Tabernacle, particularly in the garments of the High Priest and the adornment of sacred objects.

Biblical Context

The command to gather precious stones for the Tabernacle is found in Exodus 25:1-7, where God instructs Moses to collect offerings from the Israelites. Among the specified materials are "onyx stones and gemstones to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece" (Exodus 25:7). These stones were not merely decorative but held significant symbolic and ritual importance.

The High Priest's Garments

The ephod and breastpiece, worn by the High Priest, were adorned with precious stones. The breastpiece, also known as the Breastpiece of Judgment, contained twelve stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Exodus 28:17-21 details the arrangement and significance of these stones:

1. First Row: A ruby, a topaz, and an emerald.
2. Second Row: A turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond.
3. Third Row: A jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst.
4. Fourth Row: A beryl, an onyx, and a jasper.

Each stone was engraved with the name of a tribe, symbolizing the High Priest's role as an intercessor for the people before God. The stones were set in gold filigree, emphasizing their value and the sacredness of the priestly office.

Symbolism and Significance

The use of precious stones in the Tabernacle and the High Priest's garments underscores the themes of beauty, holiness, and divine order. The stones' brilliance and variety reflect the glory of God and the diversity of His people. The specific choice and arrangement of stones were divinely ordained, indicating their importance in the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

Cultural and Historical Insights

In the ancient Near East, precious stones were often associated with royalty and divinity. Their inclusion in the Tabernacle's design aligns with the broader cultural understanding of sacred spaces and objects. The Israelites' willingness to offer such valuable items demonstrates their devotion and obedience to God's commands.

Theological Implications

The precious stones in the Tabernacle serve as a reminder of God's provision and the beauty of His creation. They also point to the future fulfillment of God's promises, as seen in the New Jerusalem described in Revelation 21:18-21, where the foundations of the city are adorned with similar stones. This continuity highlights the enduring significance of these materials in God's redemptive plan.

In summary, the precious stones given by the Jews for the Tabernacle were not only valuable materials but also carried deep spiritual and symbolic meaning, reflecting the relationship between God and His chosen people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Exodus 25:7
Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Book 3 Footnotes
... not made by the shining of the precious stones, after an ... for certainly the shining
of the stones might precede ... note with Reland, that the precept given to the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 3 footnotes.htm

Here Beginneth the Story of Judith
... worshipped strange gods, wherefore they were given and be ... Who despised the people
of Jews that have ... purple, of gold, smaragdos and precious stones within woven ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here beginneth the story of.htm

The Desire of all Nations
... then, shall never be shaken, and the precious things that ... so much as to chip one
of her polished stones. ... not, the rich things that God hath given her"these ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/the desire of all nations.htm

Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ...
... in a fire, and the Law was given from the ... sprinkled the water: either because the
Jews became unclean ... On this rational there were twelve precious stones set in ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there can be any 2.htm

On the Return of Flavian the Bishop, and the Reconciliation of the ...
... it even as you did before, you have given them a ... arrayed in that robe which is more
precious than any ... his whole face by battering it with stones, he stroked ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xxi on the return.htm

The Lively Stones. Rev. W. Morley Punshon.
... prophecies, are but the unfoldings of its precious meaning ... there is no other name
under heaven given among men ... but one by one the living stones, polished after ...
/.../king/the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/the lively stones rev w.htm

A Greater than Solomon
... with vanity; for Solomon was among the Jews the very ... To Him it is given to take the
book of ... twelve courses of its foundations are of precious stones, its walls ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 27 1881/a greater than solomon.htm

Book 8 Footnotes
... Septuagint say that "they prepared timber and stones to build ... juice of the turpentine
tree, than this precious balm. ... ch.3. sect.2] that God had given the Jews ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 8 footnotes.htm

Ancestors of the Blessed virgin
... lump in a pouch, no doubt a piece of precious metal ... as it were the beginning of God's
grace given in blessing ... so that from him might proceed the stones for the ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/i ancestors of the blessed.htm

Mordecai and Esther
... enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another ... we have been sinful, He
has given us a ... the gold, the silver, and the precious stones,' the abiding ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/mordecai and esther.htm

Resources
Is it possible for gold dust to come down during a church service? | GotQuestions.org

What 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 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: Given by Chief Men for the Temple
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