Topical Encyclopedia Jasper is a precious stone mentioned several times in the Bible, often associated with beauty, splendor, and divine glory. It is one of the stones that hold significant symbolic meaning in biblical texts, particularly in the context of the high priest's breastplate and the New Jerusalem.Biblical References: 1. High Priest's Breastplate: Jasper is one of the stones set in the breastplate of the high priest, as described in the Book of Exodus. The breastplate, also known as the "breastplate of judgment," contained twelve stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. In Exodus 28:20 , it is written, "The fourth row will be a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. Mount these stones in gold filigree settings." This inclusion signifies the importance and value of jasper among the tribes of Israel. 2. Vision of the New Jerusalem: Jasper is prominently featured in the description of the New Jerusalem in the Book of Revelation. Revelation 21:11 describes the city as having "the glory of God, its radiance like a most precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal." This imagery conveys the purity, holiness, and divine presence that characterize the heavenly city. Furthermore, Revelation 21:18 states, "The wall was made of jasper, and the city itself of pure gold, as pure as glass." The use of jasper here underscores the majesty and perfection of God's eternal kingdom. 3. The One Seated on the Throne: In Revelation 4:3 , the appearance of God on His throne is likened to jasper: "And the One seated there looked like jasper and carnelian, and a rainbow that gleamed like an emerald encircled the throne." This description emphasizes the brilliance and awe-inspiring nature of God's presence, with jasper symbolizing His glory and majesty. Symbolism and Significance: Jasper, in biblical symbolism, is often associated with divine attributes such as glory, beauty, and purity. Its mention in the context of the high priest's breastplate highlights its role in representing the tribes of Israel before God, signifying their preciousness and value in His sight. In the apocalyptic visions of Revelation, jasper serves as a metaphor for the splendor and holiness of God's eternal kingdom, as well as His own divine nature. The stone's clear and radiant appearance, as described in Revelation, suggests qualities of transparency and purity, which are integral to the biblical portrayal of God's character and the heavenly realm. Jasper's inclusion in these significant biblical passages underscores its role as a symbol of divine beauty and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises to His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Revelation 4:3And he that sat was to look on like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like to an emerald. Torrey's Topical Textbook Revelation 21:11,19 Library Introduction. On Counter Promises. The Open Door. It Seems to Me Also that the Fancy of Plato... The Promises Addressed to Jerusalem in the Prophets Refer to the ... And If, Further, Temples are to be Compared with Temples... High Priest Keeping the Commandments. Preface to the First Edition. Meditations of the Blessed State of a Regenerate Man in Heaven. 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 |