Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, precious stones were highly valued not only for their beauty but also for their symbolic and economic significance. These stones were often used in personal adornment, reflecting wealth, status, and sometimes spiritual truths. The Bible provides numerous references to the use of precious stones, particularly in the context of priestly garments, royal attire, and metaphorical descriptions of divine beauty and glory.Priestly Garments: One of the most detailed accounts of precious stones used for personal adornment is found in the description of the high priest's garments. In Exodus 28, God commands Moses to make sacred garments for Aaron, the high priest, including the breastpiece of judgment. This breastpiece was adorned with twelve precious stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel: 1. Sardius 2. Topaz 3. Carbuncle 4. Emerald 5. Sapphire 6. Diamond 7. Jacinth 8. Agate 9. Amethyst 10. Beryl 11. Onyx 12. Jasper These stones were set in gold filigree and arranged in four rows of three stones each (Exodus 28:17-20). The use of these stones signified the high priest's role as a mediator between God and the people, with each stone symbolizing a tribe of Israel. Royal Adornment: Precious stones were also used in the adornment of kings and queens, signifying their royal status and divine favor. In the Song of Solomon, the beauty and splendor of the beloved are likened to jewels and precious stones, illustrating the value and desirability of love (Song of Solomon 1:10-11). The prophet Ezekiel describes the king of Tyre in terms of precious stones, highlighting his former glory and beauty before his fall due to pride and sin. The passage lists stones such as sardius, topaz, diamond, beryl, onyx, jasper, sapphire, emerald, and carbuncle, set in gold (Ezekiel 28:13). Metaphorical and Eschatological Significance: In the New Testament, precious stones are used metaphorically to describe the beauty and glory of the New Jerusalem. The Apostle John, in his vision recorded in the Book of Revelation, describes the foundations of the city walls adorned with every kind of precious stone, including jasper, sapphire, chalcedony, emerald, sardonyx, carnelian, chrysolite, beryl, topaz, chrysoprase, jacinth, and amethyst (Revelation 21:19-20). This imagery conveys the splendor and perfection of God's eternal kingdom. Furthermore, the Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of building with gold, silver, and precious stones to describe the enduring quality of works built on the foundation of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:12). This illustrates the eternal value of spiritual works as opposed to those that are temporal and perishable. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, precious stones were often associated with divine attributes and were believed to possess protective and healing properties. The biblical use of these stones reflects a broader cultural appreciation for their beauty and significance, while also imbuing them with theological meaning. Throughout Scripture, precious stones serve as symbols of beauty, value, and divine favor. They are used to adorn the high priest, kings, and the eschatological city of God, reflecting the glory and majesty of the divine. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezekiel 28:13You 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. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem The First Epistle of St. Peter The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued) part i Resources Who does God say I am? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about when God will judge us? | GotQuestions.org What is a plumb line in the Bible? | 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 |
    |