Gemstones In The Bible

Gemstones In the Bible

The stones of the Foundation of the New Temple of Jerusalem, as mentioned in Revelations A summary by J. Michael Howard

The ancients were not versed in the science of mineralogy, they did have names for the many commonly used minerals and stones of their day. A number of these can be directly traced back to the mineral, gem, or type of stone they used. However, some are clouded, now and forever, by the veil of time. Lack of specific information about the characteristics, particularly color, is not available. Therefore, you will find much speculation in the literature. The translation of the original Hebrew and then translation by later writers from the ancient Grecian language has added to the confusion.

It is easier to understand why 12 stones are mentioned in Revelations 12 is an important number in the Bible. The 12 tribes of Israel, the 12 apostles, the 12 stones of the foundation of the New Temple of Jerusalem. Our best knowledge of the characteristics of these 12 stones come by considering the 12 stones of the Breastplate of the High Priest of Israel, each representing a tribe of Israel.

Gemstones In The Bible