Topics

Precious Stones

Precious stones throughout Scripture symbolize God's beauty, value, and the glory of His kingdom, appearing prominently in the priestly garments and the heavenly city. They remind us of the priceless worth of God's character and our redemption in Christ.

Overview

God's Word repeatedly highlights precious stones as symbols of beauty, durability, and divine value. From the high priest's breastplate adorned with twelve stones representing the tribes of Israel to the foundations of the New Jerusalem, precious stones underscore God's glory and the eternal worth of His kingdom.

Key Scriptures

"The high priest's breastplate contained four rows of stones: ruby, topaz and beryl in the first row; turquoise, sapphire and emerald in the second row; jacinth, agate and amethyst in the third row; and chrysolite, onyx and jasper in the fourth row" (Exodus 28:17-20, NIV). "The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone...jasper, sapphire, chalcedony, emerald, sardonyx, sardius, chrysolite, beryl, topaz, chrysoprase, jacinth and amethyst" (Revelation 21:19, NIV).

Application

Meditate on how precious stones in Scripture reflect the immeasurable value Christ places on His church and the eternal beauty of God's kingdom prepared for believers.

Scripture References 40
Full Topical Reference List 97 total — Nave's Topical Bible

A part of the treasure of kings

Adorning the high priest's ephod

Adorning the temple

Art of engraving upon, early known to the Jews

Art of setting, known to the Jews

Beauty and stability of the church

Chrysoprasus

Decorating the person

Dug out of the earth

Given by chief men for the temple

Given by the Jews for the tabernacle

Glory of heavenly Jerusalem

Highly prized by the ancients

Honouring idols

Of great variety

Of many colours

Often given as presents

Ornamenting royal crowns

Preciousness of Christ

Prepared by David for the temple

Seductive splendour and false glory of the apostasy

Setting in seals and rings

Stability of heavenly Jerusalem

Stones to be set