What other scriptures highlight the significance of precious stones in worship? Setting the Scene: Exodus 25:7 “and onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece.” (Exodus 25:7) God Himself selected precious stones as part of Israel’s worship. Their beauty, permanence, and value visibly proclaimed His glory and holiness. Scripture keeps returning to this theme. Priestly Garments—A Living Display of God’s Glory • Exodus 28:9–12 – Two onyx stones engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel rested on the high priest’s shoulders “as a memorial.” • Exodus 28:15–21 – Twelve different gems, one for each tribe, adorned the breastpiece. • Exodus 39:6–14 records the faithful crafting of these details for the tabernacle. Together, the gems broadcast both God’s splendor and His covenant faithfulness—He literally bore His people over His heart and on His shoulders. Temple Construction—Precious Gifts for a Precious House • 1 Chronicles 29:2 – David prepared “gold for the gold work… and stones of onyx, settings of antimony, stones of various colors and all kinds of precious stones.” • 1 Chronicles 29:8 – Leaders “gave for the service of the house of the Lord five thousand talents… and precious stones.” • 2 Chronicles 2:7 – Solomon requested a craftsman “skilled to work in gold, silver, bronze, and iron, and in purple, crimson, and blue yarn, and with engravings and to work in collaboration with my skilled workers,” including precious stones. • 2 Chronicles 3:6 – The temple was “adorned with precious stones for beauty.” Physical gems in the temple shouted that nothing but the finest belongs in God’s presence. Prophetic Imagery—Stones that Point Forward • Isaiah 54:11–12 – God promises to set Israel’s stones “in antimony” and lay foundations “with sapphires,” walls “with precious stones.” • Ezekiel 28:13 – The king of Tyre (and the Edenic figure behind him) is described as bedecked with sardius, topaz, diamond, beryl, onyx, jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald—mirroring tabernacle stones and hinting at lost glory. Prophets use gemstones to picture restored beauty, righteousness, and covenant wholeness. Heavenly Worship—Stones Before the Throne • Revelation 4:3 – “And the One seated there looked like jasper and carnelian, and a rainbow that gleamed like an emerald encircled the throne.” • Revelation 21:11, 19–21 – The New Jerusalem’s foundation stones sparkle with jasper, sapphire, chalcedony, emerald, sardonyx, sardius, chrysolite, beryl, topaz, chrysoprase, jacinth, and amethyst; gates are single pearls; streets are pure gold. Earthly gems foreshadow the unblemished radiance of eternal worship where God’s presence fills all. Threads That Tie the Passages Together • Value – The costliness of stones underlines that worship must be extravagant toward God. • Beauty – Stones reflect God’s own beauty; worship involves delight, not duty alone. • Permanence – Unlike wood or cloth, gems endure; true worship points to everlasting realities. • Representation – Twelve different stones on the breastpiece showed each tribe uniquely valued; Revelation’s multicolored foundations show every nation equally welcomed. Living it Out Today • Offer God your “precious stones”―time, gifts, talents―with the same wholehearted generosity. • Let worship be marked by beauty and excellence, mirroring the greatness of the One adored. • Remember that every earthly glimpse of splendor is a preview of the coming glory when we stand before the throne encircled by jewel-like brilliance. |
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