Beryl-stones are mentioned several times in the Bible, often associated with beauty, value, and divine craftsmanship. The term "beryl" refers to a precious gemstone that comes in various colors, including green, blue, yellow, and pink. In biblical times, beryl was highly prized and used in various forms of adornment and decoration.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 28:20 : In the description of the High Priest's breastplate, beryl is listed as one of the stones set in the third row: "The fourth row had a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. They were mounted in gold filigree settings." This indicates the significance and value of beryl as part of the sacred garments worn by the High Priest, symbolizing the tribes of Israel.

2. Ezekiel 1:16 : The prophet Ezekiel describes a vision of the divine chariot, where beryl is used to convey the splendor and majesty of the heavenly realm: "The appearance of the wheels and their workmanship was like the gleam of beryl, and all four had the same likeness. Their appearance and workmanship was like a wheel within a wheel."

3. Daniel 10:6 : In Daniel's vision of a heavenly being, beryl is used to describe the appearance of the figure: "His body was like beryl, his face like the brilliance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of polished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude." Here, beryl is associated with divine radiance and power.

4. Revelation 21:20 : In the description of the New Jerusalem, beryl is one of the foundation stones of the city: "the fifth beryl, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst." This highlights the eternal beauty and perfection of the heavenly city.

Symbolism and Significance:

In biblical symbolism, beryl often represents purity, beauty, and divine glory. Its inclusion in the High Priest's breastplate signifies its importance in the religious and cultural life of ancient Israel. The use of beryl in prophetic visions and descriptions of heavenly beings underscores its association with the divine and the transcendent.

Beryl's varied colors and radiant appearance make it a fitting symbol for the multifaceted nature of God's creation and His attributes. Its presence in the New Jerusalem's foundation stones points to the eternal and unchanging nature of God's promises and the ultimate fulfillment of His kingdom.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Beryl was known and valued in the ancient Near East, and its use in jewelry and ornamentation is well-documented. The gemstone's durability and luster made it a popular choice for both secular and sacred purposes. In biblical times, beryl would have been sourced from regions known for gemstone mining, such as Egypt and the Arabian Peninsula.

The biblical references to beryl reflect its esteemed status and the broader cultural appreciation for gemstones as symbols of wealth, status, and divine favor.Beryl-stones (1 Occurrence)

Song of Songs 5:14
His hands are as rings of gold ornamented with beryl-stones; his body is as a smooth plate of ivory covered with sapphires.
(BBE)

Beryl-stones (1 Occurrence)
Beryl-stones. Beryls, Beryl-stones. Berytus . Multi-Version
Concordance Beryl-stones (1 Occurrence). Song of Songs 5 ...
/b/beryl-stones.htm - 6k

Beryl (12 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Exodus 28:9 You are to take two beryl
stones, on which the names of the children of Israel are to be cut: (BBE). ...
/b/beryl.htm - 11k

Berytus

/b/berytus.htm - 8k

Ouches (8 Occurrences)
... the two sides of the breast-plate being said to be "enclosed in ouches (settings)
of gold" (Exodus 39:6). Not only were these two onyx or berylstones so set ...
/o/ouches.htm - 10k

Ornamented (14 Occurrences)
... (WEB). Song of Songs 5:14 His hands are as rings of gold ornamented with beryl-stones;
his body is as a smooth plate of ivory covered with sapphires. (BBE). ...
/o/ornamented.htm - 10k

Inlaid (8 Occurrences)
... (See JPS NIV). Song of Songs 5:14 His hands are as rings of gold ornamented with
beryl-stones; his body is as a smooth plate of ivory covered with sapphires. ...
/i/inlaid.htm - 8k

Rounded (7 Occurrences)
... Song of Songs 5:14 His hands are as rings of gold ornamented with beryl-stones;
his body is as a smooth plate of ivory covered with sapphires. (See RSV). ...
/r/rounded.htm - 8k

Encrusted (2 Occurrences)
... Song of Songs 5:14 His hands are as rings of gold ornamented with beryl-stones;
his body is as a smooth plate of ivory covered with sapphires. (See RSV). ...
/e/encrusted.htm - 7k

Decorated (12 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Song of Songs 5:14 His hands are as rings of gold ornamented with
beryl-stones; his body is as a smooth plate of ivory covered with sapphires. ...
/d/decorated.htm - 10k

Beryls (4 Occurrences)

/b/beryls.htm - 7k

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