The term "carbuncle" refers to a precious stone mentioned in the Bible, known for its deep red color and radiant appearance. The carbuncle is often associated with beauty, wealth, and divine splendor, reflecting the glory and majesty of God's creation.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 28:17-20 · The carbuncle is listed among the stones set in the breastplate of judgment worn by the High Priest. This breastplate, also known as the "breastplate of decision," contained twelve stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The inclusion of the carbuncle signifies its importance and value in the religious and cultural context of ancient Israel.

2. Ezekiel 28:13 · In this passage, the carbuncle is mentioned as one of the precious stones that adorned the King of Tyre, symbolizing his wealth and the splendor of his kingdom. The verse reads: "You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, and diamond; beryl, onyx, and jasper; sapphire, turquoise, and emerald; and gold. The workmanship of your tambourines and of your pipes was prepared for you on the day you were created."

3. Isaiah 54:12 · The prophet Isaiah uses the imagery of precious stones, including the carbuncle, to describe the future glory and restoration of Jerusalem. The verse states: "I will make your pinnacles of rubies, your gates of sparkling jewels, and all your walls of precious stones." This metaphorical use underscores the beauty and strength that will characterize the renewed city.

Symbolism and Significance:

In biblical literature, the carbuncle is often associated with divine beauty and the splendor of God's creation. Its deep red hue is reminiscent of fire and blood, symbolizing both purification and sacrifice. The stone's radiant quality reflects the light and glory of God, serving as a reminder of His presence and majesty.

The carbuncle's inclusion in the High Priest's breastplate highlights its role in the religious life of Israel, symbolizing the connection between the divine and the earthly. As a representation of one of the tribes of Israel, it also signifies the unity and diversity of God's chosen people.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In ancient times, the carbuncle was highly prized for its beauty and rarity. It was often used in jewelry and ornamentation, signifying wealth and status. The stone's name is derived from the Latin "carbunculus," meaning "little coal," a reference to its fiery appearance.

The carbuncle's significance extends beyond its physical attributes, serving as a symbol of spiritual truths and divine promises. Its presence in biblical texts reflects the broader cultural appreciation for precious stones and their perceived connection to the divine.

Conclusion:

The carbuncle, as a precious stone mentioned in the Bible, holds a place of prominence and symbolism. Its deep red color and radiant beauty serve as metaphors for divine glory, purity, and the splendor of God's creation. Through its appearances in Scripture, the carbuncle continues to inspire awe and reverence, pointing believers to the majesty and holiness of the Creator.Isaiah 54:12
And I will make your windows of agates, and your gates of carbuncles, and all your borders of pleasant stones.
Nave's Topical Index

Ezekiel 28:13
You 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.
Nave's Topical Index

Another Cavil Met, IE , the Devil who Instigated Man to Sin ...
... precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, the topaz, and the diamond, the beryl,
the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle; ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter x another cavil met i e.htm

Of the Fall of the Devil and the Angels.
... every precious stone was thy covering: the sardius, the topaz and the jasper, the
chrysolyte and the onyx and the beryl, the sapphire and the carbuncle and the ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter viii of the fall 2.htm

The Promises Addressed to Jerusalem in the Prophets Refer to the ...
... to Jud??a and Jerusalem, and to be built with the precious stones of ... we mentioned
are the following: [5131] "Behold I prepare for thy stone carbuncle and for ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of john/26 the promises addressed to.htm

The Best Introduction to this Production Will be the Following ...
... and silver statues, and adorned them with precious stones,"that I ... upper side a star
set in a carbuncle and an ... the diadem with the star and the stone, and the ...
/.../africanus/the writings of julius africanus/the best introduction to this.htm

I Know that My Redeemer Liveth
... ye windows of agates and gates of carbuncle, where are ... must be pulled down, and not
one stone left upon ... as with silver and gold, but with the precious blood of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/i know that my redeemer.htm

Now, and Then
... the black envelope of trial, such a precious mass of ... windows of agate and gates of
carbuncle, in the ... the brightness as it were of sapphire stone"light, pure ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/now and then.htm

Communion with Christ and his People.
... hard words to turn the children's bread into a stone. ... windows of agate and gates
of carbuncle through which ... my own part, in reading certain precious works, I ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/communion with christ and his.htm

Pagan Shrines and Temples.
... pearls, two emeralds, seven beryls, one carbuncle, one hyacinthus ... changed, as shown
by a precious"yet unpublished ... four feet deep, lined with stone blocks, the ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter ii pagan shrines and.htm

Panegyric on the Splendor of Affairs.
... gold, again the refined and unalloyed silver, and the precious and costly ... and mystic
prophecy, which says, Behold I make thy stone a carbuncle, and thy ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter iv panegyric on the splendor.htm

Mahometans.
... sanctity to the whole, is a square stone building, called ... the third, which was made
of precious stones, where ... the sixth, which was all of carbuncle; whence he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/mahometans.htm

Carbuncle: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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