Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, colors often carry significant symbolic meanings, and blue is frequently associated with the divine, representing the heavenly realm and the presence of God. This symbolism is rooted in various scriptural references and the cultural context of ancient Israel.Biblical References: 1. The Tabernacle and Priestly Garments: The use of blue in the construction of the Tabernacle and the garments of the priests is a prominent example of its divine symbolism. In Exodus 25:4, God instructs Moses to collect materials for the Tabernacle, including "blue, purple, and scarlet yarn." These colors were used extensively in the Tabernacle's curtains and the high priest's ephod, breastplate, and robe (Exodus 28:5-6, 31). The use of blue in these sacred items signifies the presence and authority of God among His people. 2. The Tassels on Garments: In Numbers 15:38-39, the Israelites are commanded to make tassels on the corners of their garments with a blue cord. This blue thread serves as a visual reminder to follow God's commandments and to live a holy life, reflecting the divine nature and authority of God's law: "Speak to the Israelites and tell them to make tassels for the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and to put a blue cord on the tassel at each corner." 3. The Vision of God: In Ezekiel 1:26, the prophet describes a vision of God seated on a throne that appears like sapphire, a precious blue stone: "Above the expanse over their heads was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like a sapphire stone; and on the throne high above was a figure like that of a man." This imagery reinforces the association of blue with the divine and the heavenly realm. 4. The Sapphire Stone: The sapphire stone, often associated with the color blue, is mentioned in Exodus 24:10, where the elders of Israel see God, and "under His feet was a work like a pavement made of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself." This description further emphasizes the connection between blue and the divine presence. Cultural and Symbolic Significance: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, blue was a rare and valuable color, often derived from lapis lazuli or other precious stones. Its rarity and beauty made it a fitting symbol for the divine. In the biblical narrative, blue's association with the heavens and the divine presence underscores its role as a symbol of God's majesty, purity, and authority. The use of blue in religious contexts serves as a constant reminder of God's covenant with His people and His omnipresence. It calls believers to a life of holiness and obedience, reflecting the divine nature in their daily lives. Through these scriptural and cultural associations, blue emerges as a powerful symbol of deity in the biblical tradition. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 24:10And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 25:3,4 Exodus 26:1 Exodus 28:28,37 Exodus 38:18 Exodus 39:1-5,21,24,29,31 Numbers 4:5-12 Numbers 15:38-40 2 Chronicles 2:7,14 2 Chronicles 3:14 Jeremiah 10:9 Ezekiel 1:26 Ezekiel 10:1 Library Introduction Daily Bread Resources Why did Jacob give Joseph a coat of many colors? | GotQuestions.orgIs there any significance to colors in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is structuralism? | GotQuestions.org Colors: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Colors: Black: A Symbol of Affliction and Calamity Colors: Blue: Symbol of Deity: Symbol of Royalty Colors: Crimson, Red, Purple, and Scarlet, Symbols of Various Ideas of Iniquity Colors: Crimson, Red, Purple, and Scarlet, Symbols of Various Ideas of Royalty Colors: Crimson, Red, Purple, and Scarlet, Symbols of Various Ideas: Conquest Colors: Crimson, Red, Purple, and Scarlet, Symbols of Various Ideas: Prosperity Colors: Scriptures Employing the Symbol Colors: These Colors Figured Largely in the Symbolisms of the Tabernacle Furnishing Colors: White: Symbol of Holiness: Choir Singers Were Arrayed in White Colors: White: Symbol of Holiness: The High Priest's Holy Garments Were Made of White Linen Related Terms |