Topical Bible: Diamond: One of the Jewels in the Breastplate

◄ Diamond: One of the Jewels in the Breastplate ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The diamond is one of the precious stones mentioned in the Bible, specifically as part of the high priest's breastplate, also known as the "breastplate of judgment." This sacred garment is described in the Book of Exodus, where it is detailed as a piece of the high priest's attire, designed according to divine instructions given to Moses.

Biblical References:

The primary reference to the breastplate and its jewels is found in Exodus 28:15-21. The passage describes the breastplate as being made of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely twisted linen. It was to be square—a span long and a span wide—and folded double. The breastplate was adorned with twelve stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The Berean Standard Bible translates Exodus 28:18 as follows: "The second row will be a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond."

Symbolism and Significance:

In the context of the high priest's breastplate, the diamond is one of the stones set in gold filigree, symbolizing the tribe it represents. The diamond, known for its hardness and brilliance, may symbolize strength, purity, and the enduring nature of God's covenant with Israel. The placement of the diamond among the other stones signifies its importance and the value of each tribe in the eyes of God.

The breastplate itself served a dual purpose: it was both a symbol of the high priest's role as a mediator between God and the people and a tangible representation of the unity and diversity of the twelve tribes of Israel. Each stone, including the diamond, was engraved with the name of a tribe, signifying that the high priest bore the people of Israel on his heart when he entered the presence of the Lord.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient times, diamonds were highly prized for their rarity and beauty. The exact identification of the biblical diamond is a matter of scholarly debate, as the Hebrew term "yahalom" used in the text has been variously translated as diamond, jasper, or onyx in different Bible versions. However, the Berean Standard Bible's choice of "diamond" reflects a long-standing tradition of associating this stone with the breastplate.

The use of precious stones in religious garments and artifacts was common in the ancient Near East, reflecting the wealth and craftsmanship of the time. The inclusion of the diamond in the high priest's breastplate underscores the importance of beauty and splendor in the worship and service of God.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the diamond in the breastplate can be seen as a representation of the divine attributes of God—His strength, purity, and eternal nature. The high priest, adorned with such a garment, was a foreshadowing of Christ, the ultimate High Priest, who perfectly mediates between God and humanity. The brilliance of the diamond reflects the glory of God, which believers are called to reflect in their own lives.

In summary, the diamond as one of the jewels in the high priest's breastplate holds deep symbolic meaning within the biblical narrative. It serves as a reminder of the preciousness of God's people, the beauty of holiness, and the enduring covenant between God and His chosen ones.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 28:18
And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond.
Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 39:11
And the second row, an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond.
Nave's Topical Index

Jeremiah 17:1
The sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron, and with the point of a diamond: it is graven on the table of their heart, and on the horns of your altars;
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

Library

Christ's Pastoral Prayer for his People
... secret privacy by talking about these precious jewels, these dear ... done by the minister,
or else by one or two ... table wearing a fine dress or a diamond ring, and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 39 1893/christs pastoral prayer for his.htm

Concerning Persecution
... good name is like a gold ring set with a rich diamond. ... Ignatius' chains were his
jewels. ... As Gregory Nazianzen speaks in one of his orations, Every stone which ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/21 concerning persecution.htm

The Second Commandment
... Drusius. They are his spouse, adorned with jewels of grace; they lie near his heart. ...
Use one. ... This is the diamond ring; it outshines all other comforts. ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 2 the second commandment.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... very short, is peculiarly interesting: how it was preserved we are not told; but
it bears strong marks of having been published from notes taken by one of the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm