Shoham, often translated as "onyx" or "beryl," is a precious stone mentioned several times in the Bible, primarily in the context of the high priest's garments and the description of the Garden of Eden. The term "shoham" is derived from the Hebrew word שֹׁהַם, and its exact identification has been a subject of scholarly debate, with some suggesting it may refer to a variety of stones, including onyx, beryl, or malachite.

Biblical References:

1. The High Priest's Breastplate and Ephod:
Shoham stones are prominently featured in the description of the high priest's garments, specifically in the breastplate and the ephod. In Exodus 28:9-12 , God commands Moses, "Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel... Fasten them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel." These stones were set in gold filigree and served as a reminder of the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing the high priest's role as an intercessor for the people before God.

2. The Garden of Eden:
Shoham is also mentioned in the context of the Garden of Eden. In Genesis 2:12 , the land of Havilah is described as having gold, and "the gold of that land is pure; bdellium and onyx stone are also there." This reference highlights the abundance and beauty of God's creation, with shoham being part of the rich resources provided by God in the pristine environment of Eden.

3. The Tabernacle and Temple:
The use of shoham stones extends to the construction and adornment of sacred spaces. In 1 Chronicles 29:2 , King David prepares materials for the building of the temple, stating, "With all my resources I have provided for the house of my God—gold for the gold work, silver for the silver, bronze for the bronze, iron for the iron, and wood for the wood, as well as onyx for the settings, turquoise, stones of various colors, and all kinds of fine stone and marble—all of these in large quantities." This passage underscores the importance of shoham in the worship and service of God, reflecting the value and beauty attributed to it.

Symbolism and Significance:

In biblical symbolism, shoham stones represent purity, beauty, and divine favor. Their use in the high priest's garments signifies the holiness and sanctity required in approaching God, while their presence in Eden and the temple highlights the splendor and provision of God's creation. The engraving of the tribes' names on the shoham stones of the ephod also emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and His people, with the high priest bearing the weight of Israel on his shoulders as he ministers before the Lord.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, precious stones like shoham were highly valued for their beauty and rarity. They were often used in jewelry, religious artifacts, and as symbols of status and power. The biblical use of shoham reflects these cultural values, while also imbuing them with theological significance, as they are incorporated into the worship practices and sacred objects of Israel.

Overall, shoham serves as a testament to the intricate design and intentionality of God's instructions for worship, as well as a reminder of the beauty and richness of His creation.Shoham

keeping back

Shoham

(onyx), a Merarite Levite, son of Jaaziah. (1 Chronicles 24:27) (B.C.1043.)

SHOHAM

sho'-ham (shoham, "onyx"; Codex Vaticanus Isoam; Codex Alexandrinus Issoam): One of the sons of Merari (1 Chronicles 24:27).

7719. Shoham -- a Levite
... 7718, 7719. Shoham. 7720 . a Levite. Transliteration: Shoham Phonetic
Spelling: (sho'-ham) Short Definition: Shoham. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/7719.htm - 6k

7718. shoham -- (a gem) perhaps an onyx
... 7717, 7718. shoham. 7719 . (a gem) perhaps an onyx. Transliteration: shoham
Phonetic Spelling: (sho'-ham) Short Definition: onyx. ... 7717, 7718. shoham. 7719 ...
/hebrew/7718.htm - 6k

Shoham (7 Occurrences)
...SHOHAM. sho'-ham (shoham, "onyx"; Codex Vaticanus Isoam; Codex Alexandrinus Issoam):
One of the sons of Merari (1 Chronicles 24:27). ...Shoham (7 Occurrences). ...
/s/shoham.htm - 8k

Settings (19 Occurrences)
... all work. (YLT NAS). Exodus 35:9 and shoham stones, and stones for settings,
for an ephod, and for a breastplate. (YLT). Exodus 35 ...
/s/settings.htm - 12k

Setting (82 Occurrences)
... of the sun. (WBS). Exodus 25:7 shoham stones, and stones for setting for
an ephod, and for a breastplate. (YLT NAS RSV). Exodus 31 ...
/s/setting.htm - 32k

Havilah (7 Occurrences)
... It is described (Genesis 2:11, 12) as bounded by the river Pishon and as being rich
in gold, bdellium and "shoham-stone" (English Version of the Bible, "onyx ...
/h/havilah.htm - 11k

Precious (128 Occurrences)
... In the Hebrew text corresponding to English Versions of the Bible the word shoham,
designating the 2nd stone of the 4th row of the breastplate, occurs also in ...
/p/precious.htm - 71k

Stones (244 Occurrences)
... In the Hebrew text corresponding to English Versions of the Bible the word shoham,
designating the 2nd stone of the 4th row of the breastplate, occurs also in ...
/s/stones.htm - 74k

Opened (182 Occurrences)
... NIV). Exodus 28:9 And thou hast taken the two shoham stones, and hast opened
on them the names of the sons of Israel; (YLT). Exodus ...
/o/opened.htm - 36k

Zaccur (10 Occurrences)
... son. (WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY NAS NIV). 1 Chronicles 24:27 The sons of Merari:
of Jaaziah, Beno, and Shoham, and Zaccur, and Ibri. (WEB ...
/z/zaccur.htm - 11k

Onyx (16 Occurrences)
... A hail; claw; hoof, (Hebrews shoham), a precious stone adorning the breast-plate
of the high priest and the shoulders of the ephod (Exodus 28:9-12, 20; 35:27 ...
/o/onyx.htm - 12k

Openings (27 Occurrences)
... Exodus 39:6 And they prepare the shoham stones, set, embroidered 'with' gold, opened
with openings of a signet, by the names of the sons of Israel; (YLT). ...
/o/openings.htm - 14k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus