Spices

In biblical times, spices were highly valued for their aromatic properties and were often used in religious rituals, anointing oils, and embalming processes. The Bible frequently mentions spices in the context of worship and offerings. For instance, in Exodus 30:23-25, God instructs Moses to use specific spices to create a sacred anointing oil: "Take the finest spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much (that is, 250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant cane, 500 shekels of cassia—all according to the sanctuary shekel—and a hin of olive oil. Prepare from these a holy anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer; it will be a sacred anointing oil."

Spices were also a symbol of wealth and luxury. The Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon is a notable example, where she brought "a great quantity of spices, gold, and precious stones" (1 Kings 10:2). The spices she brought were so abundant that "never again did such an abundance of spices come in as that which the Queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon" (1 Kings 10:10).

In the New Testament, spices were used in the burial of Jesus. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds, to anoint Jesus' body (John 19:39). This act signifies the honor and reverence given to Jesus in His death.

Gold

Gold is one of the most frequently mentioned metals in the Bible, symbolizing wealth, purity, and divine glory. It was used extensively in the construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple. In Exodus 25:10-11, God commands the Israelites to overlay the Ark of the Covenant with pure gold: "They are to make an ark of acacia wood... Overlay it with pure gold, both inside and out, and make a gold molding around it."

Gold's value and beauty made it a fitting material for sacred objects and places. The Temple built by Solomon was adorned with gold, as described in 1 Kings 6:21-22: "So Solomon overlaid the inside of the temple with pure gold, and he extended gold chains across the front of the inner sanctuary, which was overlaid with gold. So he overlaid the whole interior with gold."

Gold also serves as a metaphor for spiritual purity and divine wisdom. In Job 23:10, Job declares, "But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold" , illustrating the refining process of faith.

Precious Stones

Precious stones in the Bible often symbolize beauty, value, and divine favor. They were used in the priestly garments, particularly in the breastplate of the High Priest, which contained twelve stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel (Exodus 28:17-21). Each stone was engraved with the name of a tribe, signifying the preciousness of God's people.

In the construction of the New Jerusalem, described in Revelation 21, precious stones are used to adorn the foundations of the city walls. Revelation 21:19-20 states, "The foundations of the city walls were adorned with every kind of precious stone: the first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst" . This imagery conveys the glory and splendor of God's eternal kingdom.

Precious stones also appear in prophetic visions, symbolizing divine majesty and authority. In Ezekiel 28:13, the King of Tyre is described as being adorned with every precious stone, reflecting the beauty and wisdom bestowed by God, yet also serving as a cautionary tale of pride and downfall.