Stones Precious

Stones Precious

Stones, Precious. Precious stones are frequently alluded to in Scriptures; they were known and very highly valued in the earliest times. The Tyrians traded in precious stones supplied by Syria.  Ezekiel 27:16. The merchants of Sheba and Raamah in south Arabia, and , doubtless, India and Ceylon, supplied the markets of Tyre with various precious stones. The art of engraving on precious stones was known from the very earliest times.  Genesis 38:18.

The twelve stones of the breastplate were engraved, each one, with the name of one of the tribes.  Exodus 28:17-21. It is an undecided question whether the diamond was known to the early nations of antiquity. The Authorized Version gives it as the rendering of the Hebrew word, yahalom , but it is probable that the jasper is intended.

Precious stones are used in Scripture, in a figurative sense, to signify value, beauty durability, etc., in those objects with which they are compared. See  Song of Solomon 5:14;  Isaiah 54:11-12;  Lamentations 4:7;  Revelation 4:3;  Revelation 21:10;  Revelation 21:21.