Earth stones and precious gems are mentioned in the Bible as symbols of God’s beauty and creation. Today, we’ll look at their spiritual significance and how they reflect God’s handiwork.
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What Does The Bible Say About Earth Stones
Genesis 2:12
The gold of that land is good; aromatic resin and onyx are also there.
This verse highlights the presence of onyx, a type of earth stone, in the land described in the creation narrative. It emphasizes the beauty and value of the earth’s natural resources.
God’s creation of the earth with its diverse and precious stones serves as a reminder of his creative power and the abundance of his provision for humanity.
Job 28:2
Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore.
This verse acknowledges the extraction of metals such as iron and copper from the earth, showcasing the practical use of earth stones in human civilization.
It reminds us of the intricate processes involved in obtaining these materials, highlighting the wisdom and ingenuity of humanity in utilizing the earth’s resources for various purposes.
Psalm 104:24
How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.
This verse celebrates the vastness and diversity of God’s creation, including the myriad of earth stones found on Earth.
It reminds us that every stone and mineral is a testament to God’s wisdom and craftsmanship, pointing us to the majesty and beauty of the natural world.
Isaiah 54:11
“O afflicted city, lashed by storms and not comforted, I will rebuild you with stones of turquoise, your foundations with lapis lazuli.
In this verse, God promises to rebuild Jerusalem using precious stones like turquoise and lapis lazuli, symbolizing his restoration and renewal of the city.
The use of these precious stones highlights God’s intention to bring beauty and strength to the broken and afflicted, showcasing his power to transform and rebuild.
Lamentations 4:7
Her Nazirites were purer than snow, whiter than milk; their bodies were more ruddy than rubies, their appearance like lapis lazuli.
This verse compares the radiant appearance of the Nazirites, who dedicated themselves to the service of God, to the precious stones of rubies and lapis lazuli.
It emphasizes the purity and beauty that can be found in individuals who live according to God’s commands, showcasing the transformative power of a dedicated life of faith.
Ezekiel 28:13
You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: carnelian, chrysolite, and emerald, topaz, onyx, and jasper, lapis lazuli, turquoise, and beryl. Your settings and mountings were made of gold; on the day you were created, they were prepared.
This verse describes the splendor of the fallen angel Lucifer, adorned with a variety of precious stones in the garden of Eden.
It highlights the original beauty and magnificence of God’s creation, as well as the potential for misuse and corruption when the desire for personal glory and pride overrides obedience to God.
Ezekiel 27:16
Aram was your customer because of the abundance of your goods; they exchanged turquoise, purple fabric, embroidered work, fine linen, coral, and rubies for your merchandise.
This verse mentions the exchange of turquoise, coral, and rubies as part of the merchandise traded by Tyre, a renowned trading city in ancient times.
It speaks to the valuable nature of earth stones and their significance in commerce and cultural exchange, acknowledging their appeal and desirability among nations.
Proverbs 20:15
Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.
This verse uses the comparison of valuable stones like gold and rubies to highlight the rarity and preciousness of individuals who possess wisdom and knowledge.
It encourages us to prioritize the pursuit of wisdom, emphasizing that the true treasures in life are not material possessions but the insights, understanding, and discernment gained through wisdom.
Exodus 24:10
and saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was something like a pavement made of lapis lazuli, as bright blue as the sky.
This verse describes the stunning visual imagery of a pavement resembling lapis lazuli, which shone as brilliantly bright as the sky, during a divine encounter with God.
It reveals the awe-inspiring nature of God’s presence, using the metaphor of precious stones to convey the majesty and splendor associated with him.
1 Kings 10:2
Arriving at Jerusalem with a very great caravan–with camels carrying spices, large quantities of gold, and precious stones–she came to Solomon and talked with him about all that she had on her mind.
This verse recounts the visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon, bringing with her a caravan filled with precious stones, along with other valuable gifts.
It underscores the prominence of earth stones in commerce and highlights the recognition of their worth even among influential and wealthy individuals of ancient times.
Revelation 21:19-20
The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.
These verses describe the heavenly city of New Jerusalem and its magnificent foundations adorned with various precious stones.
They symbolize the eternal and glorious nature of God’s kingdom, signifying the perfection and beauty that awaits believers in the presence of God.
2 Chronicles 9:9
Then she gave the king 120 talents of gold, large quantities of spices, and precious stones. There had never been such spices as those the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.
This verse further illustrates the opulence of the gifts brought by the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon, including precious stones, highlighting their value and rarity.
It reinforces the idea that earth stones were regarded as highly prized possessions and significant indicators of wealth and prosperity in ancient times.
Isaiah 54:12
I will make your battlements of rubies, your gates of sparkling jewels, and all your walls of precious stones.
In this verse, God promises to adorn Jerusalem with precious stones, such as rubies, adorning its battlements, gates, and walls.
It serves as a metaphor for the restoration and magnificence that God planned for his people, emphasizing the splendor and importance of both physical and spiritual foundations.
Exodus 25:7
the onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece.
This verse references the use of onyx stones and other gems in the construction of sacred garments worn by the high priest in the ancient Israelite religious rituals.
It highlights the significance of earth stones in the context of worship and spirituality, symbolizing the honor and sanctity associated with the priestly office.
Revelation 4:3
The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones–like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow.
This verse depicts the majestic appearance of God, seated on his throne, described vividly as being radiant like gemstones, such as jasper, carnelian, and emerald.
It conveys the indescribable glory and beauty of God, utilizing the imagery of precious stones to evoke wonder and awe in the hearts of believers.
1 Peter 2:6
For in Scripture, it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”
This verse references the prophecy from Isaiah 28:16, which speaks of a chosen and precious cornerstone that God would lay in Zion.
It points to Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of this prophecy, representing the ultimate foundation and source of trust for believers, through whom they find acceptance and security in God’s sight.
Job 28:18
No mention shall be made of coral or of pearls; for the price of wisdom is above rubies.
This verse underscores the surpassing value of wisdom, stating that it is more precious than earthly treasures like coral, pearls, and rubies.
It encourages us to prioritize the pursuit of wisdom and understanding, recognizing its immeasurable worth in comparison to material possessions.
Revelation 21:11
It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.
In this verse, the heavenly city of New Jerusalem is described as radiating the glory of God, with its brilliance likened to a precious jewel, specifically jasper.
It portrays the eternal and transcendent nature of God’s presence, using precious stones as metaphors to convey the magnificence and purity that will characterize the new heavens and the new earth.
1 Timothy 2:9
likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire,
This verse advises women to prioritize inner virtues and modesty rather than external adornments such as gold, pearls, or expensive attire.
It encourages believers, both men and women, to prioritize spiritual qualities over material possessions, recognizing that true beauty lies in a heart dedicated to God and living in accordance with his teachings.
Job 28:16
It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire.
This verse acknowledges the incomparable value of wisdom, asserting that no earthly treasure like gold, onyx, or sapphire can match its worth.
It serves as a reminder that true riches lie in the knowledge and understanding of God’s ways, far surpassing any material possessions that may temporarily satisfy but ultimately lack eternal significance.
Proverbs 31:10
Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies.
This verse extols the value and preciousness of a virtuous and capable wife, highlighting her worth as surpassing that of rubies.
It emphasizes the importance of character and integrity in relationships, recognizing the immeasurable value of a partner who embodies godly virtues.
1 Chronicles 29:2
With all my resources I have provided for the temple 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, and stones of various colors, and all kinds of fine stone and marble.
This verse describes King David’s dedication of his personal resources to provide for the construction of the temple of God, including onyx, turquoise, and stones of various colors.
It demonstrates the importance of earthly stones in religious contexts and highlights the offering of one’s best and most valuable possessions for the glory of God’s dwelling place.
Isaiah 28:16
So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.”
This verse prophesies the coming of Jesus Christ as the cornerstone laid in Zion, the sure foundation and source of stability for the people of God.
It assures believers that those who place their trust and reliance on Christ will find security and peace, free from the debilitating effects of fear and anxiety.