The twelve stones of the breastplate and the two stones of the shoulder-ornaments seem to have been considered by the Jews as the most precious they undoubtedly serve as the standard of whatever is beautiful and rich beyond measure both Ezekiel 28:13, and Apocalypse 21:18-21, are patterned after the model of the rational no wonder therefore that the stones entering its composition should have been the objects of a considerable amount of literature from the fourth century. The precious stones of the Bible are chiefly of interest in connexion with the breastplate of the high-priest ( Exodus 28:17-20 39:10-13), the treasure of the King of Tyre ( Ezekiel 28:13), and the foundations of the New Jerusalem ( Tobit 13:16-17, in the Greek text, and more fully, Revelation 21:18-21). Later when they were settled in Palestine they could easily obtain stones from the merchant caravans travelling from Babylonia or Persia to Egypt and those from Saba and Reema to Tyre ( Ezekiel 27:22) Solomon even equipped a fleet which returned from Ophir laden with precious stones ( 1 Kings 10:11). At the time of the Exodus Egypt was flooded with riches, and we know how the Israelites on leaving the land possessed themselves of many precious stones, according to the commandment of God ( Exodus 3:22 12:35-36). The Hebrews obtained their precious stones from Arabia, India, and Egypt. We gather from various passages of Sacred Scripture that very early the Orientals appropriated them for divers ornamental uses: rings, bracelets, collars, necklaces the crowns of kings as also their garments and those of their officers and of the priests were set with precious stones. Such stones have at all times been held in high esteem everywhere, particularly in the East. Precious stones are stones remarkable for their colour, brilliancy, or rarity. Includes the Catholic Encyclopedia, Church Fathers, Summa, Bible and more all for only $19.99. Please help support the mission of New Advent and get the full contents of this website as an instant download.
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