A Precious Gem Part IV

In this study on the meaning behind the gemstones mentioned in Scripture, there are two big sections that need to be discussed, as I believe that they hold important meaning. These two scriptures are Exodus 28:17-21 and Revelation 21:19-21. Both of these verses describe a list of the different gemstones, and I believe that the meaning behind the stones, as well as the order in which they are listed, can give us deeper insight into God’s word. Especially since the gems found in Exodus correlate with the twelve tribes, but not all these stones are mentioned in Revelation 21. In fact, there are a few new stones included in Revelation.

Today, we are discussing the ruby stone, and it is probably the one that gave me the biggest headache in this study, but it proved one thing: we must take scripture down to its root word to understand the meaning. Why do I say this? When you look at the root word for ruby found in Exodus 28, you will find that it is not the same root word as in Proverbs 31:10, even though some translations identify them as the same stone.

“17 And you shall mount on it four rows of stones; the first row shall be a row of ruby, topaz, and emerald;”

Exodus 28:17

“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.”

Proverbs 31:10

If you were to just look at these two verses, you would think that they are talking about the same stone, but that is not the case. The root word for ruby in Exodus 28:17 comes from H119 and is identified as “to show blood (in the {face}) that is flush or turn rosy:-be (dyed) made red; ruddy”. While the ruby in Proverbs comes from the root word H6443, which is “probably a pearl (as round)”. This is why we must look behind the meanings of words; if we don’t, we end up missing things. This is not to say that there are mistakes in God’s word, it simply means that we must be focused on the Scripture and look at the meaning behind the words so we get a clearer picture.

Now, to discuss the meaning behind the ruby, also identified as a sardius, gemstone. Based on its color, the sardius stone is often connected to imagery of blood, and because of this, it is often associated with sacrifice, redemption, and divine love. With these themes, it is only fitting that it would appear on the High Priest’s breastplate and signifies the role of mediation between God and His people, which comes from the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.. It is also mentioned in Revelation 4:3, which represents the splendor and holiness of God and the fulfillment of His promises.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex