Did you know that many of the gemstones used in our jewelry creations are mentioned in the Bible? It is fascinating to know that all these beautiful gems are a part of God's beautiful creation. Amethyst, onyx, sapphire (lapis lazuli) and many more.
In Exodus, chapter 28 God tells Moses to make the High Priest's breastpiece for Aaron, and to use specific precious stones in it. In Revelation, chapter 21, John mentions 12 stones that adorn the foundation of the New Jerusalem. There is more, of course, but I am planning on a series of blog posts that will go thru each stone mentioned in God's Word.
Today I am going to post on Amethyst and where exactly it is mentioned in The Word.
Amethyst is a variety of quartz that is best know for it's rich, violet-purple hue. The color can vary in intensity from a pale, almost pinkish (mauve) color to a dark purplish violet.
Amethyst is mentioned in Exodus 28:19: "the third row, a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst;", where God is telling Moses how to make the breastpiece for Aaron the high priest.
Exodus 39:12: the third row, a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst, is telling us the workmen made the breastpiece just as God told Moses.
Revelation 20:21: the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. This is speaking of the layers of the foundation of the New Jerusalem.
The Hebrew word for amethyst, ahlamah, literally means “dream stone,” and it was thought that it induced pleasant dreams. The Greek name for the stone, amethustos (from which we get “amethyst”), literally means “not drunken” and it was believed that the gem guarded one against intoxication. Beautifully carved and engraved amethyst goblets, vases, charms and miniatures have been found in excavations. Historically amethyst has been highly valued as a precious stone for the uniqueness of it's color, as there are few purple gemstones.
I love doing Bible studies, and this one is no different. I've learned something I did not know prior to this study which is the literal meaning of the Greek amethustos. Hmmmm...maybe I should put lots and lots of amethyst in my bead store, beings I am directly accross from the liquer store.
God created us in His image (Genesis 1:26), so let's use His creativity to be creative like Him. Here's a few creations using amethyst from CAST teammates.
