The New Jerusalem—A Pattern for Living —The Foundation Gems as Viewed Through the Lens of the High Priest's Breastplate

The Old Testament Tabernacle Connection With the New Testament Heavenly City

John's book of Revelation records a complete description of the New Jerusalem, including a list of gem foundation stones that we will focus on in this study.

And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal. Also, she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west. Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. And he who talked with me had a gold reed to measure the city, its gates, and its wall. The city is laid out as a square; its length is as great as its breadth. And he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs. Its length, breadth, and height are equal. Then he measured its wall: one hundred and forty-four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel. The construction of its wall was of jasper, and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, 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. The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.

— Revelation 21:10-21

This structure consists of the individual lives of believers. It is also a picture and symbol of how God took sinful humanity and created a new and beautiful creation.

For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building.

— I Corinthians 3:9

... you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

— I Peter 2:5

Every foundation and gate will include people who were imperfect but submitted themselves and surrendered their lives to the Lord Jesus Christ, whose name means salvation. And ultimately, the Lord will create a beautiful and suitable habitation in the believers' lives.

In the first part of the series, we studied the importance of a strong foundation when building any kind of structure. As it applies to a solid Christian life, Jesus, our chief cornerstone, is our firm foundation.

In the second part of this series, we explored the building materials described in 1 Corinthians 3: gold, silver, and precious stones representing love, faith, and redemption, contrasted with wood, hay, and stubble representing carnality, self-justification, and self-reliance.

In the third part of the series, we took a closer look at the details of the foundation stones and how they represent the body of loyal, faithful believers who have experienced God's love and shared it with others. This lesson will also demonstrate that all people, regardless of type or category, can experience the love of God through the Chief Cornerstone, the Lord Jesus Christ. No one is beyond God's reach.

This fourth installment will examine the foundational gems of the great city described in Revelation. The twelve foundation stones that supported this apocalyptic holy city/temple also apply to the Christian life. The twelve disciples represented by these stones show how submitted lives, transformed and governed by Christ, bear witness to God's glory and goodness. Each layer reflects various forms and facets of His grace, like gems that display unique colors and light through their composition.

This lesson will view the twelve foundation stones through the Old Testament garment worn by the temple's high priest, which included twelve stones. When viewed together, it will add yet another detailed layer of life application.

This particular garment was called "The breastplate of judgment." The twelve gemstones represented the twelve tribes of Israel. These twelve were also written on the gates of the New Jerusalem, with slight differences. Two tribes are omitted, Dan and Ephraim, and two re-enter the count (Levi and Joseph). Dan and Ephraim are omitted from the list in Revelation because their reflection became defiled. In the case of Ephraim, King Jeroboam led the northern tribes into an idolatrous rebellion.

Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the mountains of Ephraim and dwelt there. Also, he went out from there and built Penuel. And Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom may return to the house of David: If these people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then the heart of this people will turn back to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah, and they will kill me and go back to Rehoboam king of Judah.”

Therefore, the king asked for advice, made two calves of gold, and said to the people, “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, O Israel, which brought you up from the land of Egypt!” And he set up one in Bethel (ruled by Ephraim), and the other he put in Dan. Now, this thing became a sin, for the people went to worship before the one as far as Dan. He made shrines on the high places, and made priests from every class of people, who were not of the sons of Levi.

— I Kings 12:25-31

In the book of Hosea, God confronts Ephraim concerning his idolatry.

Ephraim is joined to idols.
Let him alone.
Their drink is rebellion.
They commit harlotry continually.
Her rulers dearly love dishonor.

— Hosea 4:17-18

Dan also set up an idolatrous system of worship in the book of Judges.

And the people of Dan set up the carved image for themselves, and Jonathan, the son of Gershom, son of Moses, and his sons were priests to the tribe of the Danites until the day of the captivity of the land. So they set up Micah's carved image that he made, as long as the house of God was at Shiloh.

— Judges 18:30-31

Both tribes invented and supported an alternative worship center other than God's designated one, and erected carved images and golden calves to worship. They were also not mindful of the priestly requirements God had ordained.

The golden calf scene occurred once before in Israel's history, and 3000 people died at that event. We shall have no other gods before Him.

The twelve tribes of Israel were engraved on the stones of the high priest's breastplate.

The Breastplate

The high priestly breastplate bore the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, with a corresponding stone for each. Each looked forward to a time when the apostles and prophets would reflect the gem-like qualities of lives lived in accordance with the principles we will soon learn from them. Each tribe and stone will have something to say about the foundations of walking out our faith as we journey through the wilderness of this earthly life with an eye to the eternal.

The high priest wore the breastpiece on the part of the body where the internal organs reside. The function of these organs is to regulate the body's internal processes. We will examine how these gems and tribes reveal the internal operations of our Christian life.

The breastplate was over the heart in particular, which also offers us the imagery of God's people being placed very near and dear to His Heart. Its processes also illustrate restoration and refreshment. The heart is an organ that receives oxygen-poor blood from the veins and sends out oxygen-rich blood as it passes through the heart, which is then sent through the arteries to nourish the rest of the body. Just as when we reach the heart of God in worship, we become revived, nourished, and ready to share what we have received from Him with the rest of the body.

... from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.

— Colossians 2:19

We are purified and revived by drawing near through the cleansed blood of Christ. Having contact with God nourishes us and knits us together.

The breastplate shows us the progression of our walk into God's presence and the results of that encounter.

Blue represents heaven. Purple represents royalty. Red represents sacrifice
Jesus, who was from heaven, shed His blood as a human, making Him the King of all heaven and earth.

The Colors of the Priestly Garment Tell the Gospel Story

Before we look at the gems, there is another interesting facet of the entire priestly garment worth noting, and it serves as the setting and background for each of these gems. In Exodus chapter 28, we find detailed instructions for designing this priestly garment, along with the colors to be used in its embroidered fabrics.

And thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after the work of the ephod (the item upon which the breastplate was placed). Thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine twined linen, shalt thou make it.
— Exodus 28:15

In Scripture, gold represents the believer's genuine faith tested in the fire of trials, tribulations, and persecutions, resulting in godliness. Each of these gems was formed through external heat and pressure.

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

— I Peter 1:6-9

Classic white linen is similarly noted for its purity. It comes from the flax plant and is known to be the world's strongest natural fiber, making it a durable fabric. It also has antibacterial properties. White garments, like gold, are associated with purity, obedience, and faithfulness to God.

He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

— Revelation 3:5

Interestingly, the Laodiceans in Revelation are counseled concerning these elements in the letter written to this church. The contents bring together the relationship between suffering and purity.

Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.

— Revelation 3:17-19

The three middle colors of blue, purple, and scarlet will explain how Christ, our High Priest, fulfilled each element, representing our overcoming through faith in God's sacrifice. These three colors will define what is at the center of a godly and righteous life. We will first look at the two exterior colors.

Blue is the color of heavenly, eternal things. This idea will be studied further in the Sapphire section.

Then Moses went up, also Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and they saw the God of Israel. And there was under His feet as it were a paved work of sapphire (blue) stone, and it was like the very heavens in its clarity.

— Exodus 24:9-11

Blue depicts Jesus as the Son of God who came from heaven to earth.

I (Jesus) am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.

— John 6:51

Scarlet is strongly associated with the blood sacrifice required to cleanse and purify us from our sins.

Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.

— Isaiah 1:18

It was God's Son from heaven who accomplished this for us. This color depicts Jesus as the Son of Man who came to the earth.

... how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

— Hebrews 9:14

Eden began with heaven and earth connected, until sin separated them. We can see that godliness and purity are the result of the pure and precious blood of Christ, presented on the heavenly altar.

... according to the law, almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood, there is no remission. Therefore, it was necessary that the copies of the things in the heavens should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.

— Hebrews 9:22-24

If we combine blue and red, we get the middle color, purple, which represents royalty. The writer of Hebrews in the Scripture above explains how we were reconnected with the eternal God through the blood of His Son and made fit for heaven. Purple depicts Jesus as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords over all heaven (blue) and earth (red).

The Dimensions

The priestly garment was made according to the following dimensions.

Foursquare it shall be, being doubled; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof.

— Exodus 28

This measurement, too, matches the New Jerusalem temple.

The city is laid out as a square; its length is as great as its breadth. And he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs. Its length, breadth, and height are equal.

— Revelation 21:16

The cube connects with the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle, which was a perfect square. Author J Preston Eby reveals the significance of a square and its spiritual application in the following writing.

There are only two cubes described in Scripture. One is the Holy of Holies in the Old Testament Tabernacle, and the other is the New Jerusalem. The perfect cube in the Holy of Holies finds its fulfillment in the City of God. A cube is the most ideal figure, being equal on all sides = finite perfection. It is the most comprehensive and holds the most. Nothing contains as much as a cube. It speaks of perfection and fullness. It was in the Holy of Holies where God was met, and the High Priest was in His presence. It is God's presence that is perfect and fulfilling, and nothing can contain as much as His presence does. It is in His presence that we want to be.

Next, the stones are listed on the breastplate instructions.

And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row. And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond. And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst. And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings. And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes.

— Exodus 28:15 - 21

The Tabernacle Encampment in the Shape of a Cross

The Order of Encampment and Dispatch

The order of tribes corresponding with the stones will be taken from Numbers 2:3-33. Here, the tribes are listed in order of their encampment around the Tabernacle. Surrounded by all the tribes, the Tabernacle was the heart and center of worship.

This arrangement was also the order in which the tribes were dispatched in their marching procession. This order of dispatch applied to cases of wilderness travel and military engagements. (Numbers 10:11-28)

The Numbers chapter ten account also gives the order of dispatch of the priesthood. The priesthood was dispersed among each set of tribes. It is worth noting that the Ark of the Covenant carried by the Levites (Moses, Aaron, and sons) was technically the first to move forward, even before the first tribe was dispatched.

The Ark symbolizes God's presence and is noted three times in concert with this wilderness Tabernacle journeying.

The Lord your God, who goes before you, He will fight for you, according to all He did for you in Egypt before your eyes, and in the wilderness where you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a man carries his son, in all the way that you went until you came to this place.’

— Deuteronomy 1: 30-31

“Hear, O Israel: You are to cross over the Jordan today, and go in to dispossess nations greater and mightier than yourself, cities great and fortified up to heaven, a people great and tall, the descendants of the Anakim, whom you know, and of whom you heard it said, ‘Who can stand before the descendants of Anak?’ Therefore, understand today that the Lord your God is He who goes over before you as a consuming fire.

— Deuteronomy 9:1-3

The Lord your God Himself crosses over before you; He will destroy these nations from before you, and you shall dispossess them. Joshua (type of Jesus) himself crosses over before you, just as the Lord has said.

— Deuteronomy 31:3

The three mentions are significant because three is the number of eternal spiritual things. Our journey is spiritual, in which human accomplishment will amount to nothing.

Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the Lord of hosts.

— Zechariah 4:6

The dispatch protocol followed an east, south, and west order, mirroring the sun's path across the day: rising in the east and setting in the west. This arrangement illustrates fixing our eyes on the "Son" Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

This wordplay between "sun" and "Son" actually occurs in the book of Malachi, where the "Sun of Righteousness" is none other than the Messiah, the Son of God.

But to you who fear My name
The Sun of Righteousness shall arise
With healing in His wings ...

— Malachi 4:2

In Revelation, this order is reversed to east, north, south, and west because the physical sun is no longer needed, nor is the pattern.

Also, she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west.

—Revelation 21:13

The remaining sections of this article will showcase each gem, its tribe, and its Christ-following application.

A Ruby

Judah: Ruby

The first tribe listed in the encampment and dispatch was the tribe of Judah, which in Hebrew means "praise" or thanksgiving." When Jacob was old and dying, He prophesied over each son. The following was the word he gave to Judah.

... your hand will be upon the neck of your enemy" paraphrase: Praise will be the hand upon the neck of your enemy.

— Genesis 49:8

Praise is presented as a weapon in the above verse. Jesus connects praise with a similar thought in Matthew's Gospel.

... “Do you hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes. Have you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise’?”

— Matthew 21:16

Jesus quotes from the Old Testament Psalms, which read a bit differently but help us to translate more clearly what He meant.

Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength, Because of Your enemies, That You may silence the enemy and the avenger.

— Psalm 8:2

The word "strength" in Matthew 21:1 above translates as "praise." We have two lessons here. Praise strengthens us and silences our enemies.

Judah was dispatched first by military order. In our own life's battles, praise should be sent forth first, too.

The ruby stone matched this tribe. The following characteristics of rubies relate to the meaning of Judah's name and offer further spiritual applications.

The ruby is known as the leader of precious stones, just as Judah was the leader during military battles. The first order of business in spiritual warfare is to praise and worship. Praise acknowledges that the battle belongs to the Lord, not to us, as exemplified in the story of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20. Worshipers were the first to be dispatched to war in that scene.

Rubies are rarer than top-quality diamonds. Praise is also rare, especially amid a battle, so we are commanded to offer a sacrifice of praise.

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.

— Hebrews 13:15

Ruby is one of the most durable gemstones. When we worship, we become durable and impenetrable to the enemy.

It is God who avenges me,
And subdues the peoples under me;
He delivers me from my enemies.
You also lift me up above those who rise against me;
You have delivered me from the violent man.
Therefore, I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the Gentiles,
And sing praises to Your name.

— II Samuel 22:48

The Hebrew name for ruby means red, like wine. Red in Scripture generally speaks of blood, which is symbolized by wine. Wine in Scripture is also associated with the Holy Spirit and with joy.

... do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit

— Ephesians 5:18

The ruby stone indicates that the first issue to be addressed is the forgiveness of sin through the blood of Jesus. When we have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus, we receive the joy of the Holy Spirit and thereby praise God.

Judah and its corresponding stone show us that praise is a sacrifice and a mighty weapon. It is also our first step into God's presence.

Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands! Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.

— Psalm 100:1-4

Praise is a powerful weapon that brought down Jericho's walls. The walls were 6 ft wide outside and 12 ft wide on the inside.

The Power of Sound Frequency

Scientifically speaking, sound has a frequency, and specific sound frequencies can break things. I recall a Memorex commercial where Ella Fitzgerald hit a note that shattered glass. Is it possible that the frequency of praise is what shook the walls of Jericho down? Could the frequency of our praise tune us into God and invite His presence, which shakes down everything hindering our victory?

Praise concerns our mouths and what we say. As we move along with each tribe and stone, we will see how this applies to various senses and how we use them.

Topaz By Captmondo

Issachar: Topaz

The second tribe noted in the encampment order is Issachar. Issachar is the fifth Son of Leah. His name means "work, hire, or reward," referring to Leah paying a wage of mandrakes to her sister Rachel for a night with Jacob. Resultantly, Issachar was her reward. The New Testament connections with these themes are two sides of the same coin. On the one hand, it shows the price Christ paid, which was the wages of death for our sins, on the altar of the cross. On the other hand, the price He paid was rewarded to His believers. Paul combined these thoughts in his letter to the Romans.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life (eternal rest) through Jesus Christ our Lord.

— Romans 6:23

According to Jacob's prophecy, Issachar is also linked to the reciprocal concept of service. The verse preceding the above passage includes this idea.

But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, you have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life (eternal rest).

— Romans 6:22

Jacob's prophecy for Issachar was the following.

"He is a strong donkey crouching between two burdens."

— Genesis 49:14

A donkey is known as a beast of burden or service in Scripture. Issachar is positioned between "praise," represented by the ruby positioned just before it, and "abiding," represented by Zebulun right after it. (Abiding is the next tribe we will study. Our Christian service should be centered on worshipping God (Judah) and resting in Him (Zebulun). Strength can be found between reverencing Him and resting in Him.

Issachar's stone was a Topaz. Topaz is so soft that it can lose its polish if not carefully used. Our gifts of service can lose their luster if not used under the direction and counsel of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. We must remain soft and not abrasive for our service to be effective.

Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world ...

— Philippians 2:14-15

Gems shine when they capture the light and reflect it. Our service should reflect God's love toward others.

Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart.

— I Peter 1:22

A pure heart is only interested in pleasing God.

... with all lowliness and gentleness, with long-suffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

— Ephesians 4:2-3

The love for God leads to love for people, bringing peace and rest.

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

— Galatians 6:9

Weariness in serving often results from serving ourselves with motives other than worshiping Him.

The first two stones parallel the two commandments upon which Jesus said the entire Christian life hinged.

Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

— Matthew 22:37-4

Loving the Lord is fitting with praise and is directed towards God. Loving our neighbor is the fullest expression of loving God. In other words, loving our neighbor is the equivalent of loving Him. Jesus said that he who has done these things to the least of these had done them unto Him.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

— Romans 12:1

Carbuncle

Zebulun: Carbuncle

The third tribe is Zebulun, meaning enclosed dwelling, habitation, or abiding. These characteristics reflect our thought lives. It has to do with where our thoughts camp and reside. Jacob's blessing was the following.

"He will dwell by the seashore."

— Genesis 49:13

The following are some interesting facts about the benefits of living by the sea, all concerning thoughts surrounding abiding, resting, and dwelling.

The sound of waves alters brain wave patterns, shifting them to a slower frequency, which promotes relaxation. The sound of waves is now being used in relaxation CDs, coupled with music.

Sea air is charged with negative ions, which enhance our ability to absorb oxygen and help regulate serotonin levels. Low serotonin levels are linked to depression and anxiety disorders.

Seawater is also beneficial because it contains magnesium, which supports nerve function and acts as a natural stress reliever. Bathing in seawater is known to be relaxing and is replicated in spas. It opens our pores, removes toxins from our bodies, and releases trapped fluids that cause inflammation.

Exposure to sunlight is also associated with spending time by the sea and contains similar benefits.

Sunshine is considered relaxing and a mood booster. It also affects our endocrine system, which regulates the release of endorphins. Endorphins are happy hormones that help us feel good, relaxed, and unstressed.

Sunlight also contains Vitamin D, which boosts our immune system, keeping us healthy and happy.

When we praise God (Judah) and serve Him by serving others (Issachar), we can enter into His rest (Zebulun). Altogether, these expressions of our faith in Him.

For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.

— Hebrews 4:10

Jesus shows us that we cannot love others without Him; the key is to rest in His love. We cannot rest when trying to please fellow humans or when bound by self-sufficiency. Anything other than resting in Jesus results in trying to make something happen to serve our agendas or feed our insatiable insecurities. We rest when we abide in Him, worship Him and His greatness, and serve Him and Him alone.

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

— John 15:4-5

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

— Psalm 91:1

You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.

— Isaiah 26:3

The Hebrew word "stayed" in the above verse conveys the idea of a "life framed, formed, and propped by His thoughts." It is a pottery term closely connected with our imagination.

Our wholeness and rest hinge upon what we say (Judah/praise), what we do (Issachar/reward for work), and what we think (Zebulun/abide).

The stone for the tribe of Zebulun is a Carbuncle, and the Hebrew meaning of this word is flashing," lightning, gleaming, or glitter, indicating that abiding with God will cause us to shine. Moses illustrated this for us when he was up on Mount Sinai.

Now it was so, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of the Testimony were in Moses’ hand when he came down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him.

— Exodus 34:29

Moses' face was shining after abiding in the presence of God.

A similar event occurred in the New Testament in the book of Acts when the religious rulers confronted Peter and John for preaching about Jesus and the resurrection. Peter boldly argued their case and stood firm before them. In the discourse, it was observed that Peter and John had been with Jesus.

Now, when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.

— Acts 4:13

This stone is also noted for its beauty when it's transparent. Likewise, we are beautiful to God when transparent, hiding nothing. This type of transparency is a place of rest where we can be authentic with Him and no longer be ashamed. A lot of our striving is a method of hiding ourselves.

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

— I John 1:7

An Emerald

Reuben: Emerald

The next tribe is Reuben, the first son of Jacob, whose name means "See, a son." Jacob's prophecy over him was the following.

... my firstborn, my might, the first sign of my strength, excelling in honor, and excelling in power.

— Genesis 49:3

This name closely connects us to a picture of Jesus, the only begotten Son of God, and concerns what we behold with our eyes.

In Praising Him (Judah), in offering ourselves to Him in service (Issachar), and as our thoughts abide in Him (Zebulun), we are to keep our eyes on Him. (Reuben). John the Baptist urges the crowd to do the following.

...“Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

— John 1:29

The writer of Hebrews similarly advises us to keep our eyes on Jesus.

... looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

— Hebrews 12:2

Following Jesus will require our natural and spiritual eyes, focus, and attention.

The emerald represented this tribe and symbolized love, rebirth, and growth. Love and rebirth are associated with the "Son of God." We grow as we behold Him.

When the Israelites were in the wilderness and murmured and complained about their living conditions, fiery serpents came to bite them. Moses lifted up a serpent on a pole, and the people had to look at it to be healed. This scene illustrates the healing of our lives by Jesus being lifted up on the cross for our sins.

No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.

— John 3:13-15

Green is the most comfortable and soothing color to the human eye. For this reason, some ergonomically minded hospitals use green surgical gowns and paint patient rooms green. Some watch repair shops also use green countertops for their workstations to reduce eyestrain for repairers. God most likely had this in mind when He created the most beautiful habitable spaces on the planet.

He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.

— Psalm 23:2

Sapphire
Image Source: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com

Simeon and Levi: Sapphire

The following tribes, next listed, are Simeon and Levi, Leah's second and third sons. These two will be interconnected because Jacob blessed them this way, and Levi becomes the priesthood that does not receive their own territory in the encampment. Simeon's name means hearing, and Levi's name means joining or attaching, and it relates to how we hear in association with our obedience. Jesus makes this clear in Luke's Gospel.

... take heed how you hear ...

— Luke 8:18

Mark's version of this account connects us with the action and obedience part of how we hear. Passive hearing simply won't do.

Then He said to them, “Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you."

— Mark 4:24

If we don't obey what we hear, we may very well lose it.

Jacob's prophecy to both Simeon and Levi was the following.

Simeon and Levi are brethren.

— Genesis 49:5

Hearing is connected to obedience, and they are brothers who are attached and work together.

Linking this with our other tribe names, beginning with Judah, we praise God with what we say (Judah). We offer ourselves to Him in sacrificial service (Issachar). Our thoughts abide (Zebulun) in Him, and we behold (Reuben) Him. We listen to Him (Simeon), joining what we hear with obedience (Levi).

Andy McIlree, in his book Garments for Glory, offers us an application of the combination of Reuben and Simeon.

Alongside the tribe of Reuben stretched out the camp of Simeon, combining the God who sees with the God who hears, both of which were anticipated when He said, "I have surely seen the oppression of my people and have heard their cry . . . He looks and listens for reciprocated love from His own as they look and listen to Him . . . This is the pattern from the moment of salvation, that seeing and hearing by faith allows us to see the Son and hear Him too.

The ear is an organ that receives. As we say, serve, think, and dwell in Him, we learn to hear, receive, and understand the truth. That truth becomes inscribed in our hearts, and deep meaning is attached (remember Levi) to it as all the other functions line up.

The phrase "He who has an ear to hear" appears 14 times in the New Testament and implies obedience.

“Therefore, whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock:

— Matthew 7:24

The Old Testament Hebrew word "hear" is strongly associated with implicit obedience. Hearing and obeying are sometimes foreign concepts in the Western world. We give mental assent to many things we hear without intending to do anything with them. We are much like the Athenians in Biblical times.

... they (the Athenians) spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing.

— Acts 17:21

Levi represented the priesthood. The priesthood temporarily connected God and His people through proper worship and sacrifices until the true mediator, Jesus, our ultimate and eternal High Priest (Heb. 2:17), would come. He was entirely obedient in doing only what He heard from the Father.

... as the Father gave Me commandment, so I do.

— Jesus (John 14:31)

The stone representing this tribe is sapphire and will symbolize the concepts of hearing, obeying, and will also connect us with their tribal names. The sapphire is blue and is the color of heaven, illustrating how our ears hear from above and not from the transient things of the earth.

Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,
And let your soul delight itself in abundance.
Incline your ear, and come to Me.
Hear, and your soul shall live ...

... For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,”\says the Lord.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.

— Isaiah 55:2-3, 8-9

The Psalmist also records the following heavenly source of God's Word.

Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven.

— Psalm 119:89

In ancient times, sapphire was also used as an engagement ring, symbolizing faithfulness and loyalty. In connection with Christ and His church (Rev 21), real intimacy, represented by the marriage relationship, must include a listening ear and faithful, loyal obedience.

If you love Me, keep (hear and obey) My commandments.

— John 14:15

The giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai was an engagement agreement. God laid the terms of the relationship and inscribed them in stone. Recall that Eve was unfaithful with her ear when she listened to the serpent.

The heavenly city is presented as a faithful bride prepared for her husband in these terms.

Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

— Revelation 21:2

It is also evident that hearing is a means of inscribing what we hear in our memory. The literal root meaning of sapphire means to "inscribe" and "commune." The Jewish Midrash states that the Ten Commandments were inscribed on sapphire tablets.

“Our eternal hopes are built upon the justice and the faithfulness of God, which is clear and cloudless as the sapphire.”

— Charles Spurgeon

The Ten Commandments
Giovanni Dall'Orto

The Ten Commandments on Sapphire Stones

In an online article by David Asscherick titled "The Blue Stone," the author shows how the Scriptures reveal the likelihood of sapphire commandment stones. He builds his case using Exodus chapter 24.

Moses went up, also Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and they saw the God of Israel. And there was under His feet as it were a paved work of sapphire stone, and it was like the very heavens in its clarity ... Then the Lord said to Moses, “Come up to Me on the mountain and be there; and I will give you tablets of (the) stone, and the law and commandments which I have written.

— Exodus 24:9-10,12

The literal translation of "I will give you tablets of stone" should read "I will give you tablets of the stone," and "the" implies a particular stone, not a random rock from the mountain. The Scripture suggests that the stones were obtained from the paved sapphire, like the heavens in clarity.

Ezekiel twice envisions sapphire coming from God's very throne in his cryptic experience in God's presence.

... above the firmament over their heads (heaven) was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like a sapphire stone.

— Ezekiel 1:26

... there in the firmament that was above the head (heaven) of the cherubim, there appeared something like a sapphire stone, having the appearance of the likeness of a throne ...

— Ezekiel 10:1

Tzitzit

The Blue Tassel (Tzitzit)

From the previous section, we can see the strong possibility that God used the sapphire stone from His very throne in heaven to communicate the will of His Kingdom to be obeyed on earth. He reinforces this in a garment accessory that He commanded the Israelite men to wear in Numbers 15, which includes the color blue.

... the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the children of Israel: Tell them to make tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and to put a blue thread in the tassels of the corners.

— Numbers 15:38

The blue thread's purpose is revealed in this portion of Scripture and makes the blue sapphire heavenly commandments connect again.

... you shall have the tassel, that you may look upon it and remember all the commandments of the Lord and do them ...

— Numbers 15:39

The blue thread reminded God's people daily of His commands inscribed on the stones of sapphire, which also recalled their "heavenly" source.

The author also offers a rich example from Revelation 17 of the consequences of omitting God's commands in our Christian life. John describes the woman on a beast as a woman of harlotry. He then notes the colors in which she is arrayed.

The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet and adorned with gold.
— Revelation 17:4

In Exodus chapter twenty-eight, God gave instructions to the priests on how to dress, noting three colors.

... upon its hem you shall make pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet, all around its hem, and bells of gold between them all around.

— Exodus 28:33

In comparison, there is one missing color referring to the woman: blue. The absence of the color blue reveals that her harlotry stems from leaving out God's divine commands.

Finally, the sapphire was a stone reserved for kings and priests in the ancient world.

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

— I Peter 2:9

Diamond
Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com

Gad: Diamond

The next tribe is Gad, the seventh son of Jacob. His name means to crowd upon, attack, or overcome. Jacob prophesied over him the following.

... he will be attacked by raiders, but he will attack them at their heels.

— Genesis 49:19

John's New Testament Epistle offers the following application.

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

— I John 5:4

When we worship God, serve Him, have our thoughts resting upon Him, and we are hearing from Him, we are ready for battle to overcome our spiritual enemies, the world (day-to-day life), the flesh (internal struggles), and the devil (unseen spiritual warfare).

Paul's letter to the Ephesians reminds us that our enemies are not people.

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds ...

— II Corinthians 10:4

The diamond is made of graphite, a very soft substance, and the most breakable. After it is transformed into a diamond, it becomes one of the hardest substances. The diamond illustrates how God chooses to use the weakness of humanity and turn them into something mighty through Him.

But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.

— I Corinthians 1:27-29

This transformation from a weak substance to a strong one requires us to submit to God and be conformed to His ways.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

— Romans 12:2

The transformation process converts soft graphite into a hard diamond under heat and pressure.

... ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

— I John 2:14

Diamonds are so hard that they are used as engraving tools and are the most brilliant of the precious stones.

The root meaning of the word diamond in Hebrew is to break down or overcome. The Book of Revelation records several benefits of an overcomer:

Eat from the tree of life (eternity) 2:7

Will not die the second death 2:1

Eat of the hidden manna 2:17

Power over the Nations 2:26

Clothed in white raiment, 3:5

Will be a pillar in the temple 3:12

Will get to sit with Him on the throne 3:21

The Lord is an overcomer. 17:14

Jacinth
Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com

Ephraim: Jacinth

The next tribe is Ephraim's, and his name means "double fruit" or "abundant fruit." This tribe's name speaks of the results and benefits of overcoming. Jacob's prophecy was the following.

"In you, all Israel will bless."

— Genesis 48:20

The prophets Isaiah and Zechariah prophesy about a double blessing for God's people.

Instead of your shame you shall have double honor,
And instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion.
Therefore in their land they shall possess double;
Everlasting joy shall be theirs.

— Isaiah 61:7

Return to the stronghold,
You prisoners of hope.
Even today, I declare
ThatI will restore double to you.

— Zecariah 9:12

The New Testament application is discovered in Paul's letter to the Galatians.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control ...

— Galatians 5:22

A life fully submitted to God, overcoming by the blood of the lamb by the word of our testimony, and loving our lives not unto death, will produce fruit.

The stone given to Ephraim was a Ligure or Jacinth. Its literal Hebrew meaning means to "raise up," "bear," "offer," or "take," symbolizing grapes bearing fruit.

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

— John 15:5

But now, having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.

— Romans 6:22

Agate
By David Rix Eibonvale

Mannaseh: Agate

The next tribe is Manasseh, whose name means "causing to forget." Jacob's prophecy was the following.

"In you shall all Israel bless, saying God make you as Ephraim and Manasseh."

— Genesis 48:20

After we have engaged our mouths in praise (Judah), our actions are geared toward serving (Issachar). Our thoughts are also made to abide in Him (Zebulun), as we fix our eyes upon Jesus (Reuben). As we have listened and obeyed Him (Simeon/Levi), He has defeated our enemies (Gad). We are now in a position to bear fruit (Ephraim). Producing fruit causes us to forget our previous pain (Manasseh). Our lives, thoughts, ways, and attitudes are now superimposing over the old life thoughts, methods, attitudes, and behaviors, just like recording over an old cassette tape. New habits become formed.

Every valley shall be exalted
And every mountain and hill brought low;
The crooked places shall be made straight
And the rough places smooth ...

— Isaiah 40:4

Premature babies' brains are smooth when they are born. They develop grooves as they grow, learn, and associate with various things, relationships, and experiences. This process continues throughout our lives. Our brains start to form valleys and grooves, as well as mountains, through thought patterns. These can be for good or for evil. God says that he will correct the places that aren't right and remap our minds.

Listen, O daughter,
Consider and incline your ear;
Forget your own people also, and your father’s house;
So the King will greatly desire your beauty;
Because He is your Lord, worship Him.

— Psalm 45:10-11

We are to forget all previous forms of influence, focus on Him, and experience Him.

“Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed;
Neither be disgraced, for you will not be put to shame;
For you will forget the shame of your youth,
And will not remember the reproach of your widowhood anymore.

— Isaiah 54:4

Manasseh is represented with the agate. The agate has opaque layers and bands within the cavities of host rocks. It is similar to a skull encasing our minds. The layers and bands are established thought patterns. The Hebrew root meaning of this word is "To carry away" or "take captive."

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down argument,s and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ

— II Corinthians 10:3-5

The way to forget the past is by taking thoughts captive.

Amethyst
I, Jonathan Zander

Benjamin: Amethyst

The next tribe's name is Benjamin, meaning "son of my right hand" and refers to a position of power. Jacob's prophecy was the following.

"He would devour prey and plunder."

— Genesis 49:27

When the religious rulers accused Jesus of being Beelzebub, the prince of devils, because He healed a possessed man, Jesus questioned how such a thing could be when He was actually plundering Satan's kingdom by healing and restoring people.

No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.

— Mark 3:27

The right hand of power applies to our reigning in power with Christ, discussed in the book of Revelation.

Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.

— Revelation 20:6

Paul also weighs in on a similar thought connected with reigning with God.

If we endure,
We shall also reign with Him.
If we deny Him, He also will deny us.

— II Timothy 2:12

The tribe of Benjamin's stone is an Amethyst, whose literal meaning is "to bind firmly," which once again matches with Jesus's binding of the strong man in the verse.

In Greek, "amethyst" means "no intoxication," which leads to an interesting connection with our responsibility to be God's kings and priests.

It is not for kings, O Lemuel,
It is not for kings to drink wine,
Nor for princes intoxicating drink;
Lest they drink and forget the law,
And pervert the justice of all the afflicted.

— Proverbs 31:4-5

The New Testament addresses this issue and offers an alternative ruling influence.

... do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,

— Ephesians 5:18

The New Testament leadership position of a Bishop required sobriety.

A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach.

— I Timothy 3:2

Aged men and women, who were often revered for their teaching and wisdom, along with the young in the ancient world, were also counseled to remain sober.

But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.

— Titus 2:1-3,6

As God's children, we must be sober, alert, and prepared for His coming, as Peter writes in his first Epistle.

Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore, let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation.

— I Thessalonians 5:5-8

... gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

— I Peter 1:13

Just as Peter began his first Epistle with a theme of sobriety, he also ends it that way.

Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. For this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

— I Peter 4:1-7

Peter's final thought ends with a warning.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour

— I Peter 5:6-8

Beryl
Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com

Dan: Beryl

The next tribe is Dan. His name means "to judge" or "vindicate." Jacob's prophecy was that

"... he "will provide justice for His people."

— Genesis 49:16

Christ has vindicated us according to the Messianic prophecy of the prophet Isaiah.

He is near who justifies Me; Who will contend with Me? Let us stand together. Who is My adversary? Let him come near Me. Surely the Lord GOD will help Me; Who is he who will condemn Me? Indeed they will all grow old like a garment; The moth will eat them up.

— Isaiah 50:8-9

Once again, this translates to our new positions of rulership in Him.

Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?

— I Corinthians 6:3

The stone set for Dan was a Beryl. This stone is used for eyeglass lenses. Judgment is the ability to discern and see things accurately. Solomon understood this responsibility when he appealed to God for help in ruling His people.

Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours.

— I Kings 3:8-10

When our hearts are set to praise Him (Judah), serve Him (Issachar), abide in Him (Zebulun), Behold Him (Reuben), Ears tuned to hear Him (Simeon/Levi), Overcoming our fleshly lives (Gad), Bearing fruit (Manasseh), and in a position to rule and reign with Him. We can now judge, for we can see and discern things accurately. (Dan)

Onyx/Chalcedony
Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com

Asher: Chalcedony/Onyx

The next tribe is Asher, whose name means "happy" and "rich." Abundance and fulfillment are the results of all of the above qualities. Jacob's blessing over Asher was the following.

"... his food will be rich, delicacies fit for a king."

— Genesis 49:20

A Messianic view of the Song of Solomon offers us a similar picture of provision from the lover of our souls.

He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.

— Song of Solomon 2:4

The eternal banquet for His beloved believers is also described in John's Revelation.

Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.”

— Revelation 19:9

Asher's stone was onyx. The root meaning of onyx is a millstone or stumbling stone. Jesus was a stumbling block for unbelievers but a precious stone to believers.

Therefore, to you who believe,
He is precious; but to those who are disobedient,
"The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone,”

— I Peter 2:7

Paul's letter to the Corinthians reiterates this thought.

... but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness ...

— I Corinthians 1:23

The prophet Isaiah prays that the stumbling block will be removed for the repentant.

And one shall say, “Heap it up! Heap it up! Prepare the way,
Take the stumbling block out of the way of My people.”

— Isaiah 57:14

Jasper

Naphtali: Jasper

The final noted tribe is Naphtali, whose name means "wrestling is the following from Jacob's blessing.

" ... a doe set free that bears fruitful fawns."

— Genesis 49:21

Our wrestling is one of faith.

Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”

— John 6:29

The writer of Hebrews expresses this position of faith as "rest" and describes a type of diligence to enter into it.

Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.

— Hebrews 4:11

Sometimes, we wrestle with entering rest. Jacob illustrated this idea for us when he didn't let go of the Angel of the Lord until the Angel blessed him. This last name encourages us never to give up. Endure to the end.

But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

— Matthew 24:13

Jasper is Naphtali's gem. Its literal meaning is brilliant transparent light. God, our light in the eternal realm with God, is captured in the following three portions of Scripture.

“The sun shall no longer be your light by day, Nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you; But the LORD will be to you an everlasting light, And your God your glory.

— Isaiah 60:19-20

The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light.

— Revelation 21:23

There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.

— Revelation 22:5

Concluding Thoughts

Collectively, the gems reveal the progression of the Christian life. God's original plan was for humankind to rule with Him under the influence of His heavenly rule. This thought gains expression in the number of tribes surrounding the Tabernacle, where God's people would meet with Him.

Twelve, marking the number of tribes and gems, is significant to this theme. Twelve in Biblical numerics represents the following.

divine administration

divine authority

God's divine appointment

Twelve is the product of 3x4. The number three categorizes things of the divine, eternal kingdom, and the number four categorizes the transient things of the earth. In combination, twelve represents God's heavenly rule functioning on the earth through humankind.

... Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven ...

— Matthew 6:10

Click on the link for the next part of this series, The New Jerusalem—A Pattern for Living—The Gates of Pearl

Links to the Entire Series

The New Jerusalem—A Pattern for Living—The Foundation

The New Jerusalem—A Pattern for Living—The Building Materials

The New Jerusalem—A Pattern for Living—The Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets

The New Jerusalem—A Pattern for Living—The Foundation Gems as Viewed Through the Lens of the High Priest's Breastplate

The New Jerusalem—A Pattern for Living—The Gates of Pearl

The New Jerusalem—A Pattern for Living—Coming Full Circle

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