Asher, (
meaning “happy”) a class noted for cheerful constancy even in circumstances apparently not warranting such optimism. The stone the
Onyx a stone in which the semitransparent-to-opaque layers are alternately white and dark humus (
portraying “humility”) brown or black. It is similar to agate quartz, but the layers are arranged in straight or parallel bands. The black and white strata representing that for every dark cloud there is a silver lining, thus
this class with cheerful optimism overlooks the troubles and hardships of this life in enthusiasm and anticipation of the blessings to follow in the next.
The Apostle Simon Zelotes.
Zebulun, (
meaning “dwelling”)
a class who are recognized as comforters of the brethren. Possessing a quality of acquired fatherliness, they are those to whom one in trouble would go for confidence and strength; hence they are a harbor or “
haven” of refuge for a troubled soul adrift on the sea of life. The Zebulun class tends to have more of this world’s goods in one way or another and thus is in a position to be hospitable and to help others; however they do not use these temporal possessions for their own pleasure and satisfaction. The stone an
Aquamarine, a transparent beryllium-aluminum silicate possessing a glassy luster, particularly of the blue to blue-green or sea-green color. When viewed closely, the aquamarine renders the impression of a sunlit sea, of the rippling or glittering effect of light upon ocean waters.
A class full of brotherly love and humility.
The Apostle Philip.
Gad, (
meaning “troop”)
a class of leaders, well disciplined, sound in both mind and spirit, proficient as communicators and coordinators. The stone the
Rock Crystal, silicon dioxide, water-clear with a transparent glassy luster.
This stone is mistakenly referred to as a diamond in some translations; however this could not be so for two very important reasons, first of all it would be nearly impossible as pointed out earlier to plane a diamond in such a way as to match the other stones nor even to incise it with an inscription seeing as it is one of the hardest stones known to man, and secondly it would seem unreasonable to use the most valuable stone on the breastplate (had it truly been a diamond) as representing the tenth tribe of Israel in the line of importance over that of the preceding nine tribes, likewise it would appear too conspicuous and distracting amongst the other jewels of the breastplate.
“
It should be kept in mind [however] that the jewels of the breastplate are not assigned in the order of their intrinsic commercial value, nor are they ranked for their beauty of appearance. Rather, they are figuratively classified according to the personality or character value that would be most suitable or pertinent to a spiritual doctor ministering to a sin-sick world.” (Page 586)
Thus the Rock Crystal, which shares a remarkable resemblance to the diamond (sometimes called “Herkimer diamonds”), would rightly fit the picture, likewise allowing for the proper incision and cut of the stone. The apostle here would be
The Apostle James of Alphaeus.
Benjamin, (
meaning “son of the right hand”)
a class who hunger and thirst for and seize upon the meat of God’s Word, their sincerity and serious temperament, however, being less popular and less attractive to the Christian community as a whole in the present life. The stone an
Amethyst a transparent silica of quartz composed of strong blue and deep red coloring in such proportion as to produce a purple-to-violet hue. A class noted for sobriety and sincerity, as characterized by their earnest and individualistic behavior. This application comports well with the color of amethyst, for the mixture of blue (faithfulness) and red (blood) conveys the thought of “
faithfulness unto death.”
The Apostle Jude.
Naphtali, (
meaning “wrestling”) the “
wrestling’s” associated with Naphtali (
Gen 30:8) indicate a long, exhaustive struggle for victory. It is very much reminiscent of Jacob’s wrestling until daybreak to secure the blessing (
Gen 32:24–32). The lesson of this tribe is of a class who do not win the battle with short, decisive victories but overcome through the grit of sheer perseverance. The stone
Jasper, gem-quality jasper is a compact aggregate of fine granules of quartz mixed with foreign matter that in large measure acts, in the final analysis, as both a coloring and a beautifying agent. It occurs in many colors, a dark yellow-brown or a dull red being more characteristic. Jasper is commonly found in the shape of pebbles.
In regard to the spiritual connotation, this gem represents
a class who, in spite of former imperfections, ultimately qualify for membership amidst the jewels—howbeit, in last place. In the end they will succeed as more-than-over-comers...but only through much struggle and patient endurance against the spirit of the world and the imperfections of the flesh in their vessels of clay, in addition to persevering in well doing.
Not generally held in high esteem either in the Church or in the world, this class is as “
pebbles,” lacking any noteworthy or outstanding virtue. Their efforts here and there display good intentions but are exerted in a haphazard, disorganized fashion. Nevertheless,
this class possesses a trait that is very pleasing to God, though not appreciated by ungodly men. Their pluck, sheer grit, and determination to do God’s will in spite of their shortcomings and their constant seeking of forgiveness and grace in Christ through repentance, manifest in the Father’s sight the sincerity of their hearts. The Apostle Matthew. (“The Keys of Revelation”, Pages 583-616)
In considering the significance of these various stones it is possible that one might find that they share similar traits with one or more of these stones, both the good traits as well as those needing to be overcome, but alas even here we are not fit to make the final judgment for only the LORD himself is capable of reading the true intentions of the heart. It should likewise be understood that although many who have been called will in the end fall short and find themselves relegated to the Great Company Class nevertheless even in this class the traits typified in these various stones are found within this class likewise, even as star differ from star.
Continued with next post.
