In Exodus 28:15-20 the stones chosen for the breastplate of Aaron (Moses’ brother) are described as follows –
15 “Fashion a breastpiece for making decisions—the work of skilled hands. Make it like the ephod: of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen. 16 It is to be square—a span[a] long and a span wide—and folded double. 17 Then mount four rows of precious stones on it. The first row shall be carnelian, chrysolite and beryl; 18 the second row shall be turquoise, lapis lazuli and emerald; 19 the third row shall be jacinth, agate and amethyst; 20 the fourth row shall be topaz, onyx and jasper.[b]Mount them in gold filigree settings. 21 There are to be twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.”
Title – Exodus 28:15-20 A
Title – Exodus 28:15-20 B
In verses 29-30 the purpose of this stone encrusted breastplate is as follows –
29 “Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of decision as a continuing memorial before the Lord. 30 Also put the Urim and the Thummim in the breastpiece, so they may be over Aaron’s heart whenever he enters the presence of the Lord. Thus Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the Lord.”
Without painting the specific gems mentioned in this scripture, I wanted to show that even ordinary stores can be symbols of the decisions well made. When I look into a stream and see stones formed by the passing of time I reflect on how amazing it is that the placement of every rock is directly related to the choices that God made. Chance? The randomness of nature? Not in my mind. God’s hand is everywhere. No stone unturned if it is to be turned at all. Look closely. You are always in the presence of the Lord. Make good decisions.
Art and Thoughts On It 