One of the earliest records of the emerald is found in the Bible. The book of Exodus written by Moses about 1400 B.C. tells us that an emerald was one of twelve stones placed in the Breastplate of Judgment (Exodus 28:18). This breastplate was worn by the High Priest of the Israelites and had certain supernatural properties. The stones were arrayed in four rows with three stones in each row. According to most bibles including the King James Version the emerald was the first stone in the second row.
There is a debate about whether or not the Hebrew word "nophak" (English rendition of the Hebrew word) refers to an emerald. Most biblical researchers(1) and other ancient texts refer to this as a "carbuncle" or ruby. The word for the last stone in the first row is "baraketh", and the same researchers say that it was the emerald. Therefore it is more likely that the emerald was the third stone in the first row of the Breastplate of Judgment.
"And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and Thummim; ..." (Exodus 28:30, KJV). Urim meaning "light" and Thummim meaning "perfection" were not physical objects that were placed on the breastplate. The book of Exodus goes into intricate detail as to how all of the objects were to be sized and attached to the ephod. Therefore the Urim and Thummim "the oracle of God" was a spiritual and supernatural entity that was placed on the breastplate. Each stone on the breastplate had the name of one of the tribes of Israel engraved upon it. Talmudic tradition (Jewish tradition) says that God illuminated letters in the engraved names to bring revelation to the priest.
The earliest known emeralds were mined in Egypt. It is known that the emerald was among the most highly prized stones of the Egyptians. It was found in many tombs of the ancient Egyptian kings, usually an emerald necklace was placed around the king's neck. It was believed to ensure eternal youth in the afterlife. When Israel left Egypt they carried much of the treasure of Egypt with them. So it was highly likely that an emerald was one of the stones in the breastplate.
Thus the emerald's ancient and auspicious beginnings testify to it's lasting popularity and value. That the emerald was one of the twelve stones chosen by God to be placed on the garments of His High Priest is a testimony to it's beauty and importance. As we shall see in future articles, the mystic and mythology of the emerald will continue to grow.
(1) Keil and Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament; C.F. Keil and Frans Delitzsch; Volume 1; Hendrickson Publishers, Inc.; Peabody, Mass.
Hi Stephen, welcome to Search Warp. This article is fascinating simply because I thought you were going to go back a gazillion years to some fantasy earth. But though I have read the old testament many times and Exodus being one of my favorite books, (Moses being one of my heroes)I never paid it much mind but it is a beautiful rock.
Welcome to Search Warp. On recent cruises, I have become interested in the gems offered for sale on the ship and on shore. Emeralds have become of special interest. Thanks for the heads up. Dick B.
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