Some biblical translations label this as the sapphire, but sapphire was unknown before the Roman Empire. The Elder Pliny who was a historian between AD 23-69 gives a description of a stone by the name of sappir which is translated by most as sapphire, as being like the night sky, spangled with stars. Sapphire does not have a spangling of any kind, however, Lapis Lazuli does. Several hundred years later a Greek by the name of Theophratus describes “sappir as spotted with gold.” Again, sapphire lacks these physical properties. Lapis Lazuli is the only blue stone that is spotted with gold (pyrite). The sapphire in the Bible was actually sappir which is known today as Lapis lazuli. Newer translations of the Bible list Lapis Lazuli, instead of sapphire. So when reading about sapphire in the older translations of the Bible, remember it is actually speaking of Lapis Lazuli.
“Moses, Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and the 70 elders of Isreal went up (the mountain) And they saw the God of Israel. There was under his feet as it were a pavement of Lapis Lazuli stone, as bright blue as the sky. But God did not raise his hand against these leaders of the Israelites; they saw God, and they ate and drank.” Exodus 24:10 NIV
As you can see, 74 people including Moses and Aaron, traveled to the top of the mountain to meet with God. Not only did they meet with God, but they saw him and had a picnic with the creator of the universe!
The blue color represents the heavens and Lapis has gold flecks (pyrite) within the stone which would also fit the representation of royalty in the heavens. But there is something else we can add to this. If you were to look at any Lapis, you would see the universe. That’s right. You can actually see the solar system in every Lapis. This is why early rabbinical writings say it is spangled with stars. Wow! Now that’s is what I call hidden treasure! Jehovah God, High King, sits on a throne of Lapis!
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrew 6:16
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