The first gemstone in the breastplate is a carnelian. It was used in days of Scripture for making seals & signets rings. Signets were used as a mark of authority and the ring was carved out of carnelian due to the fact that wax would not stick to it like it would other gemstones. When the kings pressed their signet ring with their mark into the wax, it was a stamp of authority and approval. The Hebrews would have understood the significance of this because they were coming out of a dictatorship. They were accustomed to the sealing of documents and authority, and what that meant.
The carnelian's color is reddish-orange and is the color of blood. God explains all through the scriptures the importance of blood. It is the blood of Jesus that makes secure our standing with God. 2 Corinthians 1:21 states God has put His seal on us and 2 Timothy 2:19 states “But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,”. The carnelian gemstone in the priestly breastplate is a tangible item explaining this foundation. These verses take on new meaning considering that the kings used carnelian to "seal" important documents.
Carnelian is the first stone in the breastplate, but the middle stone in the foundation of the wall of New Jerusalem found in Revelation 21, which is Heaven come down to earth at the end of time. Just as the heart is in the center of the body, pumping blood through the body and giving life, so the carnelian in the center of the foundation signifies the heart of God. I personally believe this is a picture of the body of Christ, who gave His life as a sacrifice once and for all. And if we follow this picture of the body of Christ, then it’s easy to see how the blood-colored stone of the carnelian represents the heart of God. He is showing us in the breastplate, what is first and foremost. God’s seal of approval on us.
Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22
Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his… 2 Timothy 2:19
This gemstone is assigned to the tribe of Reuben. Reuben is the first son of Jacob and he was born during the month of Nissan, which is the month of Passover, and under the constellation of the Ram. The Ram, being a male sheep shows up in the heavens over the month of Passover. God tells His plan of redemption in the heavens and it shows up every month. All we need to do is look up. From the stars in the constellations to the tribes of Israel to the priestly breastplate, God continues to show His love for us.
Learn more about this gemstone in the priestly breastplate; its connection to the breastplate of righteousness through the tribes, constellations, and months of the Hebrew calendar, in the book, Dressing for the Battle, Armed to Win. Order today on Amazon.
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