Agate
“Unknown, possibly from the land of Sheba”
Summary
A semi-precious stone of variegated colors that appeared in the high priest's breastplate as one of the twelve gems representing the tribes of Israel.
☩Description
The agate is a semi-transparent variety of quartz with colors arranged in delicate stripes, bands, or cloud-like formations. It is a composite stone formed of quartz, chalcedony, cornelian, flint, and jasper, giving it a glittering appearance with different colors. The finest specimens come from India, though agates are found in many countries including Italy, Spain, and Germany.
☩Biblical Usage
The Hebrew word shebo identifies the agate as the second stone in the third row of the high priest's breastplate. The English name derives from the Greek achates, named after the river Achates in Sicily where it was first discovered. The agates used in the wilderness tabernacle were likely brought from Egypt, as there is no evidence they were found in Palestine.
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Agate," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.George Morrish, "Agate," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Agate," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).