Onyx
“Onyx (a banded precious stone)”
Summary
Onyx was a precious stone used in the high priest's garments and associated with the land of Havilah where gold was found.
☩Biblical References
Onyx is first mentioned as found in the land of Havilah, near Eden, alongside gold and bdellium. Two onyx stones engraved with the names of Israel's twelve tribes were set in gold and placed on the shoulders of the high priest's ephod as memorial stones. Onyx also appeared among the precious stones in the breastpiece of judgment, representing one of the tribes. The Hebrew word 'shoham' is generally understood to refer to onyx, though some scholars suggest it may indicate another variety of banded stone.
☩Symbolic Value
As one of the precious stones adorning the high priest, onyx shared in representing the beauty and dignity of Israel's worship. Job mentions onyx among precious things that cannot compare to wisdom's value, while Ezekiel includes it among the stones that adorned the king of Tyre before his fall. David gathered onyx stones along with other precious materials for Solomon's temple, indicating its continued importance in Israel's worship.
Related Verses12 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Onyx," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).