Beryl

His hands are like rods of gold set with [nails of] beryl or topaz.  Song of Solomon 5:14a

Sharply dressed.  You all know that it's what's inside that counts.  God looks at the heart not the outer appearance.  Joyce Meyer puts it this way, "We're not just clothed in our regular clothing but there's spiritual clothes we have to put on as well."

Revelation says, "Behold I'm going to come like a thief.  Blessed is the man who stays awake and guards his clothes."

The first mention of beryl in the Scriptures is found in Exodus 28:20.  And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings.

Beryl is a precious stone that comes in many variations.  The most well known are emerald and aquamarine.  Emeralds probably would have been in the possession of the Israelites at the time of this event taking place.  Emeralds are mined in Egypt.  As part of the Exodus God god gave the plunder of the Egyptians into their hands.  For something as important as the breasplate to be worn by the High Priest I would imagine they weren't frugal.  I stress the word imagine because I don't have the definitive answer.

But what I do know is this.  The best way to detect a counterfeit is to examine the real thing.  Look at the price that God paid for your soul and for mine.  Jesus Christ.  The spotless Lamb of God.  He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things.  Romans 8:32.

Next time you look in the mirror remember Romans 8:32.  I hope that helps you to see yourself as you truly are.

Till next time.

By Grace,

TRavis P. Dickerson