Revelation 21:19-20a
Re-evaluation Translation:
21:19 And the foundations of the instruction which protects us were organized with all manner of solidified truths. The first foundation was singularity to Yehuveh; the second, no idols; the third, no idol worship; the fourth, no vanity;
21:20 The fifth, Sabbath-keeping; the sixth, six days of work; the seventh, family honor; the eighth, no killing; the ninth, no adultery; the tenth, no stealing; the eleventh, honorable communication; the twelfth, balanced use of passion.
Bible, KJV Translation:
21:19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;
21:20 The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.
Significant Words and Comments:
Commentary on Revelation 21:19-20 (19 August 2008): “The foundations of the wall of the city,” are the fundamental instructions on which all other instruction builds. These twelve foundations of the wall, as discussed in notes on Revelation 21:14, are the twelve commandments or structures clearly defined for us in Exodus 20:3-17 and Deuteronomy 5:7-21.
“Were garnished with all manner of precious stones,” clearly states that these foundations are invaluably solid and well-organized. Garnished, adorned, simply means organized or arranged, as discussed in notes on Revelation 21:2. Yehuveh’s instruction is well-arranged, highly organized. This structure makes it much easier for us to understand and live these instructions. Twelve specific stones are listed and numbered in these two verses. There is a great amount of information here, but if you move slowly and repeatedly consult the corresponding Chart of Twelves relating to this verse it will minimize the sense of confusion and overwhelming volume. This information, once sorted out, becomes exceedingly simple and beautiful. So study this matter prayerfully and don’t get lost in the initial process of establishing these twelve foundations in their “stone” solidity!
Each of the twelve foundational stones were represented on the breast-pocket [inaccurately translated breastplate] worn by Israel’s high priest, and their arrangement is described in detail in Exodus 28:17-20 and 39:10-13. Nine of these twelve stones are also listed in Ezekiel 28:13 as having at one time been the covering of the king of Tyrus [humanity’s socio-economic system, which has become so utterly corrupted in our time]. Further discussion of this nine-stone partial covering will be noted in some detail following the examination of the twelve foundation stones.
The discussion of these stones as they relate to the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve signs of Zadok provide us with tremendous insight. Continue with the discussion or go specifically to any one of the twelve foundation stones below. Continued . . .
These twelve solidified foundations are discussed in detail:
The first = jasper The second = sapphire The third = a chalcedony
The fourth = an emerald The fifth = sardonyx The sixth = sardius
The seventh = chrysolyte The eighth = beryl The ninth = a topaz
The tenth = a chrysoprasus The eleventh = a jacinth The twelfth = an amethyst
CHART of Twelve Stones: The configuration of these twelve stones on the breast-pocket (breastplate).
Connections of Twelves: Applications and key connections of stones with other lists of twelve in Scripture.
Gael Bataman
Originally Written: 19 August 2008
Latest Update: 19 August 2008
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