The Hebrew word bâreqeth, represented by H1304, is a gem, likely a carbuncle or emerald, whose name suggests a flashing quality. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible, always in the context of great value and divine appointment.
In its biblical occurrences, H1304 is consistently listed among other valuable stones. In the instructions for the high priest's breastplate, it is specified as the third stone in the first H259 row H2905, alongside the sardius and the topaz Exodus 28:17. This exact arrangement is repeated in the account of the breastplate's creation Exodus 39:10. The word is also found in the description of the king of Tyre's former glory in Eden H5731, the garden H1588 of God, where the carbuncle H1304 was one of the precious H3368 stones H68 that formed his covering H4540 on the day H3117 he was created H1254 Ezekiel 28:13.
Several related words help define the context of bâreqeth:
- H68 'eben (a stone): This is the foundational category to which H1304 belongs. The breastplate was made with four rows of stones Exodus 28:17, and the covering in Eden consisted of "every precious stone" Ezekiel 28:13.
- H2905 ṭûwr (a row): This word establishes the specific, orderly arrangement of the gems on the breastplate. The carbuncle H1304 was placed in the first of four H702 rows of stones (Exodus 28:17, Exodus 39:10).
- H3368 yâqâr (valuable, precious): This term, used in Ezekiel's account of Eden, describes the immense worth and beauty of the collection of gems that included the carbuncle H1304 Ezekiel 28:13.
The theological significance of H1304 is tied to its use in contexts of holiness and perfection.
- Priestly Representation: As a stone set H4390 in the first row H2905 of the high priest's breastplate, it was part of the sacred garments worn for ministering before God Exodus 28:17.
- Created Splendor: Its presence as a precious H3368 stone H68 in the garden H1588 of God H430 associates it with the original, unspoiled beauty of creation Ezekiel 28:13.
- Divine Workmanship: The stone is part of an array that includes other gems and gold H2091, whose workmanship H4399 was prepared H3559 by God, highlighting its role as an object of divine art and value Ezekiel 28:13.
In summary, H1304 bâreqeth is a flashing gem whose importance is derived from its placement in divinely ordained settings. Whether as part of the orderly rows on the high priest's breastplate or among the brilliant stones of Eden, it signifies sacred value, divine order, and the perfect beauty of God's creation.
TRV