The Hebrew word yahălôm, represented by H3095, refers to a precious stone, identified as a diamond or possibly onyx. It is derived from a root suggesting hardness. This rare gem appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible, consistently listed among the most valuable stones.
In its biblical usage, H3095 appears in two primary contexts. Two mentions place the diamond as the third stone in the second H8145 row H2905 of the high priest's breastplate, alongside the emerald H5306 and sapphire H5601 (Exodus 28:18; Exodus 39:11). Its other appearance is in the description of a magnificent being in Eden H5731, the garden H1588 of God H430. There, the diamond was one of many precious H3368 stones that formed a brilliant covering H4540 from the day H3117 of creation Ezekiel 28:13.
Several related words help illuminate the context of H3095:
- H2905 ṭûwr: This word for a row is essential for understanding the placement of the diamond on the priest's breastplate, emphasizing a divinely ordained order and structure Exodus 28:18.
- H3368 yâqâr: Meaning precious or valuable, this term categorizes the diamond and its associated gems, highlighting their immense worth and beauty in God's creation Ezekiel 28:13.
- H68 ʼeben: As the general term for stone, it provides the foundational concept for these gems. The diamond is one of "every precious stone" used in the ornate covering described in Ezekiel Ezekiel 28:13.
- H1254 bârâʼ: This verb, meaning to create, directly links the stones in Eden, including the diamond, to the original act of divine creation, underscoring their origin as God's handiwork Ezekiel 28:13.
The theological significance of H3095 is tied to its specific, high-level contexts.
- Sacred Appointment: Its inclusion on the high priest's breastplate marks the diamond as a gem set apart for holy purposes, representing a part of the nation before God in a display of divinely mandated order Exodus 28:18.
- Created Perfection: The appearance of the diamond in Eden H5731 as part of a perfect being's covering H4540 associates it with primordial splendor and the flawless nature of God's original creation Ezekiel 28:13.
- Divine Artistry: The gem is part of a collection that includes gold H2091 and other precious H3368 materials, with its setting described as a workmanship H4399 prepared H3559 by God himself, symbolizing ultimate value and divine craftsmanship Ezekiel 28:13.
In summary, H3095 is far more than just a gem. Though mentioned only a few times, its placement in Scripture is profoundly significant. It functions as a symbol of divinely appointed order in the context of Israel's worship and as a marker of perfect beauty and value originating in the garden H1588 of God H430. The yahălôm represents the hardness, value, and flawless artistry inherent in God's most sacred designs.
TRV