The Hebrew word tarshîysh, represented by H8658, is a gem identified as beryl. It appears 7 times across 7 unique verses in the Bible. This precious stone is consistently associated with divine splendor, high priestly garments, and descriptions of heavenly beings and objects.
In biblical usage, H8658 appears in several significant contexts. It is designated as one of the precious stones in the fourth row of the high priest's breastplate, set in gold (Exodus 28:20, Exodus 39:13). The term is used to describe the unearthly appearance of the wheels in Ezekiel's vision, which were "like unto the colour of a beryl" (Ezekiel 1:16, Ezekiel 10:9). It is also used to depict the glorious body of a heavenly being, whose form was "like the beryl" Daniel 10:6. Furthermore, it is listed among the precious stones that adorned a powerful being in the garden of God Ezekiel 28:13 and in a simile describing beautiful hands as "gold rings set with the beryl" Song of Solomon 5:14.
Several other words for precious materials are biblically associated with tarshîysh, highlighting its place among valuable and sacred items:
- H7718 shôham (onyx): A gem often listed alongside beryl in the priest's breastplate Exodus 28:20 and as part of the covering of every precious stone in Eden Ezekiel 28:13.
- H3471 yâshᵉphêh (jasper): This gem appears with beryl and onyx in the fourth row of the breastplate, completing the set Exodus 39:13.
- H2091 zâhâb (gold): The settings for the beryl and other stones on the breastplate were made of gold Exodus 28:20. It is also used in a description of hands adorned with beryl Song of Solomon 5:14.
- H5601 çappîyr (sapphire): In Song of Solomon 5:14, hands set with beryl are contrasted with a body overlaid with sapphires, creating an image of immense value and beauty.
The theological significance of H8658 is tied to its use in describing divine and sacred things.
- Priestly Consecration: As a stone on the high priest's breastplate, beryl is part of the sacred vestments that represent the tribes of Israel and qualify the priest to stand before God Exodus 28:20.
- Divine Manifestation: The gem's appearance is used to articulate the nature of heavenly visions. The wheels of God's chariot-throne Ezekiel 1:16 and the body of a celestial messenger Daniel 10:6 are likened to beryl, conveying their glorious and transcendent nature.
- Original Perfection: Its inclusion as one of the stones in the "garden of God" suggests a connection to a state of primordial beauty and perfection created by God Ezekiel 28:13.
In summary, H8658 is a word that signifies more than just a precious stone. It is a symbol of sacredness, heavenly glory, and created perfection. From its place on the priest's breastplate to its use in describing the very appearance of divine beings and their instruments, tarshîysh consistently points to a value and beauty that originates in the divine realm.
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