We look at two verses today, linked beautifully. Under consideration is the “foundation” of the Holy City. Or to be more precise, the “foundations.”
“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; the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.” Revelation 21:19-20
One would need to be a gemologist to fully explain these beautiful stones. Twelve “precious” jewels!
I have scoured several commentaries looking for sound information on these two verses. As a result, I’ve personally reached a couple of conclusions I’d like to share with you today.
First, we are not specifically told the “manner” in which these stones are “laid.” Is the foundation a “stack” of these twelve types of rock, one on top of another? Or do they run along the foundation one after another? A section of jasper then a section of sapphire, maybe a hundred miles of each … and so on? Either way, the beauty would be overwhelming! I think the “on top of each other” scenario would be the most breathtaking!
Second, the exact types of stones there are, even down to their exact colors … is hard to determine. Generally speaking, we know “amethysts” are purple. And “sapphires” tend to be blue. Emeralds, green. But other members of this set are not as dramatic in color. I believe the Holy Spirit here is illustrating for us the variety and diversity and aesthetic brilliance the City will project, radiate!
Third, I am reminded of Abraham, many years ago. “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise. For HE LOOKED FOR A CITY WHICH HATH FOUNDATIONS, whose builder and maker is God.” (Hebrews 11:8-10) Well, I think that City is being described, its foundations, in our very text this morning! Abraham will see it, as will we.
Then last, one Bible teacher mentioned that the “stones” in the New Jerusalem’s foundation roughly paralleled (matched) the “stones” in the Jewish High Priest’s Breastplate! And they do indeed, mostly. Could then, the gems here depicted be (as were the High Priest’s Garments, especially the Breastplate) a picture of the corporate people of God? Saved people, “whosoever wills,” from every corner of the globe? Remember, each Tribe of Israel was symbolized by a “stone.” Or so it is thought.
If so, this City is built especially in honor of its future inhabitants! As in John 11:1 where a city is named as: “Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.” Jesus remembered the Town according to the saints who lived there! These 12 foundations may imply a similar truth!
Some of these foundation stones were found near the sea, others near the mountains. Some from the desert, others from fertile rain drenched farmlands! Some from caves, others from sunlit valleys! Again, what variation! Now made into one City!
All I can say is, “Wow!”
No wonder we sing as much about Heaven as we do!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell