In Revelation 4:3 John writes: "And He that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald."
The sardine/sardinius/sardius stone is often translated 'carnelian', but this first photo is sardius.
While this one is orange in color, the stone can also be red.
But carnelian
is a lighter color, more flesh-toned, not as orange, not as red.
Exodus 28:17 tells us that this is the first stone in the breastplate of the high priest. First stone, first son, first tribe: Reuben. (V21)
And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes.
We cannot see God and live because He is holy (Exodus 33:17-23, v20). Therefore, when men of old, prophets and disciples, would see God on His throne or passing by, He is many times described according to the gemstones with which they were familiar.
So, the bold brightness of God is seen in these red/orange/beige colors, like jasper:
The sardine/sardinius/sardius stone is often translated 'carnelian', but this first photo is sardius.
While this one is orange in color, the stone can also be red.
But carnelian
Exodus 28:17 tells us that this is the first stone in the breastplate of the high priest. First stone, first son, first tribe: Reuben. (V21)
And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes.
We cannot see God and live because He is holy (Exodus 33:17-23, v20). Therefore, when men of old, prophets and disciples, would see God on His throne or passing by, He is many times described according to the gemstones with which they were familiar.
So, the bold brightness of God is seen in these red/orange/beige colors, like jasper:
What will we see, when we see God? Only God knows. Only God reveals Himself when He wants to.
Moses got to be in God's presence for so long that when He came back down off the mountain, the reflection of God's presence was upon him. The people of Israel could not even look at him and he had to hide his face. That is one powerful light!
Exodus 24:17 "And the sight of the glory of The LORD was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel."
Exodus 34:29-35, (V29)"And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of Testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him."
You may want to read Ezekiel 10, but I will only quote Ezekiel 10:1 "Then I looked, and behold, in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubims there appeared over them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne."
It is the glory of God, the glory of The LORD, that shines brighter than any sun or star ever seen by men. And we worship Him in "the beauty of holiness", His holiness, His glory, His light.
2 Chronicles 20:20-21 "And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, 'Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem: Believe in The LORD your God, so shall you be established; believe His prophets, so shall ye prosper. And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto The LORD, and that should praise the beauty of His holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise The LORD; for His mercy endureth for ever."
1 Chronicles 16:29 "Give unto The LORD the glory due His Name: Bring an offering, and come before Him: Worship The LORD in the beauty of holiness."
Psalm 29:2 "Give unto The LORD the glory due unto His Name; Worship The LORD in the beauty of holiness."
Psalm 96:9 "O worship The LORD in the beauty of holiness: Fear before Him, all the earth."
