Sapphire

Sapphire

Gemstones and stones mentioned in the Bible has been my theme for this 30 paintings in 30 days adventure, and I am learning a lot, and loving the process! 

I am working on the group of stones listed in the Old Testament passage Exodus 28:17 - 20, and I wanted to double check whether the sapphire appeared in the New Testament too. Recently I was discussing with my friend Dave (who works as a Bible translator for an English language Bible) the question of the order in which these stones should appear. He mentioned in that conversation that their newer edition had changed the Old Testament references from sapphire to lapis lazuli. Accuracy is not my primary concern with my paintings, but I do wish to do what I can to keep fairly close to the intent of each passage. 

Well, the word sapphire does, in fact, appear in the New Testament. So when I group my paintings, I do not know which painting I will use in each instance, but I am enjoying working on the concepts. 

NA
6" x 6" acrylic on canvas panel 
ready to frame 

All that being said, I chose to use an Old Testament passage to work from today. I just love this passage where Jehovah GOD is comforting His chosen people who have failed and failed, and who have been far from HIM over and over again. It encourages me to think of HIM comforting and reestablishing me when I fail HIM and am far away, too. Oh, how I love HIM!

Isaiah 54:10-12 (New American Standard Bible)
10 “For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake,
But My lovingkindness will not be removed from you,
And My covenant of peace will not be shaken,”
Says the Lord who has compassion on you.
11 “O afflicted one, storm-tossed, and not comforted,
Behold, I will set your stones in antimony,
And your foundations I will lay in sapphires.
12 “Moreover, I will make your battlements of rubies,
And your gates of crystal,
And your entire wall of precious stones.

Reference photo for sapphire