"He that is among you without sin, let him cast the first stone." These are the words Jesus used to warn those who accused a woman of adultery (a serious sin punishable by stoning). In the Mosaic Law stones symbolized judgment and justice. The Atonement of Christ fulfilled the demands of justice and allowed mercy to enter. Stones also represented mercy in ceremonial events in their tabernacle.

The High Priest, a type of Christ, wore four more pieces of clothing than the priests who wore four white linen clothes when they "[went] in before the Lord" (Ex. 28:29.) Namely:

1. Mitre, a gold headband with the words "Holiness to the Lord" (Exodus 39:30) engraved and tied onto the head over the turban with blue ribbons (Exodus 39:31.)

2. A dark blue robe with alternating gold bells and pomegranate ornaments hanging from the bottom.

3. The ephod, a very elaborate and ornate apron or waistcoat woven with blue, purple, scarlet and gold thread with two shoulder-pieces which held the breastplate of stones and a girdle or sash.

4. The breastplate, the same elaborate material holding twelve precious stones attached to the ephod.

No article of clothing was insignificant, each item was decorative, functional and symbolic.

Remembrance Stones

On each shoulder were two square stones made of black onyx, a semi precious stone with the same silica properties as quartz stones. Each of the 12 sons of Israel were inscribed on the stones, six on each side. It is believed they were listed in the same order as the scriptures list them, by family and then by birth (Genesis 35:23-26; Guide to the Scriptures, Israel; Exodus 28:9-10) therefore, on the right shoulder were Leah's six sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulon. On the left shoulder were Bilhah's sons, Dan and Naphtali, Zilpah's sons Gad and Asher, and Rachel's sons Joseph and Benjamin. (Exodus 28:9-10.) 

The Twelve Stones

The twelve stones were arranged in four rows of three stones. They were arranged right to left. According to John Pratt, author of the article, Twelve Sons, Twelve Stones, the top row begins with Judah on a red sard or Odem stone (possibly ruby), Issachar on a tan topaz and Zebulon on a yellow green Chrysophrase (peridot). These three tribes were camped on the east of the temple. East is the sacred direction where the temple faced and from where Christ will return. 

The next row is Dan on a red, black Jacinth (garnet), Naphtali on a light blue chalcedony (aquamarine) and Gad on an orange jasper (fire opal). These were the camps north of the temple or on the left hand of the priest who faced east at the head of the altar. On his right hand or south is Reuben on a royal blue Lapis Lazuli (sapphire), Simeon on a green Emerald quartz and Levi on a purple amethyst.  The last row consisted of Asher on a yellow Chysolite (chrysoberyl), Joseph on a white beryl (diamond) and Benjamin on a red and white sardonyx, rose quartz (pink tourmaline). These tribes camped on the west of the temple or behind the priest.

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Interesting Fact: Ophiuchus, the “Serpent Bearer” constellation is a man wrestling a serpent. It reminds us of the Nehushtan or the caduceus (the symbol medical doctors use to this day) that healed the Israelites. In the Greek myths, this constellation represented Asclepius, the god of medicine, who was so skilled that he could even raise the dead. (Ridpath, Ian, Star Tales (New York: Universe Books, 1988), p. 94-95, Note there is a difference between the double serpent on the Caduceus staff of Mercury (Hermes) and the single serpent on the staff of Asclepius.) Could Ophiuchus be a type of Jesus Christ who will over come the great serpent (Satan) and heal us and bring us (Eternal) life like the Nehushtan did for the Israelites?

These and other symbols and comparisons will be looked at and discussed in the “Path of Stone Tables” class this summer. I hope you’ll join us. Go here for all the details.

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Ever wondered about how the Biblical Tabernacle and Modern Temples compare?
Do you want to understand Temple Symbols better?
If so, this course is for you! 

There are three stone tables (alters) on the covenant path, they are in direct correlation with the three main offerings of the Old Testament. The temple is a place for us to come closer to God and for God to visit his people. The Israelites considered God’s presence dwelt in the Tabernacle.

We’ve created one of our most requested classes and it’s available this summer!
​​In this live class you will learn the order and how these tables play a major roll in our daily devotion. Over the seven weeks you will gain a deeper appreciation for the Tabernacle, the Israelites and God’s Holy days. Increase your understanding of temple covenants, high priest clothing, and an increased connection to God and His Son, Jesus Christ. The Sabbath Day, the Sacrament and the covenant path will be the themes throughout course. Everyone who has taken this course has come away amazed and filled with greater love for God, His house, their covenant path and the three main offerings.

A few questions we will answer: What do sacrifices and our personal prayers have to do with each other? Have you ever thought about how the outer walls are related to the scriptures? Why is there a horn in the initiatory room? What are the three entrances into the tabernacle and into heaven? Did you know the colors of the tabernacle are the colors of many of the modern flags?

Who is the Class for?

• Those who want to learn more about Hebrew culture
• Those preparing to go through the temple
• Those desiring more understanding of the temple
• Those wanting a deeper connection with God
• Those who want to increasing their ability to pull principles

Fourteen 1 hour lessons*
Every Tuesday and Thursday at 10am Mountain Time
Beginning July 9 – August 29
July 9, 11, 16, 18, 30,
August 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29

*All lessons will be recorded and available to you anytime on our website.

Class Schedule Introduction: Overview of Class

1. The Plan of Salvation: The Creation ~ The Fall ~ The Atonement ~ Alters ~ Sacrifices ~ the presence of God (Shekinah)
2. The Biblical Tabernacle: Israelite Camp ~ Complex ~ How the sacrifices were preformed “God is in the Details of our Lives”
3. Roles:  Israelites, Priests & High Priest ~ Priest’s clothing ~ Ordination of Priest
4. True Offerings: Types ~ Structure of an Ordinance ~ Covenants ~ Basic Symbolic Components
5. The Path of Stone Tables: Sin Offering ~ Burnt Offering ~ Peace Offering
6. The Outer Court: The Curtain ~ Scrolls ~ The Gate
7. The Sin Offering: the Brazen Alter ~ Faith ~ Repentance
8. The Laver: Baptism ~ Born Again ~ Initiatory: Washings ~ The Horn ~ Anointings ~ clothing of High Priest
9. The Inner Court: Coverings ~ Colors ~ Door ~ The Holy Room
10. The Burnt Offering: Five Progressive Covenants
11. The Menorah: Light and Knowledge ~ Gift of the Holy Ghost
12. The Table of Shew Bread: Covenants of Manna, Unleavened Bread & Passover
13. The Prayer Alter: types of prayers ~ Receiving Answers
14. The Peace Offering: covenant of Fellowship ~ Essence of Fellowship ~ Calling and Election made sure
15. The Holy of Holies: The veil, Arc of the Covenant, Day of Atonement

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