Stones in the Bible vary from precious - diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, to common - salt, flint, and tar. Each stone has its own story. Pearls, gold, and jasper portray heaven. Pitch and brimstone describe the eternal nightmare of hell. God’s light is expressed as the color of amber. The colors of emeralds, jasper and sardine describe the presence of God in heaven.
Stones of the Bible can be found from Genesis to Revelation. Of the thirty-nine books in the Old Testament, thirty-six identify stones. Only Ruth, Obadiah, and Jonah have no mention of stones. Almost half of the New Testament books identify stones.
This text tells the story of the stones spoken of in the Bible. The King James Version mentions thirty-five stones directly or indirectly, and three types of rocks. Individual stones are mentioned 882 times; the three types of rocks are mentioned thirty-five times. Stones in the Bible were mined, given as gifts, traded and taken as spoils of war. Most of the stones are mentioned in relation with heaven, hell, the Garden of Eden, temples, priestly raiment, and wealth.
This book provides groundwork for understanding and identifying the different stones mentioned in the Bible. It presents a summary of each stone, the settings in which it occurs and a synopsis of the biblical, spiritual and traditional significance of each stone. Each stone is also presented from a scientific viewpoint; describing chemical and physical properties. The final chapter asks the broader question; “are the stones here by chance or design?”
Appendices at the end of the book include two mathematical proofs of God, provide chemical symbols of the elements making up the stones of the Bible, examine more closely the light transmitted and reflected from some of the stones, and show students how to grow a stone (crystal). Our final appendix lists all occurrences of the stones and rocks found in the Bible.
The stories told by the stones of the Bible are compelling, informative, and beautiful. A brief history of the part each plays in the Bible, as well as an understanding of their physical characteristics reward the interested reader with a greater depth and discovery of this most enlightening facet of the world’s most wonderful book, the Bible.
This is an excellent resource for homeschoolers, Bible students and rock hounds alike. Includes beautiful full-color plates and www/stonesofthebible.com, an interactive learning web site.
"Stones of the Bible is a great resource for homeschoolers who want to know more about geology from a Biblical worldview.”
Israel Wayne, Home School Digest
Stephen E. Pierce is the exploration manager for Zion Oil and Gas Company; currently involved in oil drilling operations in Northern Israel. He also teaches geology in the State of Texas University and College System.
Stephen’s resume includes international oil projects for Mobil Oil Corporation, Superior Oil Company, AMOCO and UNOCAL, from South America and the Caribbean to Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Prior to his private sector career he was an aerographer for the United States Navy.
Stephen earned his M.S. in geology from San Diego State University and his B.S. in geology from California State University. He holds the title of Professional Geologist with the State of Wyoming and is a member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists and the American Institute of Professional Geologists.
An active writer, Stephen has published technical articles in the Oil & Gas Journal and Explorer Magazine. Stephen is also the author of the novel, Sherlock Holmes and the Story For Which the World is Not Yet Prepared.
Stephen E. Pierce is the exploration manager for Zion Oil and Gas Company; currently involved in oil drilling operations in Northern Israel. He also teaches geology in the State of Texas University and College System.
