Leatrice Eiseman, a female American color specialist, author and educator once remarked: “The most abundant hue in nature, the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum, as it has throughout history, multifaceted emerald continues to sparkle and fascinate. Symbolically, emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today's complex world. This powerful and universally-appealing tone translates easily to both fashion and home interiors.” Ezekiel 27:16 reminds us: “Syria did business with you because of your abundant goods; they exchanged for your wares emeralds, purple, embroidered work, fine linen, coral, and ruby.”
Emeralds are defined as a brittle gemstone and a variety of the mineral beryl. Colored green by trace amounts of chromium or sometimes vanadium, most emeralds are said to be deficient with natural inclusions, so their resilience to breakage is classified as generally poor, this enhances their rarity, They are considered a scarce but prized bijou of great beauty and value, often symbolizing regal traits, wit and foresight. They are considered somewhat fluorescent in nature caused by the absorption and subsequent emission of light.
Ireland is often referred to as the “Emerald Isle” because of its lush green landscapes and rolling hills. It has earned its nickname for the beauty of its vibrant and verdant scenery. It is a coruscating island that displays an array of dazzling splendor and friendship. Christianity, particularly Catholicism, has been a dominant force in Irish culture and history for centuries, with the 5th-century activities of St. Patrick associated with the Christianization of Ireland.
Intelligence and wisdom are both considered assets bestowed by God. Although wisdom and intelligence are not considered the same, they are related and compatible with one another. They are both said to indicate a form of power. Likewise, vibrancy could suggest a force of power in so much that it indicates vigor and strength. While not explicitly stated in the Bible that Solomon was given emeralds, legend and rabbinical tradition suggest that God gifted King Solomon four precious stones, including an emerald, which granted him power over all creation. Solomon was renowned for wisdom, allowing for a strong association with intelligence to be correlated.
1 Kings 3:5-15 reminds us: “At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. And now,
O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.” And Solomon awoke, and behold, it was a dream. Then he came to Jerusalem and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered up burnt offerings and peace offerings, and made a feast for all his servants.”
In various religious and cultural contexts, emeralds are linked directly to God, often symbolizing wisdom, power, and divine favor. The emerald stone, with its captivating vivid green hue, is said to represent rejuvenation or renewal, and may contain many different healing qualities. They are believed to contain beneficial attributes that can aid spiritual balance and growth. They captivate and enhance human inner strength and promote spiritual energy. Perhaps one of the most profound elements of its main characteristics is the distinct calmness it evokes within, which may promote mental clarity and stimulate innovation or creativity.
Emeralds are considered to be lucky. They have a strong association with hope, good fortune and prosperity. They are often used in good luck charms worn around the neck and hold a firm and well-established history with magical and mystical beliefs. They are closely linked to affection and are believed to promote friendship, peace, harmony and domestic bliss. It is considered a life-affirming stone.
Emeralds have long been deeply connected to love, both in a romantic sense and platonically, and are seen as a gemstone of fidelity and successful relationships. They are believed to be linked to the heart chakra, the body's emotional center, and are believed to help open the hearts of man to give and receive unconditional love. Love itself could be considered to be the “Emerald of Life.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 reminds us: “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.”
Love is considered by many to be the most precious jewel in life. It is distinct from any other worth with its own individualistic symbolism. Oscar Wilde, an Irish author, poet and playwright once remarked: “Surely Love is a wonderful thing. It is more precious than emeralds, and dearer than fine opals. Pearls and pomegranates cannot buy it, nor is it set forth in the marketplace. It may not be purchased of the merchants, for can it be weighed out in the balance for gold.”
Beauty is often considered a reflection of God’s nature and a gift bestowed by Him. It is not only seen, it can be deemed invisible. It may be disguised within the strength of power itself. It is often experienced through the subtle gestures of kindness or generous deeds from one to another. It may contain occurrences and benefits that find extreme value and worth. God may be invisible, but His power is unsurpassed. Within that power is the well-being of compassion and forgiveness that enables a person to feel and become reassured of His true love for mankind. Romans 1:16-20 reminds us: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.”
Amen.
