Precious Treasures

In the Beginning
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Job wrote, “His eye seeth every precious thing” (Job 28:10). Indeed it does, but what God considers precious and what man esteems are not the same. Most people consider gold, silver, and polished gems to be “precious treasure.” But that is only true when there is enough water, food, clothing, and even clean air. Some who have lived under totalitarian regimes might put “freedom” on their “precious treasures” list.

This issue of The Herald looks at some things mankind considers precious. The article Gold and Silver notes the use of these two metals in the Bible as synonyms for wealth, but also as pictures of what God considers valuable.

Iron and Copper are two metals one might not consider valuable unless you have no swords and spears to fight an enemy (1 Samuel 13:22). Both metals are frequently mentioned together and often symbolize a right to rule.

Diamonds looks at one of the most prized jewels on earth. It is the hardest of all gem stones and one of the most beautiful.

Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald are the three gems which, along with the diamond, were defined as “precious” by the ancients. Their use in the the breastplate of Israel’s high priest may have special meaning.

Pearls have traditionally been prized because of their rarity, at least until the modern era of “cultured” pearls. Although considered a jewel, a pearl is not a gemstone. It is made by an oyster over a long period of time (see cover illustration).

Although neither a precious metal nor a gem, the article Salt shows how valuable this mineral has been especially in places with no easy access to it. Salt cakes were even used as currency by the Chinese. This article looks at the importance of salt in ancient times.

Treasures Laid up in Heaven, an article that first appeared almost a hundred years ago, speaks of what should matter most to the Lord’s footstep followers. Earthly treasures can be taken away from us, but heavenly treasures cannot.

We end with He Is Precious, excerpts from an article that first appeared in this journal in 1953. It reminds us that our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, is the supremely “precious treasure” we can ever have.