Category Archives: Birds

When I Consider – Wednesdays – Intro

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Bald Eagle – San Diego Zoo

When I Consider – Wednesdays will be reposts/updates to a series of articles that were posted back in the early days of this blog.

A Closer Look at the Evidence by Richard & Tina Kleiss is a devotional book that has bite size information about incredible evidence about creation.

Here is a part of the review of the book written by the Richard & Tina Kleis.

We have never seen such a unique and fascinating devotional book. It is one of a very few that we have used that tempts us to read on ahead! A Closer Look at the Evidence presents straightforward evidence, primarily scientific, for the existence of our Creator.

This book is organized into twenty-six different subject areas and draws from over fifty expert sources. Each of the 400+ pages highlights knowledge from a Biblical perspective. Each day’s devotion is a full page of concise, well-researched, factual information with reference material noted if you desire more specifics.

The authors, Rich and Tina Kleiss, former public school science teachers, discovered that scientific evidence overwhelmingly supports creation. But evolution continues to be presented as fact in the media and textbooks, even as the evidence for creation is being systematically excluded.

By daily using and discussing A Closer Look at the Evidence, your family should not only learn the credible reasons for your belief in the Creator but also be equipped to share this truth with others. Each page ends with a related Bible verse…..

magnify_2748cDan and I used it daily after our regular devotions. I have been wanting to share these articles for some time and have decided to do so in a series called, “When I Consider!” A quote from the book’s Dedication has encouraged me decide to do this.

God’s desire is that the knowledge of what He has done through both the cross and creation is for everyone. We must not keep this knowledge to ourselves. The evidence that He is our Creator is so overwhelming and encouraging that it is desperately needs to be shared in the world today. A Closer Look at the Evidence is designed to be an affordable resource to both reinforce our individual faith and facilitate sharing the reasons for this faith. Consider praying about how God could use you to utilize the truths found in these pages.“

The book is available at (Christianbook.com)

Here is the first in the “When I Consider!” Series:

This was the first in the series called, “When I Consider! Please see the above article, “A Closer Look at the Evidence – Kleiss“, by Richard and Tina Kleiss, for an explanation of this new series. Not only will I use information from the Kleiss’ book, but other articles also. Since our main blog is about Bird’s, this seems like a good starting place.

“Evidence From Biology”

The eagle’s diving speed can exceed 100 miles per hour. At this speed, the eagle’s eyesight must be perfect in order to know exactly when to pull out of a dive. Its eyes are designed to spot a rabbit or fish up to one mile away. The eagle also has remarkably designed wings, each covered by over 12,000 feathers. Aircraft designers are still trying to copy this engineering marvel.

Besides the ability to climb to 10,000 feet withing minutes, the parent eagle also assists its young in flight. As it flies alongside the eaglet, whirlpools of air formed by its primary feathers provide the eaglet with additional lift.

In speaking of His protective care over the nation of Israel, God states, ‘..I bare you on eagle’s wings…’ (Exodus 19:4 KJV). The Hebrew word for ‘bare’ is nacah, and its primary rood means ‘to lift.’ This is exactly what the parent eagle does to help its young in flight.

The precise selection and meaning of words used in the Bible is a testimony to the accuracy and precision of the remarkable book.

Character Sketches, Vol.III, p171-174″

The above quote is from January 28, “A Closer Look at the Evidence,” by Richard and Tina Kleiss

This series will be based on:

Psalms 8:3-9 NKJV
“When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor. You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, All sheep and oxen– Even the beasts of the field, The birds of the air, And the fish of the sea That pass through the paths of the seas. O LORD, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth!

 

It’s A Wrap – New Jerusalem’s Twelve Foundation Stones II

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12 Foundations of the New Jerusalem ©YouTube

It’s A Wrap – New Jerusalem’s Twelve Foundation Stones II.

“10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
18 And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. 19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; 20 The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.” (Revelation 21:10, 18-20)

On February 16th, (2019) this journey or series was started. The last foundational stone, Amethyst, was introduced on April 11th. Trust you have enjoyed this series as much as I did putting it together. For those of you who have followed along, are you as amazed as I am about how beautiful the foundations of the New Jerusalem are going to be? Wow!

What was presented is no way near as beautiful as what we will be seeing in person. It was a human attempt to try to present these gorgeous stones and our fabulously Created Avian Wonders from our Lord. Here is a review of what the different stones are and the articles that went with this series.

Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Jasper II

Kaleidoscope Jasper from Oregon ©WikiC

Ringed Teal (Callonetta leucophrys) ©WikiC

Heavens New Jerusalem and Birds – Sapphire II

Sapphire Gem ©WikiC

Sapphire Flycatcher (Ficedula sapphira) ©WikiC

Heavens New Jerusalem and Birds – Chalcedony II

Lavendar Blue Chalcedony ©Mineral_net

Lavender Waxbill (Estrilda caerulescens) ©WikiC

Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Emerald II

Emerald from (Muzo Mine Boyaca Colombie) ©WikiC

Coppery-headed Emerald by Ray

Coppery-headed Emerald by Ray

Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Colors II

How Are We Reflecting God’s Light?

Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Sardonyx II

Red onyx – Handicraft ©WikiC

Two-barred Crossbill (Loxia leucoptera)(White-winged) by Raymond Barlow

Two-barred Crossbill (Loxia leucoptera)(White-winged) by Raymond Barlow

Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Sardius II

Sardius Stone ©Pinterest

Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) - ©WikiC

Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) – ©WikiC

Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Chrysolite II

Chrysolite Forsterite-Olivine ©WikiC

Yellow-green Grosbeak (Caryothraustes canadensis) ©WikiC

Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Beryl II

Three Colors of Beryl ©WikiC

Beryl-spangled Tanager (Tangara nigroviridis cyanescens) ©BirdPhotos.com

Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Topaz II

Topaz From Brazil-©NaturhistorischesMuseum-WikiC

Ruby-topaz Hummingbird (Chrysolampis mosquitus) ©WikiC

Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Chrysoprase II

Chrysoprase_(Australia) ©WikiC

Green-honeycreeper by Wilds

Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Jacinth II

Jacinth from Pakistan ©WikiC

Red Pileated Finch (Coryphospingus cucullatus) ©WikiC

Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds –  Amethyst II

Amethyst cut ©WikiCLor

Amethyst Woodstar (Calliphlox amethystina) by Dario Sanches male

Amethyst Woodstar (Calliphlox amethystina) by Dario Sanches male

Will you be there to see the glorious event happen?

“Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.” (Revelation 21:1-6 NKJV)

Good News Tracts

Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds II – Correct Order

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New Jerusalem Gemstones

(This is a repost of Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds. The series originally appeared in 2019. (With a little dusting and updating they were all reposted. Tomorrow. Lord willing, we will wrap this series up. Stay tuned.)

Beryl ©WikiC

Here are the links to the new posts of the New Jerusalem and Birds II in the order of the foundations. I accidentally posted some of them out of order.

Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Introduction II

“10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
18 And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.
19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones.”

The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;

1st – Jasper – Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Jasper II

2nd – Sapphire – Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Sapphire II

3rd – Chalcedony – Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Chalcedony II

4th – Emerald – Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Emerald II

NORTHERN FLICKER (red-shafted form) photo credit: Evergreen State College

“20 The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.”

5th – Sardonyx – Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Sardonyx II

6th – Sardius – Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Sardius II

7th – Chrysolite – Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Chrysolite II

8th – Beryl – Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Beryl II

9th – Topaz –Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Topaz II

10th – Chrysoprasus – Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Chrysoprasus II

11th – Jacinth – Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Jacinth II

12th – Amethyst – Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Amethyst II

“21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.” (KJV) [Yes, pearls are not stones]

Pearly-eyed Thrasher (Margarops fuscatus) ©WikiC

Who Paints The Leaves?

Sunday Inspiration – Flamingos and Tropicbirds II

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Sunday Inspiration – Flamingos and Tropicbirds was posted in 2017. This is a repost.

American Flamingo Beak at Gatorland by Lee

American Flamingo Beak at Gatorland by Lee

“But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:” (Romans 16:26 KJV)

As we continue through the taxonomic order of birds, we have come to two Orders that are small. The Phoenicopteriformes Order is made up of one family, the Flamingos. Our other Order is the Phaethontiformes, which has the Tropicbird family. There are only six birds in the first family and three in the other.

White-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon lepturus) by Ian

White-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon lepturus) by Ian

So, let’s go find out what the Lord Created these birds to appear like, and find out a little about them.

Flamingos are a type of wading bird in the genus Phoenicopterus (from Greek φοινικόπτερος meaning “purple wing”), the only genus in the family Phoenicopteridae. There are four flamingo species in the Americas and two species in the Old World.

Chilean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis) ©Wiki

Flamingos often stand on one leg, the other tucked beneath the body. The reason for this behavior is not fully understood. Recent research indicates that standing on one leg may allow the birds to conserve more body heat, given that they spend a significant amount of time wading in cold water. However, the behaviour also takes place in warm water. As well as standing in the water, flamingos may stamp their webbed feet in the mud to stir up food from the bottom. (Wikipedia with editing)

Red-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon rubricauda) by Ian

Red-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon rubricauda) by Ian

Tropicbirds are a family, Phaethontidae, of tropical pelagic seabirds now classified in their own order Phaethontiformes. Their relationship to other living birds is unclear, and they appear to have no close relatives. There are three species in one genus, Phaethon. They have predominantly white plumage with elongated tail feathers and small feeble legs and feet.

Tropicbirds plumage is predominantly white, with elongated central tail feathers. The three species have different combinations of black markings on the face, back, and wings. Their bills are large, powerful and slightly decurved. Their heads are large and their necks are short and thick. They have totipalmate feet (that is, all four toes are connected by a web). The legs of a tropicbird are located far back on their body, making walking impossible so that they can only move on land by pushing themselves forward with their feet. (Wikipedia with editing)

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“Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.” (Isaiah 40:28 KJV)

“You Are the Everlasting God” ~ 3 Plus 1 Quartet – Faith Baptist Church

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4 Things God Wants You to Know

Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Amethyst II

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(This is a repost of Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Amethyst. The series originally appeared in 2019. With a little dusting and updating they will all be reposted in the coming days. Stay tuned.)

Amethyst cut ©WikiC

Amethyst Woodstar (Calliphlox amethystina) by Dario Sanches male

Amethyst Woodstar (Calliphlox amethystina) by Dario Sanches male

“The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, …. the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.” (Revelation 21:19a-20 NKJV)

We have finally arrived at the last of the precious stones that will makeup the twelve foundations of New Jerusalem. I trust you have enjoyed finding out about these stones and birds that are similar in color or name. There have been many close matches and some where I missed trying to figure out what to use. Yet, you still had a chance to meet some beautiful and interesting birds from our Creator.

Amethyst ©WikiC

Amethyst. A clear quartz crystal that ranges in color from a faint purple tint to an intense purple. [NKJV MacArthur Study Bible]

Amethyst ©WikiC

Amethyst It is a pale-blue crystallized quartz, varying to a dark purple blue. It is found in Persia and India, also in different parts of Europe. [Easton Bible Dictionary]

Amethyst-throated Sunangel (Heliangelus_amethysticollis) ©WikiC

Amethyst. (Hebrew, achlamah). A subspecies of quartz of a bluish-violet color. Mention is made of this precious stone, which formed the third in the third row of the high priestly breastplate, in Exo_28:19; Exo_39:12. It occurs also in Rev_21:20.

Violet-backed Starling (Cinnyricinclus leucogaster)-(Amethyst) ©©

Amethyst (Gr.: amethustos)—its color is purple. Although the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia lists it as a ruby, Robertson gives the color as purple. [J. Vernon McGee]

Hartlaub's Turaco (Tauraco hartlaubi) ©WikiC

Hartlaub’s Turaco (Tauraco hartlaubi) ©WikiC

White-crested Turaco (Tauraco leucolophus) ©WikiC

Other Articles In This Series:

Good News Tracts

Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Chrysoprase II

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(This is a repost of Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Sardius. The series originally appeared in 2019. (With a little dusting and updating they will all be reposted in the coming days. Stay tuned.)

Chrysoprase_(Australia) ©WikiC

“The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, …. the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.” (Revelation 21:19a-20 NKJV)

Green-honeycreeper by Wilds

We are now up to the tenth precious stone layer of the New Jerusalem. Wow!! So far, all the colors of the stones and birds have been beautiful. And remember, the colors we have been showing, will be so much more spectacular in heaven!

Fruit Green Apple

Green Apples

Chrysoprase (n.) An apple-green variety of chalcedony, colored by nickel. It has a dull flinty luster, and is sometimes used in jewelry.

Golden-fronted Leafbird (Chloropsis aurifrons) by Nikhil Devasar

Golden-fronted Leafbird (Chloropsis aurifrons) by Nikhil Devasar

Chrysoprasus Golden leek, a precious stone of the colour of leek’s juice, a greenish-golden colour (Rev_21:20). [Easton’s Bible Dict.]

Purple Honeycreeper (Cyanerpes caeruleus) Female ©WikiC

CHRYSOPRASE, CHRYSOPRASUS Light-green variety of chalcedony mentioned as one the gems in foundation wall new Jerusalem… [ILumina]

Chryzopraz – Szklary, (Poland) ©WikiC

Revelation 21:20 “a chrysoprase is greenish and transparent, with gold specks;” [John Wesley notes]

Golden-eared Tanager (Tangara chrysotis) ©WikiC

While searching the Birds of the World database, the first part of this stone’s name, “chrysop” listed many birds with a yellow color, but none with Chrysoprase. So, enjoy the birds, whether are a perfect match or not. All 10,700 plus of the birds are a fantastic gift for us from their Creator.

Chrysoprase_(Australia) ©WikiC
Green-honeycreeper by Wilds
Green-headed Tanager (Tangara seledon) by Dario Sanches
Fruit Green Apple
Green Honeycreeper (Chlorophanes spiza) female by Ian
Green Honeycreeper (Chlorophanes spiza) Female ©BirdPhotos.com
Grey-capped Greenfinch (Chloris sinica) ©WikiC
Green Jay (Cyanocorax luxuosus) by S Slayton
Green Bee-eater (Merops orientalis) ©none
Chryzopraz – Szklary, (Poland) ©WikiC
Yellow-green Grosbeak (Caryothraustes canadensis) ©WikiC
Golden-eared Tanager (Tangara chrysotis) ©WikiC
Asian Emerald Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx maculatus) by Nikhil Devasar
Golden-fronted Leafbird (Chloropsis aurifrons) by Nikhil
Green Apples
Greater Yellownape (Chrysophlegma flavinucha) female Zoo Miami by Lee
Yellow Honeyeater (Lichenostomus flavus) by Ian
Southern Yellowthroat (Geothlypis velata) ©WikiC
Greenish Schiffornis (Schiffornis virescens) ©WikiC

Other Articles In This Series so far:

Wages or a Gift?

Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Chrysolite II

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(This is a repost of Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Chrysolite. The series originally appeared in 2019. (With a little dusting and updating they will all be reposted in the coming days. Stay tuned.)

Golden-fronted Leafbird (Chloropsis aurifrons) by Nikhil Devasar

Golden-fronted Leafbird (Chloropsis aurifrons) by Nikhil Devasar

“The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, …. the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.” (Revelation 21:19a-20 NKJV)

Olive Green Chrysolite ©WikiC

Chrysolite Forsterite-Olivine ©WikiC

Chrysolite is only mentioned one time in Scripture, here in Revelation 21:20.

Golden Tanager (Tangara arthus) ©WikiC

Chrysolite – (“gold stone“.) The garniture of the seventh foundation of New Jerusalem. The modern topaz. [Fausset Bible Dictionary]

Chrysolite – Chrysolite. One of the precious stones in the foundation of the heavenly Jerusalem. Rev_21:20. It has been already stated, (see Beryl.), that the chrysolite of the ancients is identical with the modern oriental topaz, or the tarhish of the Hebrew Bible. [Smith Bible Dictionary]

Glistening-green Tanager (Chlorochrysa phoenicotis) ©WikiC

Chrysolite – CHRYSOLITE, n. A mineral, called by Hauy and Brongniart, peridote and by Jameson, prismatic chrysolite. Its prevailing color is some shade of green. It is harder than glass, but less hard than quartz; often transparent, sometimes only translucent. It occurs sometimes in crystals, sometimes in small amorphous masses or grains, and sometimes in rolled pieces. [Webster Dict 1828]

Green Honeycreeper (Chlorophanes spiza) Male Immature ©BirdPhotos.com

CHRYSOLITE, n. A mineral, called by Hauy and Brongniart, peridote and by Jameson, prismatic chrysolite. Its prevailing color is some shade of green. It is harder than glass, but less hard than quartz; often transparent, sometimes only translucent. It occurs sometimes in crystals, sometimes in small amorphous masses or grains, and sometimes in rolled pieces. [J. Vernon McGee]

Golden Pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus) Male ©© NotMicroButSoft

Golden Pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus) Male ©© NotMicroButSoft

The seventh was chrysolite, a stone highly esteemed among the ancients, of a colour that was golden yellow. [Popular New Testament]

Looks like this time, the golden yellow, or Green birds, or a blend of the two colors will provides us with some of the beauty that will shine from the seventh foundational stone.

Articles in this Series so far:

What will you do with Jesus?

Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Emerald II

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(This is a repost of Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Emerald. The series originally appeared in 2019. (With a little dusting and updating they will all be reposted in the coming days. Stay tuned.)

Garden Emerald (Chlorostilbon assimilis) ©WikiC

“And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;” (Revelation 21:19 KJV)

Emerald from (Muzo Mine Boyaca Colombie) ©WikiC

You know what? Checking through previous post about the Emerald stone, the article Avian and Attributes – Emerald explains this verse very well. It is being copied here again.

Coppery-headed Emerald by Ray

Coppery-headed Emerald by Ray

“And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;” (Revelation 21:19 KJV)

“And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.” (Revelation 4:3 KJV)

Avian and Attributes – Definition Name

EM’ERALD, n. [L. smaragdus.] A mineral and a precious stone, whose colors are a pure, lively green, varying to a pale, yellowish, bluish, or grass green. It is always crystallized, and almost always appears in regular, hexahedral prisms, more or less perfect, and sometimes slightly modified by truncations on the edges, or on the solid angles. It is a little harder than quartz, becomes electric by friction, is often transparent, sometimes only translucent, and before the blowpipe is fusible into a whitish enamel or glass. The finest emeralds have been found in Peru.
The subspecies of emerald are the precious emerald and the beryl. [Webster]

Emerald
Exodus 39:11 (c) This green stone represents praise, worship and adoration which begins now and lasts throughout eternity. Judah which means “praise” had his name graven on the emerald stone on the breastplate of the high priest.

Rev. 4:3 (c) This complete rainbow was given this color to typify the eternal character of GOD’s grace and the everlasting nature of GOD’s covenant of mercy. It was “green” to signify eternal praise. [Wilson’s Dictionary of Bible Types]

Emerald Tanager (Tangara florida) ©WikiC

Emerald Birds

There are six birds that have a first name of Emerald: Emerald Starling, Emerald Tanager, Emerald Toucanet, Emerald-bellied Puffleg, Emerald-chinned Hummingbird, Emerald-spotted Wood Dove. There are also Hummingbird family members that are Emeralds.

“Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God: Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever:” (Psalms 146:5-6 KJV)

*** Articles in this Series so far:

What will you do with Jesus?

Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Jacinth II

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(This is a repost of Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Topaz. The series originally appeared in 2019. (With a little dusting and updating they will all be reposted in the coming days. Stay tuned.)

Jacinth ©WikiC

Purple Finch-male.photo-MoDept Conservation

“The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, …. the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.” (Revelation 21:19a-20 NKJV)

 

Jacinth from Pakistan ©WikiC

Blood Pheasant (Ithaginis cruentus) ©Arthur Grosset

Blood Pheasant (Ithaginis cruentus) ©Arthur Grosset

Jacinth. Today this stone is a transparent zircon, usually red or reddish-brown. The one John saw was blue or shining violet in color. [NKJV MacArthur Study Bible]

Jacinth from Pakistan ©WikiC

Red Pileated Finch (Coryphospingus cucullatus) ©WikiC

Jacinth – The word υακινθος, signifies hyacinth, and this, as a colour, is a deep purple. In Rev_9:17the horsemen had breastplates of fire, jacinth, and brimstone, which seem to imply flashes of coloured light. In Rev_21:20 the jacinth garnishes the eleventh foundation of the heavenly Jerusalem. It is supposed by some to be the same as the ligure. The Greek word occurs in the LXX in Ex 25:4 26:1 , &c., but is translated ‘blue.’ [Concise Bible Dictionary]

Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) Cincinnati Zoo 9-5-13 by Lee

Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) by Lee

Jacinth. A precious stone, forming one of the foundations of the walls of the new Jerusalem. Rev_21:20. Called hyacinth, in the Revised Version. This is simply a different English rendering of the same Greek original. It is probably identical with the lighure of Exo_28:19.
The jacinth or hyacinth is a red variety of zircon, which is found in square prisms of a white, gray, red, reddish-brown, yellow or pale-green color. The expression in Rev_9:17, “of jacinth,” is descriptive simply of a dark-purple color. [Smith Bible Dictionary]

Purple Glossy Starling of Tanzania aka Purple Starling

Jacinth Properly a flower of a reddish blue or deep purple (hyacinth), and hence a precious stone of that colour… (Rev_21:20). [Easton Bible Dictionary]

Reddish Egret in a rural Pondshore at Summer Rekefest

Jacinth (Gr.: huakinthi)—its color is violet. It is the color of the hyacinth. Pliny gives the color as violet. [J. Vernon McGee]

Other Articles In This Series:

Wages or a Gift?

 

Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Topaz II

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(This is a repost of Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Topaz. The series originally appeared in 2019. (With a little dusting and updating they will all be reposted in the coming days. Stay tuned.)

Topaz ©Flickr James St John

Ruby-topaz Hummingbird (Chrysolampis mosquitus) ©WikiC

“The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, …. the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.” (Revelation 21:19a-20 NKJV)

Topaz is a bit more common than Sardonyx, Sardius, and Chrysolite. Plus, there are birds with Topaz in their names. So this ninth stone of the foundation of the New Jerusalem should be easier to discover. Topaz is mentioned in five verse in the Bible: Exodus 28,17, 39:10; Job 28:19 [topaz of Ethiopia], Ezekiel 28:13, and our verse above – Revelation 21:20.

Quartz-Topaz-gem ©WikiC

Topaz – TO’PAZ, n. [Gr.] A mineral, said to be so called from Topazos, a small isle in the Arabic gulf, where the Romans obtained a stone which they called by this name, but which is the chrysolite of the moderns. The topaz is of a yellowish color. It sometimes occurs in masses, but more generally crystallized in rectangular octahedrons. Topaz is valued as a gem or precious stone, and is used in jewelry. It consists of silex, fluoric acid and alumin, in the following proportions; alumin 57 parts, silex 34, and fluoric acid 7 or 8.
Of topaz there are three subspecies, common topaz, shorlite and physalite. [Webster Dictionary 1828]

Ruby-topaz Hummingbird (Chrysolampis mosquitus) Reflection ©Flickr Budgora

Topaz – topazion (G5116) is mentioned in Rev_21:20, as the ninth of the foundation stones of the wall of the heavenly Jerusalem; the stone is of a yellow color (though there are topazes of other colors) and is almost as hard as the diamond. It has the power of double refraction, and when heated or rubbed becomes electric. [Vines New Testament]

Fiery Topaz (Topaza pyra) ©WikiC

Saffron Finch Zoo Miami by Dan (Cropped by Lee)

Topaz From Brazil-©NaturhistorischesMuseum-WikiC

Saffron Finch Zoo Miami by Dan

Ruby-Topaz Hummingbird (Chrysolampis mosquitus) male ©WikiC

Crimson Topaz (Topaza pella) ©WikiC

Bird-Wings-Wing-Colored-Ara-Parrot-©Maxpixel

Other Articles In This Series:

What will you do with Jesus?

Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Beryl II

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(This is a repost of Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Beryl. The series originally appeared in 2019. (With a little dusting and updating they will all be reposted in the coming days. Stay tuned.)

Rough Cut Beryl ©Flickr Amanda

“The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, …. the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.” (Revelation 21:19a-20 NKJV)

Three Colors of Beryl ©WikiC

BER’YL,n. [L.beryllus; Eng.brilliant.]
A mineral, considered by Cleaveland as a subspecies of Emerald. Its prevailing color is green of various shades,but always pale. Its crystals are usually longer and larger than those of the precious emerald, and its structure more distinctly foliated. It is harder than the apatite,with which it has been confounded; harder and less heavy than the pycnite. The best beryls are found in Brazil, in Siberia and Ceylon, and in Dauria, on the frontiers of China. They are found in many parts of the United States. [Webster Dictionary 1828]

Water Summer Beach Sea Blue/green Ocean Nature ©Max Pixel

Beryl – berullos (G969), “beryl,” is a precious stone of a sea-green color, Rev_21:20 (cf. Exo_28:20). [Vine’s]

Faceted aquamarine ©WikiC

Beryl is a mineral of great hardness, and, when transparent, of much beauty. …probably the mineral now called beryl, which is identical with the emerald except in color, being a light green or bluish-green. [Smith’s Bible Dictionary]

Beryl ©WikiC

beryl — of a sea-green color. [Jamieson-Fausset-Brown]

I believe that most of these references are in agreement that the color is a light green, leaning toward “sea-green.” So, let’s see what birds we can find of that sort of color.

There are actually two birds with Beryl in their first names:

The Berylline Hummingbird (Amazilia beryllina),

Berylline Hummingbird (Amazilia beryllina) ©WikiC

Berylline Hummingbird (Amazilia beryllina) ©WikiC

And the Beryl-spangled Tanager.

Beryl-spangled Tanager (Tangara nigroviridis cyanescens) ©BirdPhotos.com

Beryl-spangled Tanager (Tangara nigroviridis cyanescens) ©BirdPhotos.com

Or another shot from below the bird:

Beryl-spangled Tanager (Tangara nigroviridis) ©Flickr Oldenettel

Also, there is one bird that has beryl… in its scientific name. Now this one matches what I take a sea-green. Do you agree?

Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot (Loriculus beryllinus) ©WikiC

Articles in this Series so far:

Wordless Birds – With Hummingbirds

 

 

Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Sardius II

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(This is a repost of Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Sardius. The series originally appeared in 2019. (With a little dusting and updating they will all be reposted in the coming days. Stay tuned.)

Sardius Stone ©Pinterest

“The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, …. the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.” (Revelation 21:19a-20 NKJV)

Cornelian Stones ©Etsy

What color is this Sardius stone, the sixth foundation layer for the New Jerusalem?

Sardius (n.) A precious stone, probably a carnelian, one of which was set in Aaron’s breastplate. [Webster Dict. 113

“The sixth, sardius; the same with the sardine stone, Rev_4:3 of a blood colour, and what is commonly called a cornelian: it is found in Sardinia, from whence it has its name, and in Bohemia and Silesia, though those of Babylon are the best. This was Reuben’s stone.” [John Gill’s Exposition]

Two polished pebbles of carnelian_sard ©WikiC

“Sardius – Sardius. (red). (Hebrew, odem). The stone which occupied the first place in the first row of the high priest’s breastplate. Exo_28:27. The sard, which is probably the stone denoted by odem, is a superior variety of agate, sometimes called camelian, and has long been a favorite stone for the engraver’s art. Sardis differ in color: there is a bright-red variety, and, perhaps, the Hebrew, odem, from a root means “to be red,” points to this kind.” [Smith’s Bible Dictionary]

“6. Sardius (Gr.: sardios)—its color is fiery red. Pliny says that it is the red stone from Sardis. Swete says that it is fiery red.” [J. Vernon McGee]

Those four Commentary and Dictionary definitions are all much saying the same; Red, Blood Red, or Fiery Red.  Before I start finding photos of birds, many are already on my mind. Especially the Northern Cardinal:

Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) - WikiC

Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) ©WikiC

This should be easy finding photos to match the color of this sixth foundation. Of course, what we’ll see in heaven, will exceed these beyond anything we can imagine!!!

10 Stunning Red Colored Birds

Articles in this Series so far:

What will you do with Jesus?