Beryl

The prophet Daniel beheld a number of remarkable visions which he recorded in his writings, the most tantalising of which are those describing supernatural beings. Some of them are senior angelic creatures while at other times we may identify the divine Son of God. I consider one described below in Daniel chapter 10 to be the Lord Jesus in His pre-incarnate (ie pre-human body) splendour:

I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, a certain man clothed in linen, whose waist was girded with gold of Uphaz! His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like torches of fire, his arms and feet like burnished bronze in colour, and the sound of his words like the voice of a multitude. And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision; but a great terror fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. (10:5-7, New King James Version)

Although some translations render his body 'like chrysolite’, beryl seems to be the preferred word. Beryl is a mineral which can be red, pale blue (called aquamarine), green (which is emerald) and a spectrum of other colours, including golden yellow. Although the stone is not uncommon, much of its grade is too low for gems, though its range of colours makes is remarkable. Well might this be the earthly substance to which the glorious body described in Daniel 10 is likened, as well as one of the foundations of New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:20. Although the One in Daniel is terrifying and the foundation of the heavenly city incomprehensible, of one thing we can be certain: both are staggeringly, awesomely beautiful.

One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple. Psalm 27:4

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