282 THE MAGIC OF JEWELS 'AND CHARMS
other and better known meanings, such as "hope," "faith," and "resurrection."
For
the tribe of Judah we have the ruby, and here the meaning of the name,
"praised," fits in well with the dignity of the rare and glowing ruby.
This noble gem has always been a favorite adornment for royal crowns
and from Judah sprang the royalty of Israel. The blessing given to this
tribe declares that "the sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a
lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come." This is often taken
to signify the consummation of the Kingdom of Israel in the Kingdom of
Heaven.
Issachar,
signifying "reward," or "the rewarded," suggests as symbolic meanings
of the tribal stone lapis lazuli, ' ' success ' ' and ' ' fruition. ' '
This stone, the sapphire of the ancients, was typical of heaven,
probably owing to the appearance of the specimens most highly valued in
olden times, those in which a number of golden spots are scattered
over the blue surface of the stone, which thus figure both the blue of
heaven and the hosts of the stars.
The
tribal name Zebulon signifies "exaltation," and to this tribe is
assigned a dwelling-place by the sea bordering on the domains of the
rich Phenician seaport, Sidon. We could thus see in the gem of Zebulon,
the onyx, a symbol of dominion and authority. This could serve to
offset some of the old superstitions regarding the onyx, which was
sometimes charged with bringing discord and dissension.
Of
the tribe Joseph, we are told that it was to be increased, and this
meaning is contained in the name itself, which is rendered : ' ' May
God add. ' ' To Joseph were promised "blessings of heaven above," and
"blessings of the deep that lieth under." The sapphire, probably the
tribal stone of Joseph, was known in ancient times by the name hyacinth
and was a stone of good omen, bringing increase
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