“Thy Foundations with Sapphires”

K. Douglas Bassett

(Isa. 54:11; Ex. 24:10; 28:18; 39:11; Job 28:6, 16; Lam. 4:7; Ezek 1:26; 10:10; 28:13; Rev. 21:19)

In the midst of a troubling world, the foundations I rely on come by my covenants with the Lord. They are indeed like sapphires and are treasures beyond price… . They are the restored principles and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ which are available to righteous women and men alike through the power of the holy priesthood of God. They include baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, the sacrament, and temple covenants.”

(Aileen H. Clyde, Ensign, May 1995, 28.)

Even in the midst and aftermath of great affliction, the Lord will shower material and spiritual blessings on Israel, including those jewels and precious metals that will be used to build the New Jerusalem.

(Jeffrey R. Holland, Christ and the New Covenant [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1997], 291.)

Sapphires, like rubies, belong to the corundum or aluminum oxide family, with a hardness next to diamond.

(The New Compact Bible Dictionary, ed. T. Alton Bryant [Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, 1967], 366.)

Commentaries on Isaiah: In the Book or Mormon

References