However specifically it was a white stone that was given to the High Priest in Israel and worn in front within the ceremonial robes. This white stone was one of two stones used when seeking the will of the Heavenly Father on the behalf of the nation of the Hebrew Israelites.
The two stones were called the Urim and Thummin.
They were used to determine the answer regarding
direction and decisions, on matters presented
on behalf of the people.
by the High Priest,
to the Lord God.
The Hebrew words “אוּרִים” (Urim)
and “תֻּמִּים” (Thummim)
are often translated as
“lights” and “perfections,” respectively.
These objects were placed within the breastpiece,
And he put the breastplate upon him: also he put in the breastplate the Urim and the Thummim.
Leviticus8:8
These two stones are not to be mistaken with the breastplate holding the 12 stones representing the 12 tribes of Israel. The gold breastplate of judgement hung from chains of pure gold twisted like cords. In a pouch behind the breastplate were the urim and thummim.
As noted the High Priest’s breastplate held
12 stones
each one engraved with the names of the
12 tribes of Israel.
One of the stones was actually white –
The Hebrew word
יַהֲלֹם Yahalom
pronounced: yah-hal-ome’.
It was stone number 6,
signifying the 6th son of Leah – Zebulun.
What’s important about Zebulun?
We read in Isaiah 9:1-7:
But there will be no more gloom for her who was in anguish [for with judgment comes the promise of salvation]. In earlier times He treated the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali with contempt, but later on He will make them honored [by the presence of the Messiah], by the way of the sea, on the other side of Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles.The people who walk in [spiritual] darkness Will see a great Light; Those who live in the dark land, The Light will shine on them….For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore.
and quoted in Matthew 4:15
Leaving Nazareth, He went and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, / to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: / “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles. “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— / the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.”
According to this interpretation, the sacred white stone is a symbol of Greco-Romans residing in Galilee who would receive light through the birth of Jesus/Yeshua.
Could the secret here be the Messiah Himself?
Could the white stone point to Jesus/Yeshua through the yahalom stone once adorning the breast of the High Priest of Israel? Perhaps?
Another intriguing possibility is with the theme of priestly attire, as written in Revelation.
We read of a white stone in Revelation 2:17.
17. Mee asher-oz•na•yim lo yak•shiv et asher ha•Roo•ach ma•gid la•k`hi•lot lam•na•tze•ach e•ten min-ha•man ha•sha•moor ve•na•ta•ti lo even le•va•na ve•al-ha•e•ven cha•kook shem cha•dash asher eesh lo yi•ko•ve•noo bil•tee ha•m`ka•bel.
18. He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches; To him that overcomes will I give some of the hidden manna to eat, and I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written, which no man knows except him who receives it.
“I will give him a white stone.”
This Scripture makes us think of another ancient custom which warned that if a man sins against a young woman of his tribe or of another tribe, he will be put to death.
However, sometimes the people accepted blood money and the culprit went free.
For the remainder of his life he lived in a white tent, or
rode a white camel,
and had a large white stone in front of his tent.
These were to show that no one had any right to harm him;
he is forgiven;
the price is paid
and it is now as though he had never
committed the sin.
Justified = Just as if I’d (never sinned)
“I will give him a white stone.”
Forgiveness,
vindication,
or
a proof of forgiveness
is shown by the white stone.
Judges 5:10 ye that sit on white asses in judgment. Palestinians aquainted with the law, religious or secular, in other words lawyers and rabbis usually select the white ass for their journeys in preference to the ordinary donkey or horse as it is much more impressive in looks and more sure footed. In Revelation we are told Messiah/Yeshua will return on a white horse.
In the first century, people understood that a white stone was a symbol of favor and overcoming against the odds.
The wording in the phrase “a white stone” is ordered differently in Greek. The Greek wording actually reads “psiephon leuken.”
The word psiephon refers to a stone or pebble, and leuken means white.
So rather than “a white stone,” it should be literally translated,
“A stone, a white one.”
This lays a particular emphasis on the color of the stone, so we must examine the primary way “white stones” were used in early New Testament times.
A white stone was commonly associated with
a vote of acquittal
or
a favorable vote.
This makes sense since Yeshua/Jesus took our guilt on the cross and paid the penalty for our sin in full.
The opposite was a black stone which indicated guilt.
When a Roman trial concluded, and it was time for a panel of judges to vote for the defendant’s innocence or guilt, the judges registered their votes by casting a black or white stone into an urn. A black stone symbolized a vote for guilt, and a white stone denoted a vote for innocence. When all the votes had been cast, the stones were emptied from the urn and counted one by one. If there were more black stones, it meant the judges had found the defendant guilty; if there were more white stones, it meant they had found the individual to be not guilty.
There was another way the ancient Greeks also used white and black stones for vote-casting when elections were held in a city.
One of the greatest privileges in Greek society was to vote about civic issues in a public election. In these elections, people used white and black stones to cast their votes, similar to the way such stones were used in legal trials. Votes were customarily registered by casting a black or white pebble into large vases that were set up throughout the city at designated locations. When the time for voting had concluded, the pebbles were separated into white and black piles and then counted. A white stone represented a person voting in favor of some issue, whereas a black stone represented a person was voting against it.
The Nelson Study Bible also says there was a
“custom in the Greek athletic games of giving a white stone to the victor in a contest, or to gladiators at the Roman games who had won the admiration of the public and had been allowed to retire from further combat.”
This could be alluding to our faithfully keeping God’s commandments while living in this corrupt world system.
In Roman and Greek Games, the winner of a contest was given a white stone of the overcomer, which then gave that individual access to places of honor at events and position in society. A white stone was sometimes used as a form of identification or proof of membership; similar to today where people are given a VIP pass to enter an exclusive gathering. Similarly, when our Heavenly Father gives us a white stone, it symbolizes His approval and acceptance of us into His family.
The white stone and a new name.
It was in the book of Revelation, Messiah addressed the Church of Pergamum, which was located in what is known today as Turkey. He promised to give hidden manna and a white stone to those who overcome.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” Revelation 2:17 (NKJV)
Someone who overcomes (some Bibles translate the word as “conquers”), is anyone who is saved from the second death. This means they’ve believed in their heart that Messiah died for their sins and rose again on the third day and they have turned from their sins and decided to follow Him for the rest of their life.
This scripture raises 2 questions:
What is the hidden manna and
what is meant by the new name?
We know from the book ofExodus that God sent food from heaven to feed the Israelites while they were in the wilderness.
Exodus 16: 4, 14, 15, and 31.
Now the house of Israel called its name manna. It was like coriander seed, white, and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey. Exodus 16:31 (ESV)
Some translations say it looked like
resin, gum resin
or bdellium.
Another says not bdellium but the Hebrew word is
bdeloah = precious stone..the pearl!
The Israelites had never seen food like it before,
so they called it manna,
which in Hebrew means “what is it?”
This hidden manna
which will nourish
over-comers
probably refers to Yeshua/Jesus,
who referred to Himself as the bread of life.
I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.” John 6:51 (NKJV)
This stone in Revelation has a new name on it one that no one knows except the person who receives it?
Our parents gave us the name we have now when we were born in the physical realm; and as we are born again from above spiritually, when we are with Him we will receive a new, unique name from Him. Recall from previous posts, that names in Hebrew/Israelite culture are very important, have great meaning and often are prophetic indications on the life that bears that name.
To receive a white stone means that you are free from condemnation. You have been tried and have been found worthy. The white stone is a symbol of whom you have become through your faithfulness and your determination to rule over sin. It is Messiah/rock-solid faith and purity.
Therefore, when Messiah offered a stone, a white one to over-comers, He was placing a definite emphasis on the word white and it meant:
“I have reviewed all the evidence, and I have judged you not guilty!”
Yeshua/Jesus’ message to that church, and to us today, was that regardless of who they had been or what they had done before they came to Him, what mattered now, was who they had become in Him. As Messiah looked at them in light of His blood, He had cast
“a stone, a white one”
in their direction, affirming their full acquittal and complete release from their past sinful lives and memories.
Therefore, when the devil, or any person for that matter, tries to throw a stone of judgment against us by mentally tormenting us about past actions; we’ve already been forgiven and we may boldly answer:
Messiah Yeshua/Jesus has already cast His vote.
He has found me NOT guilty!
Regardless of any actions we may have committed in the past, Yeshua/Jesus’ blood has purged our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.Hebrews 9:14.
At the time the book of Revelation was written, a white stone was also equated with innocence. If you were to be tried for a crime, a white stone signified acquittal, and a black stone signified guilt. To receive a white stone means that you are free from condemnation. You have been tried and have been found worthy.
“To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it” Revelation 2:17.
When Messiah promised a stone, a white one to the believers who overcame, He was not only announcing freedom, forgiveness, and acquittal from a past sinful life, but He was in effect also telling them:
My vote is for you. I am putting My full support behind you.
This is powerful when we fully realize what the white stone means in Revelation 2:17. It declares that Messiah has found us not guilty and that He is putting His full support behind us.
The white stone is a very precious thing! A new name, our new name, is something that brings great hope to every believer. It speaks of a new identity and a new nature that we acquire in Him. The Biblical use of name can denote the promise of immortality meaning it’s a name that will live on forever. It also speaks to inheritance and divine appointment for a special task in this life.
This white stone would contain a new name that no man knows, except the one who receives it. The meaning behind no one knowing your name is that no one will have power or dominion over you!
The basic Greek word translated stone is lithos.The stone is called white; but the word does not imply that it is a stone of white color, but that
it is shining, glistering white.
The word whiteis leukos and means:
brilliant from whiteness, dazzling white.
This was the white used to describe the angel’s raiment at Yeshua/Jesus’ tomb. This same white was used to describe Yeshua/Jesus’ garments when He was transfigured before Peter, James, and John on the Mount of Transfiguration.
“And His raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.” Mark 9:3.
Later the white stone took on new meanings and by the first century A.D., the white stone became an engagement stone.
However, in the first century the groom would give his bride a white stone and engraved on the stone would be a special name, the white stone became an engagement stone. It later took on the form of an engagement ring with the white stone being represented as a diamond. However, in the first century the groom would give his bride a white stone and engraved on the stone would be a special name.
It later took on the form of an engagement ring with the white stone being represented as a diamond. This is used in many cultures today.
The king’s diadem would probably have had a white stone set among many other stones.
Apparently the white stone had his name engraved on it. If the king were to remove that stone and give it to someone that would represent the ultimate authority a king could give to a person.
Another practice with the gemstones would be that the king would remove a stone from his diadem to give as a gift to a special servant.
It could be a red stone which represents a certain amount of royal power being bestowed upon this servant,
or it could be a green stone, representing his restoration,
or a blue stone representing wealth or riches.
In Hebrew the word for crown is nezer
Strongs #5145. נֵ֫זֶר (nezer) —
Crown, consecration, separation, dedication
Derived from the root נָזַר (nazar), meaning:
“to consecrate” or “to separate.” In Proverbs 27:24 ׳אַבְּנֵי נ Zechariah 9:16 stones of a crown, gemstones, diadem.
In fact, esoterically, the word nezer represents:
descending –
Nun,
from a joining together –
Zayin,
and a seeing with the naked eye –
Resh.
So, when a subject received a gemstone from the kings diadem, it would represent
the power inherent in that stone
descending from the king to the subject
to join that subject with the king in common enterprise
and the stone would a tangible object of this bond which could be seen with the naked eye.
When Solomon wrote this passage in Proverbs 27:24, it’s possible he could have had this in mind. As a king he could have given away gemstones from his diadem, but the power they granted would not last beyond his own lifetime and could not be passed unto the next generation.
The new name written on the white stone reflects our true identity and eternal purpose in Christ. It’s a name that speaks to who we are and the unique gifts and talents that God has given to you individually. This name reminds us of our worth and significance in our Father’s eyes, and it empowers us to live out our purpose with confidence.
This new name represents a close relationship with Him, where we can freely approach Him and experience His love, guidance, and presence in our lives.
His love has the power to change us from the inside out, molding us into the people He created us to be. With the white stone, we are reminded of His approval and acceptance, knowing that we are loved and cherished by Him.
Along with all the other meanings, the white stone reminds us we are children of the most High God, our new name represents the new nature and purpose our Father has given us, and it serves as a constant reminder of the unique and wonderful plans He has for each of our lives and how much we are loved.
Shalom, shalom mishpachah/family
and cheverim/friends!
It’s all about Life and Relationship,
NOT Religion.
You are greatly loved and precious in His sight.
NOT SURE?
YOU CAN BE..
SAY THE FOLLOWING FROM YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW…
Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus/Yeshua asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them all and turn away from my past.
I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus/Yeshua is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus/Yeshua rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus/Yeshua. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’/Yeshua’s name. Amen.
There are many references to 
