It is not certain that the Hebrew word, here translated Diamond, means that precious stone, although its derivation would seem to imply that a very hard stone is intended. Robertson, in his Clay: Pent: derives the Hebrew word from a root signifying " to break in pieces, or bruise;" implying therefore, that this stone is one which breaks or scratches all others-as is the case with the diamond.
The name of the tribe Gad was engraved on this stone. A question has been raised as to the meaning of this word, some interpreting it, according to our version, " a troop." Others think that it means " good fortune;" but from the passage, Gen. 49:19,19Gad, a troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last. (Genesis 49:19) it seems evident from the Hebrew, that the signification, troop, or multitude, is the correct one. There seems also to be a very appropriate connection between the three names on the stones of the second row of the breast-plate; " see a son: hearing: a troop." God manifests His own blessed Son: His voice is heard: and a multitude is gathered to Him. The Lord's own words, in John 10 are in accordance with these truths: " My sheep hear my voice: other sheep I have, which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one flock, and one shepherd."
There may in this type be an allusion to the vast company of the redeemed, both Jews and Gentiles, all borne, as one united body, on the heart of the great High Priest. A countless multitude, that no man can number, and yet presented in perfect unity glory and perfection to God; and preserved so, notwithstanding all disunity and separation here below. In Rev. 19, we behold the great Captain of salvation placing Himself at the head of the armies in heaven-the mighty hosts of the redeemed, and coming forth with them, conquering and to conquer; all having been alike washed in His precious blood, and having been alike sustained by His ceaseless intercession. There may be also some connection between the hard and indestructible character of the stone, here translated " diamond," and the name engraved on it: the invincible power, and eternal security of the troop whose names are deeply engraven on the heart of the Lord Jesus. God has engraven the graving thereof: and they will be more, than conquerors, through Him who bath loved them.
Jacob's prophetic blessing, respecting this tribe is, " Gad-a troop shall attack him: but he shall drive them back at the last." (Gen. 49:1919Gad, a troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last. (Genesis 49:19).) And Moses speaks as follows: "Blessed be he who enlargeth Gad: He dwelleth as a lion, And teareth the arm, and the crown of the head. And he saw that the first-fruits were his; For there, in the portion assigned by the law-giver, he was securely located: And he went forth, as leading the people, To execute the justice of Jehovah, And His judgments with Israel."
Although in both these passages, we have special prophetic declarations concerning Israel in the latter days, yet we cannot but be struck with the analogy which they present, respecting the present and future history of the people of God. Attacked by hosts of enemies, and yet overcoming at last. Daily enlarged and increased in numbers by Him who shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied. To enjoy in a little while, the portion assigned them by their great Law-giver, in the heavenly inheritance, incorruptible and undefiled, and which fadeth not away. Thus entering upon the first fruits of resurrection-glory, in union with Him who is the first-fruits of them that sleep, and executing hereafter the judgments of Jehovah: for, " do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world?" " Know ye not that we shall judge angels?" 1 Cor. 6. 2. 3.