June Birthstone Pearl or Alexandrite & The tribe of Simeon

The month of June is represented by two remarkable birthstones: the pearl and the alexandrite. These gemstones, though very different in appearance, both reflect deep biblical and spiritual themes. The pearl, with its soft luminescence, has long been associated with purity, wisdom, and hidden beauty. Alexandrite, known for its rare ability to change color in different lighting, symbolizes transformation, spiritual insight, and the mystery of God’s work in our lives. Together, these stones offer a powerful reflection of the legacy of the Tribe of Simeon, one of the twelve tribes of Israel associated with the month of June and it's birthstones. 

The Pearl: Purity and Value

In Scripture, pearls are a metaphor for something precious and sacred, something worth seeking with your whole heart. Jesus uses the image of a pearl to describe the Kingdom of Heaven in Matthew 13:45–46:

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.
When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”

This parable speaks to the incomparable value of God’s truth and the deep, often hidden wisdom found in a life of faith. Pearls are formed over time inside a shell, layer by layer, as a response to irritation, reminding us that beauty can emerge from struggle. Spiritually, the pearl represents purity through perseverance, a fitting parallel to the journey of the Tribe of Simeon.

Alexandrite: Transformation and Discernment

Alexandrite, a rare and color-shifting gem, changes from green in daylight to reddish-purple under lamplight. This stunning transformation makes it a powerful symbol of spiritual growth, discernment, and the mystery of divine revelation. In a biblical context, it reflects how God works in unseen and unexpected ways to transform hearts, often through seasons of testing or correction.

Alexandrite also reminds us of God’s ability to bring redemption, even when our past is marked by difficulty. This theme echoes strongly in the story of the Tribe of Simeon, whose history includes both challenge and redemption.

The Tribe of Simeon: A Story of Discipline and Grace

The Tribe of Simeon, descended from Jacob’s second son by Leah, is known for its complex legacy. Simeon himself was involved in the violent incident at Shechem (Genesis 34), which led to a stern prophetic word from Jacob in Genesis 49:5–7:

“Simeon and Levi are brothers—
their swords are weapons of violence.
Let me not enter their council,
let me not join their assembly,
for they have killed men in their anger
and hamstrung oxen as they pleased.
Cursed be their anger, so fierce,
and their fury, so cruel!
I will scatter them in Jacob
and disperse them in Israel.”

This prophecy came to pass: Simeon’s territory was eventually absorbed into the land of Judah (Joshua 19:1, 9), and the tribe did not grow in prominence like some of the others. Yet even in this scattering, God’s redemptive plan was at work. The tribe continued to exist and serve within the nation of Israel.

Their story serves as a reminder that while sin has consequences, God is still faithful to preserve and restore. Like alexandrite, whose beauty lies in its changing nature, the tribe of Simeon’s legacy is one of discipline turned into grace, and potential redeemed by God’s mercy.

Lessons from Simeon, Pearl, and Alexandrite

Just as the pearl forms through adversity and alexandrite reveals beauty in change, the tribe of Simeon teaches us that God can bring transformation and purpose even out of difficult histories. When we allow ourselves to be shaped by God’s truth and corrected in love, we too can reflect His glory in unexpected ways.

In Hebrews 12:10–11, the writer says:

“God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.
Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace
for those who have been trained by it.”

This passage captures the story of Simeon—a tribe that experienced both correction and continued inclusion in God’s plan.

The birthstones of June, pearl and alexandrite, invite us to reflect on themes of purity, transformation, hidden beauty, and divine wisdom. When viewed through the lens of the tribe of Simeon, these stones remind us that even those with a difficult past can be part of God’s unfolding story of grace.

Pearls are born from pressure, and alexandrites shine most brilliantly when viewed in the right light—just as our lives take on true beauty when shaped by God's presence and seen through the eyes of faith. May this month inspire you to embrace the lessons of correction, growth, and hidden treasure that come from walking with the Lord.