In biblical contexts, the term "pedestal" is not frequently mentioned, but the concept can be associated with structures or supports that elevate or uphold something of significance. In ancient times, pedestals were often used to support statues, altars, or other sacred objects, symbolizing honor, reverence, and the elevation of divine or important elements.

Biblical References and Symbolism

While the Berean Standard Bible does not explicitly mention "pedestals," the concept can be inferred from various passages that describe structures or supports for sacred objects. For example, the construction of the Temple and its furnishings often involved elements that served a similar purpose to pedestals.

1. The Temple and Its Furnishings: In the construction of Solomon's Temple, various items were crafted with bases or supports that could be likened to pedestals. The bronze sea, for instance, was set upon twelve oxen, three facing each cardinal direction (1 Kings 7:25). This arrangement elevated the sea, signifying its importance and the divine order it represented.

2. The Ark of the Covenant: Although not placed on a pedestal per se, the Ark of the Covenant was carried on poles and set in the Most Holy Place, elevated above the ground. This elevation symbolized its sacredness and the presence of God among His people (Exodus 25:10-22).

3. Altars and Sacrifices: Altars in the Bible often had bases or steps, which can be seen as a form of pedestal. These structures elevated the sacrifices offered to God, signifying their dedication and the act of worship (Exodus 20:24-26).

Theological Implications

The use of pedestals or elevated structures in biblical worship underscores the concept of holiness and separation. By elevating sacred objects, the Israelites demonstrated reverence and acknowledged the transcendence of God. This physical elevation mirrored the spiritual elevation of God above all creation.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, pedestals were commonly used in religious and royal contexts. Statues of deities or kings were often placed on pedestals to signify their authority and divine favor. This cultural practice is reflected in the biblical use of elevated structures for sacred purposes.

Application in Christian Thought

In Christian theology, the concept of elevation can be applied to the understanding of Christ's exaltation. Jesus is described as being exalted to the right hand of God, a position of honor and authority (Acts 2:33). This exaltation is the ultimate fulfillment of the symbolism of pedestals, as Christ is elevated above all earthly and heavenly powers.

In summary, while the term "pedestal" is not directly used in the Bible, the concept is present in the elevation of sacred objects and spaces, reflecting the reverence and honor due to God and His divine order.134. eden -- a base, pedestal
... Word Origin from the same as adon Definition a base, pedestal NASB Word Usage bases
(1), pedestals (1), socket (1), sockets (52). foundation, socket. ...
/hebrew/134.htm - 6k

The Schoolboy of Madaura
... Towards the south, crumbling isolated crags appear, scattered about like gigantic
pedestals uncrowned of their statues, or like the pipes of an organ raised ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/v the schoolboy of madaura.htm

The Riot
... The effigies of the two young princes being the smallest, were naturally the first
to be dashed off their pedestals, and were soon battered into shapeless ...
/.../gathering clouds a tale of the days of st chrysostom/chapter ii the riot.htm

Lessons from the Angelus
... is a perfect portraiture of the Christian life; and what is interesting about it
apart from the fact that it singles out the three great pedestals upon which a ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/drummond/a life for a life/lessons from the angelus.htm

The Three Elements of a Complete Life
... Now, that picture is a perfect picture of Christian life; and what is interesting
about it is that it picks out the three great pedestals of life. ...
/.../vii the three elements of.htm

Judas Iscariot
... and women who have stood for centuries in the pillory of history are being taken
down; their cases are retried; and they are set up on pedestals of admiration. ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter ix judas iscariot.htm

Self-Humbling and Self-Searching
... They are placed upon their pedestals; they stand there quietly; and unless some
terrible convulsion should occur, probably that will be the whole of their ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/self-humbling and self-searching.htm

Guests at an Imperial Banquet
... cloths of which the borders were stiff golden broideries, and between tall lamps
in which fragrant flames were burning, and of which the pedestals were covered ...
/.../chapter xix guests at an.htm

What Then? do the Gods Remain Always in Such Substances...
... necessity of remaining, what can be more wretched than they, what more unfortunate
than if hooks and leaden bonds hold them fast in this wise on their pedestals ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/18 what then do the.htm

How the Iberians Received the Faith of Christ.
... church. When the external walls were completed, machines were brought to
raise up the columns, and fix them upon their pedestals. ...
/.../chapter vii how the iberians received.htm

Of the Sedition of Antioch.
... attacked the pr??torium, insulted the imperial portrait, and tore down the bronze
statues of Theodosius and his deceased wife from their pedestals, and dragged ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter xix of the sedition of.htm

Pedestals (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Pedestals (1 Occurrence). Song of Songs 5:15 His
legs are as pillars of stone on a base of delicate gold ...
/p/pedestals.htm - 6k

Pedestal (4 Occurrences)

/p/pedestal.htm - 8k

Gerasa
... Two paved streets with double colonnades cut through the city at right angles,
four massive pedestals still marking the point of intersection. ...
/g/gerasa.htm - 10k

Gerasenes (3 Occurrences)
... Two paved streets with double colonnades cut through the city at right angles,
four massive pedestals still marking the point of intersection. ...
/g/gerasenes.htm - 11k

Pedias

/p/pedias.htm - 6k

Samson (37 Occurrences)
... he took hold of the wooden posts of the two middle pillars upon which the portico
of the house rested, and slipping them off their pedestals, the house fell ...
/s/samson.htm - 37k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus