Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, pillars serve as significant symbols and memorials, often marking divine encounters, covenants, or significant events. These structures, typically made of stone, are raised to commemorate God's intervention, promises, or the faithfulness of His people. The use of pillars as memorials is deeply rooted in the ancient Near Eastern culture and is richly represented throughout the Scriptures.Jacob's Pillars One of the earliest mentions of a pillar as a memorial is found in the account of Jacob. After his dream of a ladder reaching to heaven, Jacob sets up a stone pillar at Bethel, pouring oil on it to consecrate the place where God spoke to him. Genesis 28:18-19 records, "Early the next morning, Jacob took the stone that he had placed under his head, and he set it up as a pillar. He poured oil on top of it, and he called that place Bethel, though previously the city had been named Luz." This act signifies Jacob's recognition of God's presence and his commitment to the vow he made to the Lord. Later, Jacob sets up another pillar at Mizpah as a witness to the covenant between him and Laban. Genesis 31:45-49 states, "So Jacob took a stone and set it up as a pillar, and he said to his relatives, 'Gather some stones.' So they took stones and piled them in a heap, and there they ate beside the heap. Laban called it Jegar-sahadutha, and Jacob called it Galeed. Laban said, 'This heap is a witness between you and me today.' Therefore it was called Galeed, and also Mizpah, because he said, 'May the LORD keep watch between you and me when we are absent from each other.'" Moses and the Twelve Pillars In the wilderness, Moses erects twelve pillars at the base of Mount Sinai to represent the twelve tribes of Israel. This act is part of the covenant ceremony between God and Israel. Exodus 24:4 notes, "And Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD. He got up early the next morning and built an altar at the base of the mountain, along with twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel." These pillars serve as a tangible reminder of the covenant and the nation's identity as God's chosen people. Joshua's Memorial Stones After crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land, Joshua commands the Israelites to take twelve stones from the riverbed and set them up as a memorial at Gilgal. Joshua 4:20-24 explains, "And there at Gilgal Joshua set up the twelve stones they had taken from the Jordan. He said to the Israelites, 'In the future, when your descendants ask their fathers, "What do these stones mean?" you are to tell them, "Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground." For the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, just as the LORD your God did to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed over.'" Pillars in the Temple Pillars also play a significant role in the construction of the Temple. Solomon's Temple features two prominent bronze pillars named Jachin and Boaz, which stand at the entrance. 1 Kings 7:21 describes, "He set up the pillars at the portico of the temple. The pillar to the south he named Jachin, and the pillar to the north he named Boaz." These pillars symbolize stability and strength, reflecting God's enduring presence and support for His people. Cultural and Theological Significance Throughout the Bible, pillars serve as physical reminders of spiritual truths. They mark places of divine revelation, covenantal promises, and significant historical events. As memorials, they invite reflection on God's faithfulness and the responsibilities of His people. The use of pillars underscores the importance of remembering and passing down the accounts of God's mighty acts to future generations, ensuring that His deeds are not forgotten. In summary, pillars in the biblical context are more than mere architectural features; they are profound symbols of God's interaction with humanity, serving as enduring witnesses to His covenantal relationship with His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 31:51And Laban said to Jacob, Behold this heap, and behold this pillar, which I have cast between me and you: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Decree against us which was Engraved on Pillars. Chapter vii. James the Brother of the Lord. Of the Sacraments. The Era of Persecution The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire The Puritan Conflict. The Life of Sir Thomas Browne. Book 1. Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon: Resources What are the seven pillars of wisdom in Proverbs 9:1? | GotQuestions.orgCan keeping the Five Pillars of Islam get me to heaven? | GotQuestions.org What are Jachin and Boaz? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Pillars of Memorial in Honor of Idols Pillars of Memorial: Often Anointed Pillars of Memorial: Often had Inscriptions Pillars of Memorial: Sometimes of a Heap of Stones Pillars of Memorial: Sometimes of a Single Stone Pillars of Memorial: To Commemorate Remarkable Events Pillars of Memorial: To Mark the Graves of the Dead Pillars of Memorial: To Perpetuate Names Pillars of Memorial: To Witness Covenants Pillars of Memorial: To Witness Vows Pillars: Lot's Wife Became a Pillar of Salt Pillars: Saints Who Overcome in Christ Pillars: Stability of the Earth Pillars: Stability of the Heavens Pillars: The Divine Glory Appeared to Israel in the Form of Pillars: The Supports of a Building Pillars: The Vail and Hangings of the Tabernacle Supported By Pillars: Things Raised up As Memorials Pillars: Two, Placed in the Temple Porch Related Terms Standing-pillars (9 Occurrences) |
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