In the biblical narrative, pillars of memorial serve as significant markers to commemorate divine encounters, covenantal promises, and remarkable events in the history of God's people. These physical structures, often made of stone, are erected as tangible reminders of God's faithfulness, intervention, and the sacred moments that define the relationship between God and His people.

Jacob's Pillar at Bethel

One of the earliest instances of a memorial pillar is found in the account of Jacob. After his dream of a ladder reaching to heaven, Jacob sets up a stone pillar at Bethel to mark the place where God spoke to him. In Genesis 28:18-19 , it is recorded: "Early in the 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 pillar not only commemorates Jacob's vision but also signifies the establishment of Bethel as a sacred site.

The Twelve Stones at the Jordan River

Another significant memorial is the twelve stones set up by the Israelites after crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land. In Joshua 4:20-22 , it is written: "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 children ask their fathers, "What is the meaning of these stones?" you are to tell them, "Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground."'" These stones serve as a perpetual reminder of God's miraculous provision and the fulfillment of His promise to bring the Israelites into the land He had sworn to their ancestors.

Samuel's Ebenezer

The prophet Samuel also erected a stone of remembrance after a significant victory over the Philistines. In 1 Samuel 7:12 , it is stated: "Afterward, Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, 'Thus far the LORD has helped us.'" The Ebenezer stone stands as a testament to God's deliverance and continued assistance to His people.

Pillars in the New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not emphasize physical memorials in the same way as the Old Testament, the concept of remembering God's acts remains central. The Lord's Supper, instituted by Jesus, serves as a spiritual memorial of His sacrifice. In 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 , Paul recounts Jesus' words: "This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me... This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." Here, the act of communion becomes a living memorial, continually reminding believers of Christ's atoning work.

Symbolism and Significance

Pillars of memorial in the Bible symbolize more than historical markers; they represent the enduring faithfulness of God and the importance of remembering His works. These memorials serve to instruct future generations, ensuring that the accounts of God's mighty acts are not forgotten. They also provide a means for the community of faith to collectively acknowledge and celebrate God's presence and intervention in their lives.

In the biblical tradition, the act of setting up a memorial pillar is both a response to divine revelation and a proactive measure to preserve the memory of God's deeds. These pillars, whether physical or spiritual, underscore the importance of remembrance in the life of faith, encouraging believers to continually reflect on and give thanks for God's unchanging faithfulness throughout history.Exodus 24:4
And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose up early in the morning, and built an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua 4:20,24
And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Appendix.
... of the act which we commemorate, he says ... May that memorial be graciously received
whensoever, by ... tower has Gothic tracery, with pinnacles, pillars, and canopies ...
/.../various/the sermons and addresses at the seabury centenary/appendix.htm

The First Theban Empire
... and here, on prescribed days, the memorial ceremonies took ... The monuments commemorate
his victories over the Uauaiu ... by a portico supported on pillars with Hathor ...
/.../chapter iiithe first theban empire.htm

part i
My Life in Christ. <. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

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