In the biblical context, pillars of memorial serve as significant markers to commemorate events, individuals, or divine encounters. These structures, often made of stone, are erected to ensure that the memory of a person or event is preserved for future generations. The practice of setting up memorial pillars is deeply rooted in the ancient Near Eastern tradition and is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures.

Jacob's Pillars

One of the earliest examples of a memorial pillar is found in the life of Jacob. After his dream at Bethel, where he saw a ladder reaching to heaven, Jacob set up a stone pillar to mark the place where God spoke to him. Genesis 28:18-19 states, "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 was not only a personal vow but also a lasting testament to the divine encounter.

Later, Jacob erected another pillar at Bethel as a memorial to God's promise and his own commitment to God. Genesis 35:14 records, "So Jacob set up a pillar in the place where God had spoken with him—a stone marker—and he poured out a drink offering on it and anointed it with oil."

Rachel's Tomb

The death of Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife, is marked by another significant pillar. Genesis 35:19-20 notes, "So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem). Over her tomb Jacob set up a pillar, and to this day that pillar marks Rachel’s tomb." This pillar served as a lasting memorial to Rachel, ensuring that her name and account would not be forgotten.

Joshua's Stones at the Jordan

In the book of Joshua, the Israelites set up memorial stones to commemorate their crossing of the Jordan River into the Promised Land. Joshua 4:7 explains, "You are to tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters were cut off. Therefore these stones will be a memorial to the Israelites forever." These stones served as a tangible reminder of God's miraculous intervention and faithfulness to His people.

Absalom's Monument

Absalom, the son of King David, erected a pillar to perpetuate his own name. 2 Samuel 18:18 states, "During his lifetime, Absalom had taken a pillar and erected it in the King’s Valley, for he said, 'I have no son to preserve the memory of my name.' So he named the pillar after himself, and to this day it is called Absalom’s Monument." This act reflects the human desire for legacy and remembrance, even when it is self-motivated.

Cultural and Theological Significance

The use of memorial pillars in the Bible underscores the importance of remembrance in the spiritual and communal life of God's people. These pillars serve as physical reminders of God's promises, human experiences, and significant events in the history of Israel. They are intended to provoke reflection, teaching, and worship, ensuring that the accounts and lessons of the past are not lost to future generations.

In a broader theological sense, memorial pillars point to the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people. They remind believers of the faithfulness of God throughout history and encourage them to trust in His promises. As tangible symbols, these pillars invite the faithful to remember and recount the mighty acts of God, fostering a sense of continuity and identity within the community of faith.2 Samuel 18:18
Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself a pillar, which is in the king's dale: for he said, I have no son to keep my name in remembrance: and he called the pillar after his own name: and it is called to this day, Absalom's place.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Appendix.
... May that memorial be graciously received whensoever, by ... upon the old foundations
and perpetuate the love ... Gothic tracery, with pinnacles, pillars, and canopies ...
/.../various/the sermons and addresses at the seabury centenary/appendix.htm

The First Theban Empire
... here, on prescribed days, the memorial ceremonies took ... proclaimed their supremacy,
and their names were inscribed ... by a portico supported on pillars with Hathor ...
/.../chapter iiithe first theban empire.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

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