Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, pillars of memorial serve as significant markers to witness covenants between God and His people or among individuals. These pillars, often made of stone, are physical representations of divine encounters, agreements, and promises, serving as enduring reminders of God's faithfulness and human commitments.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 set up a stone pillar at Bethel to commemorate the place where God spoke to him. In Genesis 28:18-22 , Jacob declares, "This stone I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give You a tenth." This pillar not only marked the location of a divine encounter but also symbolized Jacob's vow to God. The Covenant Between Laban and Jacob Another significant use of a memorial pillar is seen in the covenant between Jacob and Laban. In Genesis 31:44-52 , after a tense confrontation, they agreed to a covenant of peace. Jacob set up a stone pillar, and they named the place Galeed, meaning "witness heap." Laban said, "This heap is a witness between you and me today." The pillar served as a tangible witness to their agreement, ensuring that neither party would cross it to harm the other. Moses and the Twelve Pillars at Mount Sinai In Exodus 24:4 , Moses built an altar at the foot of Mount Sinai and set up twelve pillars representing the twelve tribes of Israel. These pillars were part of the covenant ceremony where the Israelites pledged obedience to God's laws. The pillars symbolized the nation's collective commitment to the covenant with Yahweh, serving as a physical testament to their promise to follow His commandments. Joshua's Stone of Witness After leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, Joshua set up a large stone under the oak near the holy place of the LORD at Shechem. In Joshua 24:26-27 , Joshua said to all the people, "This stone will be a witness against us. It has heard all the words the LORD has spoken to us." The stone served as a memorial to the covenant renewal, reminding the Israelites of their pledge to serve the LORD faithfully. Samuel's Ebenezer In 1 Samuel 7:12 , after a victorious battle against the Philistines, Samuel set up a stone between Mizpah and Shen and named it Ebenezer, saying, "Thus far the LORD has helped us." This stone was a memorial of God's assistance and a reminder of His covenant faithfulness to Israel. Significance and Symbolism Pillars of memorial in the Bible are not merely historical artifacts; they are deeply symbolic. They represent moments of divine-human interaction, serving as physical reminders of spiritual truths. These pillars underscore the importance of remembering God's past faithfulness and the solemnity of human commitments. They act as witnesses to covenants, ensuring that future generations recall the sacred agreements made in their presence. Through these memorials, the biblical narrative emphasizes the enduring nature of God's promises and the call for His people to remain faithful to their vows. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 31:52This heap be witness, and this pillar be witness, that I will not pass over this heap to you, and that you shall not pass over this heap and this pillar to me, for harm. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Of the Sacraments. Appendix. The Absurdity and Impiety of the Heathen Mysteries and Fables ... Memoir of John Bunyan 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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