Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, rocks and stones served as significant markers and memorials for important events, often engraved to commemorate divine interventions, covenants, and other pivotal moments in the history of God's people. The use of rocks as enduring symbols is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, reflecting the permanence and unchanging nature of God's promises and actions.1. The Covenant at Mount Sinai One of the most notable instances of engraving on stone is the giving of the Ten Commandments. In Exodus 31:18 , it is recorded, "When the LORD had finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, He gave him the two tablets of the Testimony, stone tablets inscribed by the finger of God." These stone tablets, engraved by God Himself, served as a perpetual reminder of the covenant between God and the Israelites, establishing the foundational laws for His chosen people. 2. The Altar of Witness In Joshua 22, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an imposing altar by the Jordan River. Although initially misunderstood, this altar was intended as a witness between them and the other tribes of Israel. Joshua 22:34 states, "And the Reubenites and Gadites named the altar Witness, 'For they said, 'It is a witness between us that the LORD is God.'" This stone structure symbolized unity and faithfulness to God, serving as a testament to future generations. 3. The Stones of Gilgal After crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land, Joshua commanded the Israelites to take twelve stones from the riverbed and set them up at Gilgal. Joshua 4:20-22 recounts, "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 were a memorial of God's miraculous provision and faithfulness in leading His people into the land He had promised. 4. The Stone of Ebenezer In 1 Samuel 7:12 , after a significant victory over the Philistines, Samuel set up a stone and named it Ebenezer, saying, "Thus far the LORD has helped us." This stone served as a tangible reminder of God's assistance and deliverance, encouraging the Israelites to trust in His continued support. 5. The Engraved Stones of the High Priest's Breastplate The high priest's breastplate, as described in Exodus 28, featured twelve stones, each engraved with the name of one of the tribes of Israel. These stones symbolized the representation of the entire nation before God, highlighting the importance of each tribe in the covenant community. Throughout the biblical narrative, rocks and stones are more than mere physical objects; they are imbued with spiritual significance, serving as lasting memorials of God's mighty acts and His enduring covenant with His people. These engraved stones remind believers of the steadfastness of God's word and His unwavering faithfulness across generations. Torrey's Topical Textbook Job 19:24That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever! Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Nations of the North-East Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC ) The Princesses of the Comneni The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt The Rise of the Assyrian Empire The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Sennacherib (705-681 BC ) The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire The Close of the Theban Empire Resources What is Absalom's Monument? | GotQuestions.orgWhat did Jesus mean when He described His followers as the salt of the earth? | GotQuestions.org Who were Hymenaeus and Alexander, and what does it mean that their faith was shipwrecked? | GotQuestions.org Rocks: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Rocks used as Places for Idolatrous Worship Rocks used as Places for Shelter by the Poor in Their Distress Rocks used as Places of Observation Rocks used as Places of Safety in Danger Rocks were a Defence to a Country Rocks: Bees often Made Their Honey Amongst Rocks: Casting Down From, a Punishment Rocks: Christ As a Stumbling Stone to the Wicked Rocks: Christ As Foundation of his Church Rocks: Christ As Refuge of his People Rocks: Christ As Source of Spiritual Gifts Rocks: God As Creator of his People Rocks: God As Defence of his People Rocks: God As Refuge of his People Rocks: God As Salvation of his People Rocks: God As the Strength of his People Rocks: God's Power Exhibited in Removing Rocks: Hammers Used for Breaking Rocks: Important Events often Engraved Upon Rocks: Inhabited by Wild Goats Rocks: Man's Industry in Cutting Through Rocks: Miracles Connected With: Broken in Pieces by the Wind Rocks: Miracles Connected With: Fire Ascended out of Rocks: Miracles Connected With: Rent at the Death of Christ Rocks: Miracles Connected With: Water Brought From Rocks: Often Composed of Flint Rocks: Often had Holes and Clefts Rocks: Often Sharp-Pointed and Craggy Rocks: Selah in the Valley of Salt Rocks: Selahammahlekoth in the Wilderness of Maon Rocks: The Ancestor of a Nation Rocks: The Olive Tree Flourished Amongst Rocks: The Shadow of, Grateful to Travellers During the Heat of The Rocks: Tombs often Hewn out of Related Terms |
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