Topical Encyclopedia
The term "standing-pillar" in the Bible often refers to a monument or a memorial structure erected to commemorate a significant event or to serve as a witness to a covenant or divine encounter. These pillars, also known as "standing stones" or "mazzeboth" in Hebrew, are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament and hold considerable theological and historical significance.
Biblical References and Significance1.
Jacob's Pillars: One of the earliest mentions of a standing-pillar is found in the account of Jacob. After his dream of the ladder reaching to heaven, Jacob set up a stone pillar at Bethel as a memorial of God's promise to him.
Genesis 28:18 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." This act symbolized Jacob's recognition of the place as sacred and his commitment to God.
2.
Covenant Witness: Standing-pillars were often used as witnesses to covenants. In
Genesis 31:45-52, Jacob and Laban set up a pillar as a witness to their covenant of peace. Verse 45 records, "So Jacob took a stone and set it up as a pillar." This pillar served as a physical reminder of their agreement and mutual boundaries.
3.
Memorials of Divine Acts: The Israelites used standing-pillars to commemorate significant divine acts. In
Joshua 4:20-24, after crossing the Jordan River, Joshua set up twelve stones as a memorial. Verse 20 states, "And there at Gilgal Joshua set up the twelve stones they had taken from the Jordan." These stones were to remind future generations of God's miraculous intervention.
4.
Prohibition of Pagan Practices: While standing-pillars were used for legitimate worship and remembrance, they were also associated with pagan practices. God explicitly commanded the Israelites to destroy pagan standing-pillars. In
Deuteronomy 12:3 , it is written, "Tear down their altars, smash their sacred stones, and burn up their Asherah poles." This command was to prevent idolatry and ensure the purity of worship directed solely to Yahweh.
5.
Symbol of God's Presence: In some instances, standing-pillars symbolized God's presence and guidance. In
Exodus 13:21-22 , the Lord led the Israelites by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. These pillars were not physical stones but served as divine manifestations guiding and protecting the Israelites during their wilderness journey.
Theological ImplicationsStanding-pillars in the Bible serve as tangible reminders of God's faithfulness, covenants, and divine interventions. They underscore the importance of remembering and commemorating God's acts in history. However, the misuse of such symbols for idolatrous practices highlights the need for discernment in worship. The biblical narrative consistently emphasizes that true worship must be directed to God alone, free from the influence of pagan customs.
In summary, standing-pillars in the biblical context are multifaceted symbols that reflect both the sacred and the potential for idolatry. They remind believers of the importance of memorializing God's work while maintaining purity in worship.
Library
Five Catechetical Lectures the Same Author,
... x. 7: "Of whose wickedness even to this day the waste land that smoketh is a
testimony,...and astanding pillar of salt is a monument of an unbelieving soul...
Thesaurus
Standing-pillar (3 Occurrences)Standing-
pillar. Standing-corn,
Standing-
pillar. Standing-pillars .
Multi-Version Concordance
Standing-
pillar (3 Occurrences).
...Poureth (28 Occurrences)
... Genesis 28:18 And Jacob riseth early in the morning, and taketh the stone which
he hath made his pillows, and maketh it astandingpillar, and poureth oil upon...
Setteth (116 Occurrences)
... Genesis 35:14 And Jacob setteth up astandingpillar in the place where He hath
spoken with him, astandingpillar of stone, and he poureth on it an oblation...
Oblation (208 Occurrences)
... Genesis 35:14 And Jacob setteth up astandingpillar in the place where He hath
spoken with him, astandingpillar of stone, and he poureth on it an oblation...
Erected (26 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 18:18 And Absalom hath taken, and setteth up for himself in his life, the
standing-pillar that 'is' in the king's valley, for he said, 'I have no son...
Standing-pillars (9 Occurrences)
Standing-pillars.Standing-pillar, Standing-pillars. Standing-place .
Multi-Version Concordance... (YLT).Standing-pillar, Standing-pillars. Standing-place...
Remembered (120 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 18:18 And Absalom hath taken, and setteth up for himself in his life, the
standing-pillar that 'is' in the king's valley, for he said, 'I have no son...
Taketh (398 Occurrences)
... Genesis 28:18 And Jacob riseth early in the morning, and taketh the stone which
he hath made his pillows, and maketh it astandingpillar, and poureth oil upon...
Lifteth (69 Occurrences)
... on the camels, (YLT). Genesis 31:45 And Jacob taketh a stone, and lifteth
it up 'for' astandingpillar; (YLT). Genesis 32:20 and...
Tithing (3 Occurrences)
... Genesis 28:22 then this stone which I have made astandingpillar is a house of
God, and all that Thou dost give to me -- tithing I tithe to Thee.' (YLT)....
Resources
Why was Lot's wife turned into a pillar of salt? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Absalom's Monument? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Lot offer up his daughters to be gang raped? Why did God allow Lot's daughters to later have sex with their father? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
