In biblical literature, the concept of "large heaps" often appears in contexts of judgment, destruction, and memorialization. These heaps can be physical piles of stones, ruins, or other materials that serve as a testament to significant events, particularly those involving divine intervention or human actions that led to notable outcomes.

1. Heaps as Memorials:

One of the earliest mentions of a heap as a memorial is found in the account of Jacob and Laban. In Genesis 31:46-48, Jacob and Laban set up a heap of stones as a witness to their covenant: "Then Jacob said to his relatives, 'Gather some stones.' So they took stones and made a mound, and there by the mound they ate. Laban called it Jegar-sahadutha, but Jacob called it Galeed. Laban said, 'This mound is a witness between you and me this day.' Therefore it was named Galeed."

2. Heaps as Symbols of Judgment:

Large heaps are frequently associated with divine judgment and the consequences of sin. In the conquest narratives of the Old Testament, heaps often signify the total destruction of cities or peoples who opposed God's will. For instance, in Joshua 7:26, after the sin of Achan is dealt with, a large heap of stones is raised over him: "And they raised over him a large pile of rocks that remains to this day. So the LORD turned from His fierce anger. Therefore that place has been called the Valley of Achor to this day."

Similarly, in Joshua 8:29, after the defeat of Ai, the king is hanged and a heap of stones is raised over his body: "He hung the king of Ai on a tree until evening, and at sunset Joshua commanded that they take his body down from the tree. They threw it down at the entrance of the city gate and piled over it a large heap of stones, which remains to this day."

3. Heaps in Prophetic Literature:

The prophetic books often use the imagery of heaps to describe the desolation that will come upon nations as a result of their wickedness. In Jeremiah 9:11, the prophet declares, "I will make Jerusalem a heap of ruins, a haunt for jackals; and I will make the cities of Judah a desolation, without inhabitant." This imagery serves to communicate the totality of destruction that will befall those who turn away from God.

4. Heaps in Wisdom Literature:

In the wisdom literature, heaps can also symbolize the futility of human efforts apart from God. Ecclesiastes 2:26 speaks to the gathering and heaping up of wealth by the sinner, only for it to be given to the one who pleases God: "To the man who pleases Him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy, but to the sinner, He gives the task of gathering and accumulating, only to give it to one who pleases God. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind."

5. Heaps in the New Testament:

While the New Testament does not frequently use the imagery of large heaps, the concept can be seen in the metaphorical language of judgment and the consequences of sin. For example, in Romans 2:5, Paul speaks of storing up wrath: "But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed."

In summary, the imagery of large heaps in the Bible serves as a powerful symbol of memorial, judgment, and the consequences of human actions. Whether as physical monuments or metaphorical expressions, these heaps remind readers of the enduring impact of divine justice and human decisions throughout biblical history.