In biblical times, the setting up of a pillar was a significant act often associated with worship, covenant, or memorial. These pillars, typically made of stone, served as physical markers of spiritual events or divine encounters. The practice is mentioned numerous times throughout the Old Testament, reflecting its importance in the religious and cultural life of the Israelites.

Jacob's Pillars

One of the earliest and most notable instances of setting up a pillar is found in the life of Jacob. In Genesis 28:18-22, after his dream of a ladder reaching to heaven, Jacob sets up a stone pillar at Bethel, pouring oil on it to consecrate the place where God had appeared to him. This act was both a memorial and a vow, as Jacob declared, "This stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house" (Genesis 28:22).

Later, Jacob sets up another pillar in Genesis 31:45-52 as a witness to the covenant between him and Laban. This pillar served as a boundary marker and a testament to their agreement, emphasizing the role of pillars in establishing and remembering covenants.

Moses and the Twelve Pillars

In Exodus 24:4, Moses sets up twelve pillars at the base of Mount Sinai, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. This act was part of the ratification of the covenant between God and Israel, underscoring the pillars' function as symbols of divine-human agreements. The pillars were a tangible reminder of the tribes' commitment to the covenant and their identity as God's chosen people.

Joshua's Memorial Stones

Joshua also utilized stones as memorials. In Joshua 4:1-9, after the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, Joshua set up twelve stones taken from the riverbed at Gilgal. These stones served as a memorial to the miraculous crossing, intended to prompt future generations to inquire about their meaning, thus preserving the memory of God's deliverance and faithfulness.

Prohibitions and Warnings

While pillars were often used for legitimate religious purposes, the Bible also contains warnings against their misuse. In Leviticus 26:1, God commands the Israelites, "You must not set up any carved image or sacred pillar for yourselves, or place any sculpted stone in your land to bow down to it" . This prohibition highlights the potential for idolatry associated with pillars, as they were commonly used in pagan worship practices.

The prophet Hosea also speaks against the setting up of pillars in Hosea 10:1-2, where Israel's proliferation of altars and sacred stones is condemned as evidence of their unfaithfulness to God. This underscores the tension between the legitimate use of pillars as memorials and their potential to become objects of idolatry.

Cultural and Religious Significance

The setting up of pillars in the Bible reflects a broader ancient Near Eastern practice where stones and pillars were used in religious and cultural contexts. For the Israelites, these pillars were not merely physical structures but carried deep spiritual significance. They were markers of divine encounters, symbols of covenant relationships, and reminders of God's mighty acts.

In summary, the biblical practice of setting up pillars served multiple purposes, from memorializing divine encounters to establishing covenants. While they were powerful symbols of faith and remembrance, the potential for misuse as objects of idolatry was a constant concern, necessitating clear boundaries and intentions in their use.