Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, pillars of memorial serve as significant markers of divine encounters, covenants, and important events. These pillars, often anointed with oil, symbolize consecration and remembrance, serving as tangible reminders of God's presence and promises.Jacob's Pillars One of the earliest and most notable 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. Genesis 28:18-19 records, "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, and he called that place Bethel, though previously the city had been named Luz." This act of anointing the pillar with oil signifies Jacob's recognition of the sacredness of the place where God revealed Himself to him. Later, Jacob returns to Bethel, where God reaffirms His covenant with him. In Genesis 35:14 , it is written, "So Jacob set up a pillar in the place where God had spoken with him—a stone marker—and he poured out a drink offering on it and anointed it with oil." This repeated act of anointing underscores the importance of the site and the divine encounter associated with it. Covenantal Pillars Pillars also serve as witnesses to covenants between individuals. In Genesis 31, Jacob and Laban set up a pillar as a witness to their covenant. Genesis 31:45-49 states, "So Jacob took a stone and set it up as a pillar, and he said to his relatives, 'Gather some stones.' So they took stones and piled them in a heap, and there they ate by the heap. Laban called it Jegar-sahadutha, and Jacob called it Galeed. Laban said, 'This heap is a witness between you and me today.' Therefore it was called Galeed, and also Mizpah, because he said, 'May the LORD keep watch between you and me when we are absent from each other.'" The pillar, in this context, serves as a physical testament to the agreement and mutual understanding between Jacob and Laban. Joshua's Memorial Stones In the book of Joshua, memorial stones are set up to commemorate the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River. Joshua 4:8-9 recounts, "Thus the Israelites did as Joshua had commanded them. They took twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, according to the number of the tribes of Israel, just as the LORD had told Joshua. They carried them to the camp where they set them down. Joshua also set up twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan, at the spot where the priests who carried the ark of the covenant had stood. And the stones are there to this day." These stones serve as a lasting memorial for future generations to remember the power and faithfulness of God in leading His people into the Promised Land. Symbolism and Significance The anointing of memorial pillars with oil is rich in symbolism. Oil, often used in the anointing of kings, priests, and sacred objects, represents the Holy Spirit, consecration, and the setting apart of something or someone for God's purposes. By anointing these pillars, the patriarchs and leaders of Israel acknowledged the divine nature of the events they commemorated and the ongoing presence of God in their lives. Throughout the biblical narrative, pillars of memorial serve as enduring symbols of God's faithfulness, the sacredness of His covenants, and the importance of remembering His mighty acts. These anointed markers invite believers to reflect on their own spiritual journeys and the ways in which God has revealed Himself in their lives. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 28:18And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil on the top of it. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 31:13 Library Chapter xxxv Princely Service. Chapter xxviii Chapter xxxiv Separating the Precious from the Vile Ancestors of the Blessed virgin Concerning Esther and Mordecai and Haman; and How in the Reign of ... The Fourth Commandment On the Death of his Father. The Immaculate Conception Resources Why don't Christians fast the same as Muslims? | GotQuestions.orgIslamic beliefs ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org What was the significance of the sprinkling of blood? | 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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