Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Etymology: The term "Mazzebah" (plural: "Mazzeboth") is derived from the Hebrew word מַצֵּבָה (matstsebah), which means "pillar" or "standing stone." In the biblical context, it refers to a stone monument or pillar erected for religious or commemorative purposes. These structures were often set up as memorials or as part of worship practices. Biblical References and Usage: Mazzeboth are mentioned throughout the Old Testament, serving various functions, from memorials to objects of worship. They are often associated with significant events or divine encounters. 1. Memorials and Covenants: · In Genesis 28:18, Jacob sets up a stone pillar at Bethel after his dream of the ladder reaching to heaven: "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 was both a memorial of the vision and a consecration of the place where God had spoken to him. · Similarly, in Genesis 31:45-48, Jacob and Laban set up a pillar as a witness to their covenant: "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 made a mound, and there by the mound they ate. Laban called it Jegar-sahadutha, and Jacob called it Galeed." 2. Worship and Idolatry: · Mazzeboth were sometimes used in the worship of Yahweh, as seen in the early patriarchal narratives. However, they later became associated with idolatrous practices, which were condemned by the prophets and reforming kings. In Leviticus 26:1, the Israelites are commanded: "You must not make idols for yourselves or set up a carved image or a sacred pillar, or place a sculpted stone in your land to bow down to it. For I am the LORD your God." · The prophet Hosea speaks against the use of such pillars in idolatrous worship: "Their heart is deceitful, and now they must bear their guilt. The LORD will demolish their altars and destroy their sacred stones" (Hosea 10:2). 3. Reform and Destruction: · During periods of religious reform, faithful leaders in Israel sought to remove these pillars to purify worship practices. King Hezekiah, for example, "removed the high places, shattered the sacred stones, and cut down the Asherah poles" (2 Kings 18:4). · Josiah's reforms also included the destruction of Mazzeboth: "Josiah smashed the sacred pillars to pieces, cut down the Asherah poles, and covered the sites with human bones" (2 Kings 23:14). Theological Significance: Mazzeboth serve as a reminder of the tension between true worship and idolatry in Israel's history. Initially used as legitimate memorials to divine encounters, they became symbols of syncretism and apostasy when associated with Canaanite religious practices. The biblical narrative underscores the importance of worshiping God in spirit and truth, free from the influence of pagan customs. Cultural and Archaeological Context: Archaeological findings have uncovered numerous standing stones throughout the ancient Near East, indicating their widespread use in various cultures for religious and commemorative purposes. These findings provide insight into the cultural context of the biblical Mazzeboth and their role in ancient worship practices. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MAZZEBAHmaz-e'-ba, mats-e'-ba. Thesaurus Mazzebah... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia MAZZEBAH. maz-e'-ba, mats-e'-ba. See PILLAR. ... /m/mazzebah.htm - 6k Me (44537 Occurrences) Maz'zaroth (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |