Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, stones often serve as significant memorial pillars, marking important events, covenants, and divine encounters. These stones are not merely physical markers but carry deep spiritual and historical significance, serving as tangible reminders of God's faithfulness, promises, and interventions in the lives of His people.Jacob's Pillar at Bethel One of the earliest instances of a memorial stone is found in the account of Jacob. After his dream of a ladder reaching to heaven, Jacob set up a stone pillar at Bethel to commemorate the place where God spoke to him. 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 setting up a stone and anointing it with oil was a declaration of the sacredness of the site and a vow to remember God's promise to him. The Covenant at Mizpah Another significant use of stones as memorials is seen in the covenant between Jacob and Laban. In Genesis 31:45-49 , Jacob set up a stone pillar, and he and Laban gathered stones into a heap as a witness to their agreement. The heap was called Galeed, and the pillar was named Mizpah, symbolizing a mutual watchfulness and a boundary between the two parties. The stones served as a physical testament to their covenant and a reminder of their commitment to peace. The Twelve Stones at the Jordan In the book of Joshua, stones are used to commemorate the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River. Joshua 4:20-24 describes how twelve stones were taken from the middle of the Jordan and set up at Gilgal. These stones were to serve as a memorial for the Israelites, prompting future generations to ask about their significance. Joshua explained, "He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, and so that you may always fear the LORD your God" (Joshua 4:24). The stones were a perpetual reminder of God's power and faithfulness in leading His people into the Promised Land. Samuel's Ebenezer The prophet Samuel also used a stone as a memorial after a victory over the Philistines. In 1 Samuel 7:12 , Samuel set up a stone between Mizpah and Shen and named it Ebenezer, saying, "Thus far the LORD has helped us." This stone served as a reminder of God's assistance and deliverance, encouraging the Israelites to trust in the Lord's continued support. Covenant Renewal at Shechem In Joshua 24, after renewing the covenant with the Israelites, Joshua set up a large stone under the oak near the holy place of the LORD. Joshua 24:26-27 states, "And Joshua recorded these things in the Book of the Law of God. Then he took a large stone and set it up there under the oak that was near the sanctuary of the LORD. 'See!' said Joshua. 'This stone will be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words the LORD has spoken to us, and it will be a witness against you if you deny your God.'" The stone was a witness to the covenant, symbolizing the people's commitment to serve the Lord. Throughout the Scriptures, stones as memorial pillars serve as enduring symbols of God's interaction with His people. They are physical reminders of spiritual truths, marking moments of divine revelation, covenant, and deliverance. These stones invite reflection on God's past faithfulness and encourage trust in His future promises. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 28:18-22And 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. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 31:45-52 Joshua 4:2-9,20-24 Joshua 24:25 1 Samuel 7:12 Library How Herod Rebuilt the Temple and Raised it Higher and Made it More ... Chapter xxviii 'The Love of Thine Espousals' Appendix 1 Massecheth Middoth Of the [Temple And] Cities that were Built by Herod and Erected ... Ebenezer! Symbolism of the Church Building On Public Diversions "Thy King Cometh" Panegyric on the Splendor of Affairs. Resources What does it mean that Jesus and believers are living stones in 1 Peter 2:4-5? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did David choose five smooth stones before going to fight Goliath? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that “the rocks will cry out” in Luke 19:40? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Stones of Christ, "A Tested Stone" "A Precious Stone" "A Sure Foundation, " Stones of Christ, the Water of Life Stones of Christ's Rejection, the Rejected Conerstone Stones of Temptation, "Stone of Stumbling" Stones of the Impenitent Heart Stones of the Witness of the Spirit, the White Stone Stones used for Closing Graves Stones used for Weighing (Margin) Stones used in Building Altars Stones: Commandments Engraved Upon Stones: Great, As Landmarks (Some Hebrew Mss Have "Abel") Stones: Great, in Solomon's Temple Stones: Hewers (Stone-Cutters) of Stones: Magnificent, in Herod the Great's Temple Stones: Precious in the Breastplate and Ephod Stones: Precious in the Crowns of Kings Stones: Precious: Exported from Sheba Stones: Precious: Partial Catalogue of Stones: Precious: Seen in the Foundation of the New Jerusalem in John's Apocalyptic Vision Stones: Precious: Voluntary offerings of, by the Israelites for the Breastplate and Ephod Stones: Prepared in the Quarries Stones: Symbolical of the Kingdom of Christ Stones: The Law of Moses Written Upon Stones: Thrown Upon Accursed Ground Related Terms |
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