An obelisk is a tall, four-sided, narrow tapering monument which ends in a pyramid-like shape at the top. Originating in ancient Egypt, obelisks were typically carved from a single piece of stone, often granite, and were erected in pairs at the entrances of temples. They were considered to be a symbol of the sun god Ra and were believed to possess protective and commemorative qualities.

Historical Context

In the ancient world, obelisks were primarily associated with Egyptian culture and religion. They were often inscribed with hieroglyphs that detailed the achievements and divine favor of the pharaohs. The obelisk's shape was thought to represent a ray of sunlight, thus connecting it to the sun god. The erection of obelisks was a demonstration of both religious devotion and political power.

Biblical References

While the Bible does not explicitly mention obelisks, it does refer to similar structures and the cultures that erected them. The Israelites, during their time in Egypt, would have been familiar with obelisks as part of the Egyptian religious landscape. The Bible frequently warns against the idolatry and pagan practices of surrounding nations, including the Egyptians, who used obelisks in their worship.

In the context of biblical prophecy and judgment, the destruction of pagan symbols and monuments is a recurring theme. For example, in Jeremiah 43:13 , the prophet speaks of the coming judgment on Egypt: "He will demolish the sacred pillars of the temple of the sun in the land of Egypt, and He will burn down the temples of the gods of Egypt." While not explicitly mentioning obelisks, the reference to "sacred pillars" could be interpreted to include such structures.

Symbolism and Interpretation

From a biblical perspective, obelisks can be seen as symbols of human pride and idolatry. The towering structures, often dedicated to false gods, stand in contrast to the biblical call to worship the one true God. The Bible consistently emphasizes the futility of idol worship and the ultimate sovereignty of God over all creation.

In Isaiah 19:1 , the prophet declares, "Behold, the LORD rides on a swift cloud and is coming to Egypt. The idols of Egypt will tremble before Him, and the hearts of the Egyptians will melt within them." This passage underscores the power of God to humble nations and their symbols of pride, such as obelisks.

Cultural Influence and Legacy

The fascination with obelisks continued beyond the ancient world. During the Roman Empire, many obelisks were transported to Rome and other cities, where they were re-erected as symbols of Roman conquest and power. This practice continued into the Renaissance and beyond, with obelisks being erected in various parts of Europe and the Americas.

In modern times, obelisks have been adopted as architectural and commemorative features, often stripped of their original religious connotations. They are seen in various public spaces, serving as monuments and memorials.

Conclusion

While obelisks are not directly mentioned in the Bible, their presence in the ancient world and their association with idolatrous practices provide a backdrop for understanding the biblical narrative's emphasis on the worship of the one true God. The enduring legacy of obelisks as symbols of human achievement and pride serves as a reminder of the biblical call to humility and devotion to God alone.1. (n.) An upright, four-sided pillar, gradually tapering as it rises, and terminating in a pyramid called pyramidion. It is ordinarily monolithic. Egyptian obelisks are commonly covered with hieroglyphic writing from top to bottom.

2. (n.) A mark of reference; -- called also dagger [/]. See Dagger.

3. (v. t.) To mark or designate with an obelisk.

OBELISK

ob'-e-lisk, ob'-el-isk: A sacred stone or matstsebhah. For matstsebhah the Revised Version (British and American) has used "pillar" in the text, with "obelisk" in the margin in many instances (Exodus 23:24 Leviticus 26:1 Deuteronomy 12:3 1 Kings 14:23 Hosea 3:4; Hosea 10:1, 2, etc.), but not consistently (e.g. Genesis 28:18).

See PILLAR.

List of Illustrations.
... SARCOPHAGUS OF HELENA, MOTHER OF CONSTANTINE (Heliotype) 198. ROTUNDA AND OBELISK
SOUTH OF OLD S. PETER'S (after Bonanni) 202. ... OBELISK OF RAMESES THE GREAT 95. ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/list of illustrations.htm

The Messenger
... "I have another royal obelisk to decorate," he said, fixing the young man with a
steady eye, "of a surety,"without doubt,"inevitably,"for the thing is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter iii the messenger.htm

The Christian View of the Old Testament
... Babylon, fall of, 141. Benefits of criticism, 105 ff. Bible and Reason, 33 f. Bible
lands, 111. Black Obelisk, 133 f. Canon, 86 f. Ceremonial system, 178 ff. ...
/.../eiselen/the christian view of the old testament/index 2.htm

To Follow Out My Plan in Regard to Places...
... The huge Obelisk, as Hermeteles affirms, is set up in public to the Sun; its
inscription, like its origin, belongs to Egyptian superstition. ...
/.../tertullian/the shows or de spectaculis/chapter viii to follow out.htm

Under Ban of the Ritual
... There were long stretches of sunlit sod, and walks of inlaid tile, seats of carved
stone, and a single small obelisk, set on a circular slab, marked with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter ii under ban of.htm

A Further vindication of the Scripture Narrative of the Creation ...
... say the city built a theatre and a circus, but the stage [6450] was of such and
such a kind, and the statues were on the canal, and the obelisk was reared ...
/.../tertullian/against hermogenes/chapter xxxi a further vindication of.htm

The Procession of Amen
... The air was a-flutter with party-colored streamers. Garlands rioted over colossus,
peristyle, obelisk and sphinx without conserving pattern or moderation. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter iv the procession of.htm

Athor, the Golden
... his opportunity. Mentu was at that moment in On, seeing to the decoration
of the second obelisk reared by Meneptah to the sun. The ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter vii athor the golden.htm

The Coming of the Pharaoh
... For days before, public drapers were to be seen clinging cross-legged to obelisk
and peristyle; moving in spread-eagle fashion, hung in a jacket of sail-cloth ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xiii the coming of.htm

George Buchanan, Scholar
... Born in 1506, at the Moss, in Killearn"where an obelisk to his memory, so one reads,
has been erected in this century"of a family "rather ancient than rich ...
/.../kingsley/historical lectures and essays/george buchanan scholar.htm

Obelisk
... See Dagger. 3. (vt) To mark or designate with an obelisk. Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia. OBELISK. ob'-e-lisk, ob'-el-isk: A sacred stone or matstsebhah. ...
/o/obelisk.htm - 7k

On (40792 Occurrences)
... Though the XIIth Dynasty removed the capital to Diospolis, Usertsen I (Senwesret)
of that Dynasty erected a great obelisk at On in front of the entrance to the ...
/o/on.htm - 17k

Hazael (23 Occurrences)
... From the Black Obelisk in the British Museum, on which Shalmaneser II (860-825 BC)
has inscribed the story of the campaign he carried on during his long reign ...
/h/hazael.htm - 23k

Jehu (63 Occurrences)
... and headquarters of the Baal-worship introduced by Jezebel, though it is recorded
of Jehoram that he had removed, at least temporarily, an obelisk of Baal ...
/j/jehu.htm - 47k

Needle (4 Occurrences)
... See Pinus. 5. (n.) Any slender, pointed object, like a needle, as a pointed
crystal, a sharp pinnacle of rock, an obelisk, etc. ...
/n/needle.htm - 10k

Obelisks (1 Occurrence)

/o/obelisks.htm - 6k

Jew (34 Occurrences)
... `obelisk'], and without an ephod, and without teraphim" (Hosea 3:4). Till about
the beginning of the present century [1800] they were everywhere greatly ...
/j/jew.htm - 22k

Exploration
... The black obelisk of Shalmancser II (9th century) catalogues and pictures the tribute
received from Jehu; almost every king of the 8th century tells something ...
/e/exploration.htm - 38k

Dial (2 Occurrences)
... 9, 10, 11. The ma'aloth was probably stairs on which the shadow of a column
or obelisk placed on the top fell. The shadow would ...
/d/dial.htm - 19k

What was a sacred stone in Leviticus? | GotQuestions.org

Are the pyramids mentioned in the Bible? Did the enslaved Israelites build the pyramids? | GotQuestions.org

Obelisk: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus