Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Significance: A "stoneheap" in biblical terms refers to a pile or heap of stones that often served as a memorial, boundary marker, or witness to a significant event. In ancient times, stoneheaps were commonly used as physical reminders of covenants, agreements, or divine interventions. They were tangible symbols that marked important locations or events in the history of the Israelites. Biblical References: One of the most notable references to a stoneheap is found in the account of Jacob and Laban in Genesis. After Jacob fled from Laban, his father-in-law, they eventually met and made a covenant of peace. To commemorate this agreement, they erected a stoneheap: · Genesis 31:45-48 : "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 heap, and there they ate beside the heap. Laban called it Jegar-sahadutha, and Jacob called it Galeed." This stoneheap, also known as Galeed, served as a witness to the covenant between Jacob and Laban, symbolizing their mutual agreement and the boundary between their territories. Cultural and Historical Context: In the ancient Near East, stoneheaps were a common method of marking significant locations or events. They were durable and visible markers that could withstand the test of time. The use of stoneheaps as memorials is consistent with the broader biblical theme of remembrance, where physical objects or locations are used to recall God's faithfulness and the history of His people. Theological Implications: Stoneheaps in the Bible often carry theological significance, serving as reminders of God's presence and the covenants made between individuals and God or between individuals themselves. They underscore the importance of memory and testimony in the life of faith. By erecting a stoneheap, the biblical characters acknowledged God's role in their lives and the importance of keeping their commitments. Symbolism: The stoneheap symbolizes stability, permanence, and testimony. It is a physical representation of an invisible reality, such as a promise or divine intervention. In a spiritual sense, stoneheaps can be seen as a call to remember and uphold the commitments made before God and others. Related Concepts: Stoneheaps are related to other biblical concepts such as altars, pillars, and memorial stones. Each of these serves a similar purpose in marking significant events or covenants. For example, Joshua set up twelve stones in the Jordan River as a memorial to the Israelites' crossing into the Promised Land (Joshua 4:1-9). Conclusion: While the Bible does not provide extensive details on every stoneheap mentioned, their presence in the narrative highlights the importance of remembrance and testimony in the biblical tradition. Stoneheaps serve as enduring symbols of faith, covenant, and divine intervention in the lives of God's people. Strong's Hebrew 7276. Regem -- a descendant of Caleb... of Caleb NASB Word Usage Regem (1). Regem. From ragam; stoneheap; Regem, an Israelite -- Regem. see HEBREW ragam. 7275, 7276. Regem. 7277 . Strong's Numbers /hebrew/7276.htm - 6k Thesaurus Stoneheap (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Stoneheap (2 Occurrences). Job 8:17 His roots are entwined about the stoneheap; he seeth the place of stones. (DBY RSV). ... /s/stoneheap.htm - 6k Stoned (38 Occurrences) Gems (5 Occurrences) Twine (1 Occurrence) Entwined (1 Occurrence) Stone-knives (2 Occurrences) Bag (52 Occurrences) Heap (66 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Stoneheap (2 Occurrences)Job 8:17 Proverbs 26:8 Subtopics Related Terms |
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