Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, rocks and stones were frequently used as altars for worship, sacrifice, and memorials. These altars served as tangible expressions of faith and obedience to God, often marking significant encounters with the Divine or commemorating pivotal events in the lives of the patriarchs and the nation of Israel.Patriarchal Altars The practice of using rocks as altars is evident from the earliest narratives in Genesis. Abraham, the patriarch of Israel, built several altars to the LORD, often using natural stones. In Genesis 12:7, after God appeared to him and promised the land to his descendants, Abraham "built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him" . These altars were not only places of sacrifice but also served as markers of God's promises and Abraham's faith. Jacob, Abraham's grandson, also used stones as altars. In Genesis 28:18, after his dream of the ladder reaching to heaven, Jacob set up the stone he had used as a pillow and poured oil on it, calling the place Bethel, meaning "House of God." This act was both a memorial and a consecration of the site where he encountered God. Mosaic Law and Altars Under the Mosaic Law, altars were central to the worship practices of Israel. While the Tabernacle and later the Temple had specific altars made according to divine instructions, the use of uncut stones for altars was also prescribed. In Exodus 20:25, God instructed, "If you make an altar of stones for Me, you must not build it with cut stones; for if you use a chisel on it, you will defile it" . This command emphasized the purity and simplicity of worship, free from human embellishment. Joshua and the Memorial Stones After crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land, Joshua set up twelve stones taken from the riverbed as a memorial. Joshua 4:9 states, "Joshua also set up twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan, where the priests who carried the ark of the covenant stood. And they are there to this day" . These stones served as a lasting reminder of God's miraculous provision and faithfulness to Israel. Prophetic and Historical Context Throughout Israel's history, rocks and stones continued to serve as altars and memorials. The prophet Samuel erected a stone called Ebenezer, meaning "stone of help," after a victory over the Philistines, saying, "Thus far the LORD has helped us" (1 Samuel 7:12). This stone was a testament to God's deliverance and a call to remember His aid. Symbolism and Significance The use of rocks as altars in the Bible carries deep symbolic meaning. Rocks, being natural and enduring, represent the permanence and faithfulness of God. They also signify the unadorned and sincere worship that God desires from His people. The altars made of rocks were often erected in response to divine encounters, serving as physical reminders of spiritual truths and commitments. In summary, rocks used as altars in the Bible reflect a rich tradition of worship, remembrance, and covenant. They underscore the importance of acknowledging God's presence and faithfulness in the lives of His people, serving as enduring symbols of His eternal promises. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 6:20,21,26And the angel of God said to him, Take the flesh and the unleavened cakes, and lay them on this rock, and pour out the broth. And he did so. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 13:19 Library Epistle xxx. The Roman Clergy to Cyprian. The Boy of Nazareth. Aubrey Leigh was a Man who had Chosen his Own Way of Life... Of the Sixth Seal. The Tomb of the Pharaoh Elijah's Weakness, and Its Cube Nuremberg Sept. 15, 1530. To the Honorable and Worthy N. , My ... God's Gentle Power The Sack of Rome Sanctification Resources What is Absalom's Monument? | GotQuestions.orgWhat did Jesus mean when He described His followers as the salt of the earth? | GotQuestions.org Who were Hymenaeus and Alexander, and what does it mean that their faith was shipwrecked? | GotQuestions.org Rocks: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Rocks used as Places for Idolatrous Worship Rocks used as Places for Shelter by the Poor in Their Distress Rocks used as Places of Observation Rocks used as Places of Safety in Danger Rocks were a Defence to a Country Rocks: Bees often Made Their Honey Amongst Rocks: Casting Down From, a Punishment Rocks: Christ As a Stumbling Stone to the Wicked Rocks: Christ As Foundation of his Church Rocks: Christ As Refuge of his People Rocks: Christ As Source of Spiritual Gifts Rocks: God As Creator of his People Rocks: God As Defence of his People Rocks: God As Refuge of his People Rocks: God As Salvation of his People Rocks: God As the Strength of his People Rocks: God's Power Exhibited in Removing Rocks: Hammers Used for Breaking Rocks: Important Events often Engraved Upon Rocks: Inhabited by Wild Goats Rocks: Man's Industry in Cutting Through Rocks: Miracles Connected With: Broken in Pieces by the Wind Rocks: Miracles Connected With: Fire Ascended out of Rocks: Miracles Connected With: Rent at the Death of Christ Rocks: Miracles Connected With: Water Brought From Rocks: Often Composed of Flint Rocks: Often had Holes and Clefts Rocks: Often Sharp-Pointed and Craggy Rocks: Selah in the Valley of Salt Rocks: Selahammahlekoth in the Wilderness of Maon Rocks: The Ancestor of a Nation Rocks: The Olive Tree Flourished Amongst Rocks: The Shadow of, Grateful to Travellers During the Heat of The Rocks: Tombs often Hewn out of Related Terms |
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