1 Vertical columns of wood or stone used as architectural members to hold up roof supports, whether in temples (1Kgs 7; Judg 16:25-29), palaces (Esth 1:6), or houses. 2 Memorials marking individual burials (Gen 35:20), self-commemorations (2Sam 18:18), or significant events (Gen 28:22; Gen 31:45; Gen 35:14). We read of numerous sacred pillars in Egypt (Jer 43:13, “obelisks”) and of one placed by Moses (Exod 24:4) somewhere in the wilderness. Two pillars erected at the front entrance of the Temple (1Kgs 7:15-22) were lavishly finished in both material and motifs. 3 The stone pillar representing the male deity and the lush tree or wooden post representing the female deity were standard parts of Canaanite Baalist shrine equipment. They appear to have been popular in Israel despite official condemnations (Exod 23:24; Deut 7:5; Lev 26:1) and prophetic warnings (Hos 3:4; Hos 10:2; Mic 5:13; Amos 2:7-8). 4 Meteorological or volcanic phenomena, such as the pillars of cloud or fire (Exod 13:21) that guided Israel in the wilderness and marked the door of the tent of meeting (Exod 33:9; Exod 33:10; Deut 31:15), experiences long remembered as acts of God’s gracious love (Neh 9:12-19; Ps 99:7). 5 Symbols, often of strength or support. Isaiah describes people as pillars of society (Isa 19:10), and Paul similarly refers to pillars of the church (Gal 2:9). The church itself is called the pillar of truth (1Tim 3:15).
