Pillar

Pillars in Scripture serve multiple functions — architectural, commemorative, and religious. Stone pillars (matstsebah) were set up as memorials by the patriarchs: Jacob at Bethel, at Rachel's tomb, and at the covenant with Laban; the Mosaic law later forbade the erection of pillars as cultic objects because of their association with Canaanite Baal worship. Samson pulled down the pillars of the Philistine temple on himself and his enemies. In Revelation the overcomer is promised to be a pillar in the temple of God. The pillar of cloud and fire that led Israel in the wilderness was the most prominent divine pillar — a visible manifestation of God's guiding and protective presence.