What are the 'pillars of the earth' in the Bible?

The phrase 'pillars of the earth' is a poetic, ancient metaphor describing the perceived stability of the world, not literal physical structures. It reflects the worldview of the time, where the earth was seen as firmly established on foundational supports (1 Samuel 2:8).

Where is 'pillars of the earth' mentioned in the Bible?

The phrase appears in a few key verses, primarily in poetic books. The main references are 1 Samuel 2:8, where God 'set the world upon them,' and Job 9:6, which speaks of God shaking the 'pillars' of the earth.

Why is the metaphor of 'pillars of the earth' significant?

It highlights God's supreme power as the creator and sustainer of the cosmos. The imagery emphasizes that the earth's stability depends entirely on God's sovereign authority, not on any physical object (Psalm 75:3).

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EncyclopediaPillars of the Earth

TheologyP

Pillars of the Earth

Pillars of the Earth See ASTRONOMY, sec. III, 2.

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