Standing Stones
Sacred Stones
Long before the Israelites entered Canaan, pagans in the Middle East erected sacred stones to honor their gods, to declare covenants and treaties between cities, or to honor an important event that could only be explained by the supernatural. These stones were extremely heavy and stood as tall as twenty feet high.
Gezer Stones
Although many standing stones were simple and small, archaeologists uncovered several impressive stones at Tel Gezer. The stones, which were probably put in place before 3000 BC, weigh more than 25 tons each, stand 20 feet tall, and are sunk 20 feet into the earth. Amazingly, they were probably brought to Gezer from a quarry over three miles away!
Hebrew Practice
The Hebrew word translated “standing stones” is massebah and means “to set up.” The Israelites followed ancient customs by setting up standing stones as a reminder of God’s covenant and supernatural acts on their behalf. The story of the stone was passed down from generation to generation through oral tradition.
Biblical Examples
On several occasions, the Bible mentions significant events that were commemorated with standing stones:
Jacob set up stone pillars at Bethel in order to remember his powerful dream, in which God reaffirmed his covenant with him (Genesis 28:18-21, 35:14-15).
Moses built twelve standing stones at the foot of Mount Sinai after receiving the Ten Commandments and other laws (Exodus 24:2-4).
The Israelites erected standing stones to remember their miraculous crossing of the Jordan River (Joshua 4:2-3, 8-9).
Joshua built a standing stone when the covenant was renewed at Shechem (Joshua 24:27).
New Testament
In the New Testament, Peter builds on standing stone imagery when he describes believers as “living stones” (1 Peter 2:5). Peter probably wanted his readers to think of themselves as living standing stones-people who live out their faith so boldly that others take notice. As living stones, Christians should proudly tell about the difference that God has made in their lives.
Archaeology
Archaeologists have unearthed many standing stones, including one found in 1993 at Tel Dan, mentioning the name “David.” However, to date, no massebah has been found that specifically coincides with a Biblical story.
See all posts in Glossary
Upcoming Tours
Mar 30 — Apr 08, 2020 Heart Of GodLed by George DeJong |
Jun 28 — Jul 12, 2020 Out of Egypt, Into a Good LandLed by George DeJong |
Fall 2020 Ancient Paths to Modern LeadershipLed by George DeJong |
Nov 01 — Nov 15, 2020 Walking with the PatriarchsLed by George DeJong |
Spring 2021 Israel in DepthLed by George DeJong |
Fall 2021 Through the RoofLed by George DeJong |