feminine (causatively) participle of נָצַב; something stationed, i.e. a column or (memorial stone); by analogy, an idol; garrison, (standing) image, pillar.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **matstsêbâh**, represented by `{{H4676}}`, describes something stationed, such as a **pillar**, column, or memorial stone. By analogy, it can also refer to an idol, a standing image, or a garrison. It appears **32 times** across **31 unique verses** in the Bible, highlighting its role in both legitimate and illegitimate worship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H4676}}` has a dual context. It is used positively as a memorial to mark a sacred event or place. Jacob famously set up a stone as a **pillar** at Bethel after his dream, anointing it with oil and declaring it to be God's house ([[Genesis 28:18]], [[Genesis 28:22]]). Pillars were also established as witnesses to covenants, such as the one set up between Jacob and Laban [[Genesis 31:52]]. Conversely, the term is frequently used to denote forbidden idols. The Israelites were commanded to **break down** the images and pillars of the nations they displaced ([[Exodus 23:24]], [[Exodus 34:13]]). The erection of these pillars is often associated with apostasy and the worship of false gods like Baal ([[2 Kings 3:2]], [[2 Kings 10:27]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning and function of a **matstsêbâh**:
* `{{H5324}}` **nâtsab** (to station, set up, erect): As the root verb, this word describes the action of establishing a pillar. Jacob would **set up** (nâtsab) a pillar as a memorial ([[Genesis 35:14]], [[Genesis 35:20]]).
* `{{H68}}` **'eben** (a stone): Pillars were often made of stone. Jacob took a **stone** and set it up for a pillar [[Genesis 31:45]], and later set up a "pillar of **stone**" to mark a conversation with God [[Genesis 35:14]].
* `{{H7665}}` **shâbar** (to break): This verb is consistently used in commands to demolish idolatrous pillars. God's law required the Israelites to **break** the images of other nations [[Exodus 34:13]], and righteous kings were praised for doing so ([[2 Kings 18:4]], [[2 Kings 23:14]]).
* `{{H4196}}` **mizbêach** (an altar): Pillars are often mentioned alongside altars. Moses built an **altar** and twelve pillars representing the tribes of Israel [[Exodus 24:4]], while the law also commanded the destruction of pagan **altars** and their pillars [[Deuteronomy 12:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4676}}` centers on the distinction between memorial and idol.
* **Covenantal Memorial:** A pillar could serve as a legitimate, physical reminder of God's presence and promises. Jacob's pillar at Bethel commemorated a divine encounter [[Genesis 31:13]], and the pillar between Jacob and Laban served as a witness to their pact [[Genesis 31:52]]. Isaiah even prophesies a future **pillar** to the LORD in Egypt [[Isaiah 19:19]].
* **Forbidden Idolatry:** More often, scripture warns against pillars as objects of false worship that God hates [[Deuteronomy 16:22]]. They were a central part of Canaanite religion, built on high places [[1 Kings 14:23]], and their presence in Israel signified a turning away from God.
* **Symbol of Judgment:** The act of destroying a **matstsêbâh** symbolizes purification and a return to true worship. The commands to break, overthrow, and burn these images are direct and repeated [[Deuteronomy 7:5]], and God promises to cut them off as part of his judgment against unfaithfulness [[Micah 5:13]].
### Summary
In summary, **matstsêbâh** `{{H4676}}` is a term with a sharp theological divide. While it can denote a sanctioned stone of remembrance marking a covenant or divine act, it most often refers to a forbidden standing image used in idolatry. Its usage throughout scripture serves as a powerful illustration of the fine line between honoring God with memorials and replacing Him with idols, emphasizing God's demand for exclusive worship.
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