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

Answer

The phrase “the pillars of the earth” is used a few times in the Bible as a poetic expression. Examining its use in context helps clarify its meaning.

Firstly, it’s important to understand that this phrase is metaphorical and should not be interpreted literally. Just as people today might refer to “the four corners of the earth” without implying the earth is square, the Bible mentions “the pillars of the earth” without suggesting the earth is flat or supported by actual pillars. While translations like the NKJV, ESV, and NASB use the term “the pillars of the earth,” others like the NIV, CSB, and BSB simply use “the foundations of the earth.”

In Hannah’s prayer of thanksgiving, she declares, “The pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and on them He has set the world” «He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, And lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, To set them among princes, And to make them inherit the throne of glory: For the pillars of the earth are the LORD’s, And he hath set the world upon them. », (1 Samuel 2:8, ESV). Hannah acknowledges that God has established and arranged the world, controlling its very foundations. Her words evoke the image of constructing a sturdy house: God Himself is the Builder of the earth, sustaining its existence. By being the Creator and Upholder of the world’s “pillars,” God exercises authority over all living beings.

The concept of the pillars of the earth is also found in the book of Job. When responding to his friend Bildad, Job reflects on how God’s immense power surpasses any human ability to challenge Him: “They could not answer him one time out of a thousand” «If he will contend with him, He cannot answer him one of a thousand. », (Job

9:3. Job describes God as one who overturns mountains and states, “shakes the earth out of its place, and its pillars tremble” (verse 6, ESV). Job uses the term pillars to refer to the solid foundations of the earth. God alone has these within His power, and He can disrupt things if He deems it necessary.

In Psalm 75:3 Asaph cites God: “When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants, it is I who keep steady its pillars” (ESV). The context is God’s judgment of the wicked at a time of His choosing when He will bring down the evildoer and elevate the righteous. The trembling “pillars” of the earth in this psalm appear to symbolize instability and unrest in society, caused by the actions of wicked individuals. God assures to intervene and restore society to equilibrium. Alternatively, the “pillars” in Psalm 75:3 could represent the righteous, whom the Lord pledges to prevent from stumbling. For instances of individuals being referred to as “pillars,” refer to Psalm 144:12, Galatians 2:9, and Revelation 3:12.

When individuals in the Bible mention the phrase the pillars of the earth, they are not presenting a scientific explanation of the shape of the world. The Bible does not assert that the earth rests on pillars, piers, or poles. Referring to “the pillars of the earth” was merely a poetic method to signify foundations.