The phrase “pillars of the earth” appears in several places in the Bible, primarily in the Old Testament. It is a metaphorical expression referring to foundational elements that uphold or support the earth. While the Bible does not explicitly define what these “pillars” are, scholars have offered various interpretations over the years.
Meaning and Usage of “Pillars of the Earth”
The imagery of the earth resting on pillars or foundations is found in several ancient Near Eastern cultures and mythologies. In the Bible, the pillars of the earth are first mentioned in 1 Samuel 2:8 (ESV): “He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and on them he has set the world.” Here, Hannah praises God’s sovereignty in reversing earthly fortunes. The phrase emphasizes that God created and upholds the very foundations of the earth.
A similar sentiment is expressed in Job 9:6 (ESV): “Who shakes the earth out of its place, and its pillars tremble.” Job describes God’s power to move even the deepest roots of the mountains and pillars undergirding the earth. Psalms 75:3 (ESV) also contains the phrase: “When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants, it is I who keep steady its pillars.” Again, the metaphor demonstrates that the pillars belong to God who governs the stability of the world.
In biblical poetry, the “pillars of the earth” symbolize the order and stability of creation as established by God. At times, the imagery conveys God’smighty power and providence in designing the earth’s very foundations and sustaining its form against chaotic forces. The psalmists and prophets use the metaphor to contrast the steadfastness of God with the instability of the nations and people who ignore or disobey His laws.
Proposed Biblical Interpretations
There are several main ways Christian theologians have understood the cryptic biblical references to the “pillars of the earth”:
1. Mountains
Many biblical scholars associate the phrase with literal mountains that seem to hold up the sky and give foundational support to the earth’s land masses. Passages like Job 26:11 describe God attaching the sky to the earth “at the horizon” (ESV), perhaps picturing mountains as pillars holding up the vault of heaven.
Mountains are also used figuratively in the Bible to convey enduring stability and permanence. The “everlasting hills” bless God in Habakkuk 3:6 (ESV), conveying the idea of longevity that comes from mountainous roots. Isaiah 54:10 (ESV) references the steadfast, “unremoving” mountains to describe God’s faithfulness and covenant of peace.
2. God’s Power and Providence
More abstractly, some interpreters take the pillars as purely metaphorical, representing God’s steady governance and care of creation. God set the boundaries of the cosmos and keeps forces like the surging seas (Job 38:8-11) and shaking earth (Psalm 104:5) in check. The “pillars” express the continual exertion of God’s strength to preserve the universe He fashioned.
3. Laws of Nature
In line with the cosmos governed by God’s Providence, some scholars relate the pillars of the earth to the regular laws of nature God instituted to perpetuate the physical world and celestial bodies. For instance, the force of gravity and properties of matter are “pillars” fixed into the creation order, reflecting the Creator’s faithfulness and wisdom.
4. God’s Covenant Promises
Those taking a more theological approach associate the metaphorical pillars with God’s covenant promises and sacrificial system upholding the moral/spiritual order. God’s sworn oaths to sustain the descendants of Abraham and David and reconcile humanity through the Messiah are enduring pillars that cannot be moved, even when humans are unfaithful.
Appearance in Other Ancient Near Eastern Cultures
The notion of the earth being supported by pillars or foundations appears in other Ancient Near East (ANE) texts and traditions. Examples include:
- In Canaanite mythology, the god Yam is defeated by Baal and imprisoned beneath the earth, held in place by pillars.
- An Egyptian cosmological myth conceived of the earth god Geb physically holding up the sky goddess Nut.
- Mesopotamian cosmology described the earth as a disc resting on the primeval waters of the Apsu, held up at the edges by mountains.
- The Sumerian myth of Enki and Ninmah mentioned the absu of the apsu—the primeval source waters under the earth.
While sharing conceptual similarities, the biblical pillar imagery is unique in grounding the foundations of the earth in the sovereign power and covenant love of Yahweh, Israel’s Creator.
The Pillars as Metaphor of Stability
Whether taken literally or figuratively, the core idea conveyed by the biblical “pillars of the earth” is that of permanence, fixed order, and structural integrity. They represent stability established by Yahweh to counter threatening chaos and uphold the world He fashioned for His glory. Though the nations rage and earth tremors cause fears, the Lord remains enthroned as the great Architect and Sustainer of creation (Psalm 93). His covenant purposes and righteous commands stand forever as the unshakable pillars holding up the moral order of the universe.
Throughout Scripture, the temporary, shakable kingdoms of mankind contrast with the unmoving pillars set up by God. Ezekiel describes Egypt as a great cedar tree that will be brought down to the pit, while Assyria suffers the same fate (Ezekiel 31). But God’s mountain—His kingdom—will fill the earth and stand firm forever (Daniel 2:35, 44). All that exalts itself against the knowledge of Christ will crumble, but those rooted in faith in the Son remain eternally secure (1 Corinthians 3:11).
Believers can take great comfort that their lives and soul are built on the steadfast pillars of God’s word and promises. Though winds blow and rain falls against the house of the wise man, it does not fall, because it has its foundation on the rock (Matthew 7:24-25). Those anchored in Christ will never be shaken (Psalm 125), for He is the sure and tested cornerstone (Psalm 118:22; Isaiah 28:16) and mighty fortress (Psalm 46:1). The cross stands as the pillar of hope, stained crimson with the blood that purchased the reconciled people of God.
When all else shifts like sinking sand, the children of God remain fixed as pillars in the temple of the Most High (Revelation 3:12). They can boldly declare with the psalmist, “My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast! I will sing and make melody!” (Psalm 57:7 ESV). For the Lord reigns; He is robed in majesty. The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved (Psalm 93:1 NRSV). Blessed are those who make the true and living God their eternal refuge.