Explain why the earth is sitting on 7 pillars that the Bible talks about.
The only place in the Bible that we read about seven pillars is in Proverbs 9:1. This verse states, “Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars.” There is no indication in this verse or its context that it is talking about the earth sitting on seven pillars. However, there appears to be a connection between this verse and a New Testament verse. We read in James 3:17, “But the wisdom from above is first (1) pure, then (2) peaceable, (3) gentle, (4) reasonable, (5) full of mercy and good fruits, (6) unwavering, (7) without hypocrisy” (NASB). May the Lord increase our wisdom!
We read in 1 Samuel 2:8, “He raises the poor from the dust, He lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with nobles, and inherit a seat of honor; for the pillars of the earth are the LORD’s, and He set the world on them” (NASB). This was part of Hannah’s song of thanksgiving after giving her son Samuel to the Lord for His service.
Job said about God in Job 9:4-6, “Wise in heart and mighty in strength, who has defied Him without harm? It is God who removes the mountains, they know not how, when He overturns them in His anger; who shakes the earth out of its place, and its pillars tremble” (NASB).
God uses many word pictures in the Bible to help us to understand Him and His creation. For example, we read in Psalm 84:11, “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly” (NASB). The picture of a sun and shield helps us to understand God as our source of light, life, energy, and protection. We know that God is not LITERALLY the sun because He forbids worship of the sun. He would never forbid worship of Himself. We read in Deuteronomy 4:19, “And beware not to lift up your eyes to heaven and see the sun and the moon and the stars, all the host of heaven, and be drawn away and worship them and serve them, those which the LORD your God has allotted to all the peoples under the whole heaven” (NASB).
In the same way, the Lord speaks in His Word about setting the earth on pillars. It is a word picture to help us understand that He is in control. He knows that we can relate to seeing buildings that are supported by pillars. Notice the emphasis in 1 Samuel 2:8 that “the pillars of the earth ARE THE LORD’S, AND HE SET THE WORLD ON THEM.” God is omnipotent and He hangs the world on nothing. We read in Job 26:7, “He stretches out the north over empty space and hangs the earth on nothing.“ He holds the world in space by His almighty power. However, He kindly uses a word picture of setting the world on pillars so that it is easier for us to comprehend. May we praise and worship our Almighty, loving Creator every day as we see His marvelous works all around us! (DJ) (516.2)