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Stones: Besides the ordinary uses to which stones were applied, we may mention that large stones were set up to commemorate any remarkable event. Ge 28:18; 35:14; 31:45; Jos 4:9; 1Sa 7:12 Such stones were occasionally consecrated By anointing. Ge 28:18 Heaps of stones were piled up on various occasions, as in token of a treaty, Ge 31:47 or over the grave of some notorious offender. Jos 7:26; 8:29; 2Sa 18:17 The "white stone" noticed in Re 2:17 has been variously regarded as referring to the pebble of acquittal used in the Greek courts; to the lot cast in elections in Greece to both these combined; to the stones in the high priest's breastplate; to the tickets presented to the victor at the public games; or, lastly, to the custom of writing on stones. The notice in Zec 12:3 of the "burdensome stone" is referred by Jerome to the custom of lifting stones as an exercise of strength, comp. Ecclus. 6:21; but it may equally well be explained of a large corner-stone as a symbol of strength. Isa 28:16 Stones are used metaphorically to denote hardness or insensibility, 1Sa 25:37; Eze 11:19; 36:26 as well as firmness or strength. Ge 49:24 The members of the Church are called "living stones," as contributing to rear that living temple in which Christ, himself "a living stone," is the chief or head of the corner. Eph 2:20-22; 1Pe 2:4-8
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