Either of these expressions translate the Heb. word matstseba (sg.) or matstsebet (pl.). Derived from the root which means 'to establish,' 'to stand upright,' the Hebrew nouns by themselves can refer to many upright objects, such as a 'pillar,' 'column,' and by extension, even a 'garrison,' or an 'army.'
A stone pillar can, of course, be erected for any number of purposes and our interpretation of the word must depend on the specific context in which the word occurs. On the morning after he had had his dream at Bethel, e.g., Jacob took the stone he had used as a pillow and set it up as a matstseba, pouring oil on it, and after praying for Yahweh's blessings, promised that "this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God's house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth" (Gen 28:22). Deciding to return home to Canaan without telling his father-in-law, Jacob was pursued by a highly upset Laban. When peace had finally been reestablished between them, Jacob set up a similar stone pillar so that it would serve as a "witness between you and me today" (Gen 31:48). Nowhere are these matstsebet called "sacred stones" nor do the biblical authors disparage them.
In 19 cases (in the NIV), however, the word matstsebet is translated "sacred stones" which are clearly associated with pagan worship that were proscribed to Israel: "you must demolish them and break [them] to pieces" (Exo 23:24), "smash their sacred stones" (Deut 7:5). When Israel herself gave in to the temptation to adopt such practices for themselves, Hosea promised that "Yahweh will demolishe their altars and destroy their sacred stones" (Hos 10:2). Micah, similarly declared that "'In that day,' declares the Lord, 'I will destroy your horses from among you and demolish your chariots. I will destroy the cities of your land and tear down all your strongholds. I will destroy your witchcraft and you will no longer cast spells. I will destroy your carved images and your sacred stones from among you; you will no longer bow down to the work of your hands. I will uproot from among you your Asherah poles and demolish your cities.'" (Mic 5:10-14).
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