In Jg 9:6 we read that the men of Shechem made Abimelech king 'by the plain (AV; RV 'oak,' Revised Version margin 'terebinth') of the pillar.' The correct translation is undoubtedly 'the terebinth of the pillar,' the meaning being the sanctuary of Shechem. The 'pillar' refers to the sacred stone, originally a fetish, which was often found in holy places along with the sacred tree (see preced. article).

W. F. Boyd.

Pillar, Plain of the,

or rather "oak of the pillar" (that being the real signification of the Hebrew word elon), a tree which stood near Shechem and at which the men of Shechem and the house of Millo assembled to crown Abimelech the son of Gideon.

Jg 9:6