Memorial

Summary

An object, observance, or sacrifice that serves as a remembrance, either bringing the offerer before God or preserving significant events for future generations.

☩Sacrificial Memorials

In the sacrificial system, the 'memorial' (Hebrew: 'azkarah) refers to the portion of an offering burned on the altar. This brought the offerer into remembrance before God, or brought God into favorable remembrance with the offerer. A portion of the meal offering was burned 'as the memorial thereof upon the altar' (Leviticus 2:2, 9, 16; 5:12; Numbers 5:26). Cornelius's prayers and alms 'are come up for a memorial before God' (Acts 10:4), suggesting this sacrificial understanding.

☩Commemorative Institutions

The Passover was established as 'a memorial' and 'a feast to the LORD' forever (Exodus 12:14). The firstborn were set apart as a memorial of Israel's deliverance (Exodus 13:12-16). A pot of manna was preserved 'to be kept for your generations' (Exodus 16:32-34). The Feast of Tabernacles commemorated Israel's wilderness dwelling (Leviticus 23:43). The shoulder stones of the ephod bore the names of Israel's sons 'for a memorial' (Exodus 28:12).

☩Physical Monuments

The twelve stones from Jordan's riverbed were set up at Gilgal as a memorial of Israel's crossing (Joshua 4:7). Jacob set up pillars as memorials of divine encounters (Genesis 28:18; 35:14). The name of the LORD is itself described as His 'memorial unto all generations' (Exodus 3:15).

☩The Lord's Supper

Jesus instituted the greatest memorial at the Last Supper, saying 'This do in remembrance of me' (Luke 22:19). Paul explains: 'For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come' (1 Corinthians 11:24-26). This ongoing observance perpetually commemorates Christ's atoning sacrifice until His return.

☩Woman's Anointing

When a woman anointed Jesus with precious ointment, He declared: 'Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her' (Mark 14:9; Matthew 26:13). Her act of devotion became an eternal memorial within the Gospel narrative itself.