Bible Dictionaries
Memorial

Holman Bible Dictionary

Something which serves as a reminder. Scripture witnesses to God's participation in human history for the salvation of God's people. Memorials to such events reinforced faith and provided opportunities for teaching. God's covenant name (Yahweh) was to be a “memorial name” (Exodus 3:15 NAS), a reminder of God's liberation of God's people. The Passover served as a similar reminder ( Exodus 12:14; Exodus 13:9 ). The twelve stones taken from the Jordan's bed served as a reminder of God's provision of passage across the Jordan (Joshua 4:7 ). In the New Testament, the Lord's Supper serves as a reminder of Christ's sacrificial death and an encouragement of His future coming (Matthew 26:13; Mark 14:9; 1 Corinthians 11:25-26 ). All these memorials serve to “proclaim” the good news of what God has done.