Just thinking about this idea of Pillars, since it seems to be a big deal by flat earthers, so let's take a look at this more closely.
I don't think anyone is questioning stars, well, at least haven't seen it yet.
Now as far as the Pillars of the Earth, let's examine that a little more shall we?
"The pillar is the bridge between HEAVEN and EARTH, the vertical axis which both unites and divides these two realms. It is closely connected to the symbolism of the TREE; it also represents stability, and a broken pillar represents death and mortality. In the Hebrew and Christian traditions, pillars of FIRE and smoke signify the presence of God, and God punished Lot by changing his wife into a pillar of salt."
http://websites.umich.edu/~umfandsf... bridge,pillar represents death and mortality.
Here are some Pillars.
If we are going literal, maybe it's possible that the Pillars are the firmament? Let's look a little deeper maybe...
He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them. 1 Samuel 2:8
If God used literal pillars to hold the earth, why did God say, He hangs the earth on nothing?
What does hang mean?
Hang - If something hangs in a high place or position, or if you hang it there, it is attached there so it does not touch the ground.
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hang
How is the earth hanging?
Job 26:7
7 He stretches out the north over empty space;
He hangs the earth on nothing.
If the earth hangs on nothing, and to hang something means it doesn't touch the ground, than what are the pillars for, if the pillars are holding the earth up? If the earth is held up literally by pillars, why would God, mention that the earth hangs on nothing?
My personal opinion, it would give more glory to God, if the earth is suspended by God's might, which would be invisible to the naked eye.
Or maybe you look at it, the earth hangs on nothing, because it's supported by literal pillars?!?! That would be a stretch in my opinion.
Why do I say that?
Let's look at some verses before after 1 Samuel 2:8, and before.
6 The Lord killeth and maketh alive: bringeth down to the grave and raiseth up.
7 The Lord maketh poor and maketh rich: bringeth low, and exalteth.
8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among [g]princes, and to make them inherit the seat of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the [h]Lord’s, and he hath set the world upon them.
9 He will keep the feet of his Saints, and the wicked shall keep silence in darkness: for in his own might shall no man be strong.
10 The Lord’s adversaries shall be destroyed, and out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the Lord shall judge the ends of the world, and shall give power unto his [i]King, and exalt the horn of his Anointed.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+samuel+2&version=GNV
All things considered above it's possible that it could literally mean, that the pillars are holding the earth stationary, but it's unlikely in my mind.
Why do I think it's unlikely? Well, have you read the verses around 1 Samuel 2:8?
This would be my conclusion, feel free to express your beliefs...
After looking at the verses before and after 1 Samuel 2:8, it looks like the verse is referring to how God is in control, and raises the beggar, or lowly person of the earth to glory, and the high places of the earth are the Lord's, and God's ways have set how the world operates.
Here is what the commentary concluded on biblehub...
"For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s — The foundations which God created and upholds, and wherewith he sustains the earth and all its inhabitants, as a house is supported with pillars.
These words signify the reason of all that is contained in the five preceding verses. For the very earth being founded, upheld, and supported by the Lord, it is no wonder that all the inhabitants of it are in his power, so that he can dispose of them as he pleases. "
https://biblehub.com/commentaries/1_samuel/2-8.htm
I think my conclusion pretty much echoes what the commentary says, on biblehub.com.
If you have a different opinion on what 1 Samuel 2-8 means, please share....
Here is 1 Samuel 2-8 in one of my favorite Bible Translations, because it's so easy to understand. I think it helps in this situation, to bring understanding of what the Bible says...
1 Samuel 2:8
New Living Translation
8 He lifts the poor from the dust
and the needy from the garbage dump.
He sets them among princes,
placing them in seats of honor.
For all the earth is the Lord’s,
and he has set the world in order.
3
