1 Kings 7:18 Study Bible: So he made the pillars; and there were two rows around on the one network, to cover the capitals that were on the top of the pillars: and he did so for the other capital.

◄ 1 Kings 7:18 ►

Likewise, he made the pillars with two rows of pomegranates around each grating to cover each capital atop the pillars.

He made the pillars
The construction of the pillars is attributed to Hiram, a skilled craftsman from Tyre, who was brought in by King Solomon to assist in the building of the temple. The Hebrew word for "pillars" is "עַמּוּדִים" (ammudim), which signifies something that stands firm or supports. In the context of the temple, these pillars were not only structural but also symbolic, representing strength and stability. They remind us of the steadfastness of God's promises and the enduring nature of His covenant with Israel.

two rows of pomegranates
The pomegranate is a fruit that holds significant symbolism in the Bible. The Hebrew word "רִמּוֹנִים" (rimmonim) is used here, and pomegranates are often associated with abundance, fertility, and blessing. In the context of the temple, the pomegranates symbolize the fruitfulness and prosperity that come from living in accordance with God's laws. The two rows suggest completeness and perfection, emphasizing the fullness of God's provision.

encircled each capital
The capitals, or tops of the pillars, were adorned with these decorative elements. The Hebrew word for "capital" is "כֹּתֶרֶת" (koteret), which refers to the crowning part of a column. The encircling of the capitals with pomegranates signifies the encompassing nature of God's beauty and glory. It serves as a reminder that God's presence surrounds and crowns His people, offering protection and honor.

to decorate the tops of the pillars
The purpose of the decoration was not merely aesthetic but also symbolic. The Hebrew word "לְפָאֵר" (lefa'er) means to beautify or glorify. The decoration of the temple pillars with pomegranates was an act of glorifying God, reflecting His majesty and splendor. It illustrates the principle that all aspects of worship, including the physical space, should be designed to honor and magnify the Lord.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
The king of Israel who commissioned the building of the temple and his palace. Known for his wisdom and wealth, Solomon's reign is marked by significant architectural achievements, including the construction of the temple in Jerusalem.

2. Hiram
A skilled craftsman from Tyre, often referred to as Hiram or Huram, who was brought in by Solomon to oversee the work on the temple. He was renowned for his expertise in bronze work.

3. Temple of Solomon
The first temple built in Jerusalem, serving as the central place of worship for the Israelites. It was a symbol of God's presence among His people and a place for offering sacrifices.

4. Pomegranates
A fruit often used in biblical symbolism, representing fertility, abundance, and the law. In the context of the temple, they were decorative elements on the pillars.

5. Pillars (Jachin and Boaz)
Two bronze pillars at the entrance of the temple, named Jachin and Boaz. They were significant architectural features symbolizing strength and stability.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of Pomegranates
The pomegranates on the pillars symbolize abundance and the richness of God's blessings. They remind us of the fruitfulness that comes from living in obedience to God's commands.

Architectural Beauty Reflects Divine Glory
The intricate design of the temple, including the pillars, reflects the glory and majesty of God. Our places of worship should also reflect beauty and reverence for God.

Strength and Stability in Faith
The pillars, named Jachin (He will establish) and Boaz (In Him is strength), remind us of the stability and strength we find in our faith in God. We are called to be pillars of faith in our communities.

Attention to Detail in Worship
The detailed craftsmanship of the temple elements teaches us the importance of giving our best in worship and service to God. Every detail matters in our devotion.

Bible Study Questions

1. How do the pomegranates on the temple pillars symbolize the abundance of God's blessings in your life today?

2. In what ways can the beauty and craftsmanship of the temple inspire us to create spaces of worship that honor God?

3. How can the names of the pillars, Jachin and Boaz, encourage you to seek strength and stability in your faith journey?

4. What are some practical ways you can ensure that your worship and service to God are done with attention to detail and excellence?

5. How does the destruction of the temple and its pillars, as described in Jeremiah, serve as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God? How can this be applied to your personal life or community?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 28:33-34
The use of pomegranates in the design of the high priest's garments, symbolizing beauty and holiness.

2 Chronicles 3:15-17
A parallel account of the construction of the temple, providing additional details about the pillars and their significance.

Jeremiah 52:21-23
Describes the destruction of the temple and the removal of the bronze pillars, highlighting their importance and the loss felt by Israel.

Sermons

Hiram, the Master Builder

J. R. Jackson.

People

Boaz, David, Hiram, Huram, Jachin, Naphtali, Pharaoh, Solomon

Places

Hall of Judgment, Hall of Pillars, Hall of the Throne, House of the Forest of Lebanon, Jordan River, Most Holy Place, Succoth, Tyre, Zarethan

Topics

Apples, Capital, Capitals, Chapiter, Chapiters, Cover, Covering, Crowns, Decorate, Encircling, Likewise, Lines, Maketh, Namely, Network, Net-work, Ornaments, Pillar, Pillars, Pomegranates, Round, Rows

Dictionary of Bible Themes

1 Kings 7:13-22

1 Kings 7:13-45

1 Kings 7:13-50

1 Kings 7:15-20

1 Kings 7:15-22

Library

Gadara
There was a double Gadara. One at the shore of the Mediterranean sea: that was first called Gezer, 1 Kings 9:15. In Josephus, "Simon destroyed the city Gazara, and Joppe, and Jamnia."--And in the Book of the Maccabees, "And he fortified Joppe, which is on the sea, and Gazara, which is on the borders of Azotus." At length, according to the idiom of the Syrian dialect, Zain passed into Daleth; and instead of Gazara, it was called Gadara. Hence Strabo, after the mention of Jamnia, saith, "and there …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Hiram, the Inspired Artificer
BY REV. W. J. TOWNSEND, D.D. The Temple of Solomon was the crown of art in the old world. There were temples on a larger scale, and of more massive construction, but the enormous masses of masonry of the oldest nations were not comparable with the artistic grace, the luxurious adornments, and the harmonious proportions of this glorious House of God. David had laid up money and material for the great work, but he was not permitted to carry it out. He was a man of war, and blood-stained hands were …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known

Whether any Preparation and Disposition for Grace is Required on Man's Part?
Objection 1: It would seem that no preparation or disposition for grace is required on man's part, since, as the Apostle says (Rom. 4:4), "To him that worketh, the reward is not reckoned according to grace, but according to debt." Now a man's preparation by free-will can only be through some operation. Hence it would do away with the notion of grace. Objection 2: Further, whoever is going on sinning, is not preparing himself to have grace. But to some who are going on sinning grace is given, as is …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

A Discourse of the House and Forest of Lebanon
OF THE HOUSE OF THE FOREST OF LEBANON. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. That part of Palestine in which the celebrated mountains of Lebanon are situated, is the border country adjoining Syria, having Sidon for its seaport, and Land, nearly adjoining the city of Damascus, on the north. This metropolitan city of Syria, and capital of the kingdom of Damascus, was strongly fortified; and during the border conflicts it served as a cover to the Assyrian army. Bunyan, with great reason, supposes that, to keep …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Adam and Zaretan, Joshua 3
I suspect a double error in some maps, while they place these two towns in Perea; much more, while they place them at so little a distance. We do not deny, indeed, that the city Adam was in Perea; but Zaretan was not so. Of Adam is mention, Joshua 3:16; where discourse is had of the cutting-off, or cutting in two, the waters of Jordan, that they might afford a passage to Israel; The waters rose up upon a heap afar off in Adam. For the textual reading "In Adam," the marginal hath "From Adam." You …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

That the Ruler Should be a Near Neighbour to Every one in Compassion, and Exalted Above all in Contemplation.
The ruler should be a near neighbour to every one in sympathy, and exalted above all in contemplation, so that through the bowels of loving-kindness he may transfer the infirmities of others to himself, and by loftiness of speculation transcend even himself in his aspiration after the invisible; lest either in seeking high things he despise the weak things of his neighbours, or in suiting himself to the weak things of his neighbours he relinquish his aspiration after high things. For hence it is …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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