1 Kings 7:19
And the capitals atop the pillars in the portico were shaped like lilies, four cubits high.
And the capitals atop the pillars in the portico
The capitals refer to the decorative tops of the pillars, which were a significant architectural feature in ancient structures. The portico, or porch, was part of Solomon's Temple, a central place of worship and a symbol of God's presence among His people. The use of pillars in temple architecture is reminiscent of the two pillars, Jachin and Boaz, which stood at the entrance of the temple (1 Kings 7:21). These pillars symbolize strength and stability, reflecting God's enduring covenant with Israel.

were shaped like lilies
Lilies are often associated with beauty and purity in biblical literature. The lily motif in the temple's design may symbolize the beauty and holiness of God. In the Song of Solomon, lilies are used to describe the beloved (Song of Solomon 2:1-2), and Jesus later references lilies in His teachings about God's provision (Matthew 6:28-29). The use of floral designs in the temple underscores the connection between creation and the Creator, highlighting the divine artistry in both nature and sacred spaces.

four cubits high
A cubit is an ancient measurement roughly equivalent to 18 inches or 45 centimeters. Thus, the capitals were about six feet high, indicating their prominence and grandeur. The specific measurement emphasizes the importance of precision and order in the construction of the temple, reflecting God's desire for excellence in worship. The height of the capitals also suggests their visibility and significance, drawing attention to the entrance of the temple and inviting worshippers to enter into God's presence with reverence.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
The king of Israel who commissioned the building of the temple and his palace, including the detailed work described in this passage.

2. Hiram
A skilled craftsman from Tyre, often associated with the construction of Solomon's temple and palace, including the intricate designs of the pillars.

3. The Temple
The holy place in Jerusalem built by Solomon as a dwelling place for the Lord, symbolizing God's presence among His people.

4. The Portico
An architectural feature of Solomon's temple, serving as an entrance or porch area, where the pillars with lily-shaped capitals were located.

5. The Pillars
Two significant bronze pillars named Jachin and Boaz, which stood at the entrance of the temple, symbolizing strength and stability.
Teaching Points
Symbolism of Beauty in Worship
The lily-shaped capitals remind us of the importance of beauty and artistry in worship spaces, reflecting God's own creativity and attention to detail.

God's Presence and Stability
The pillars, with their ornate capitals, symbolize the strength and stability of God's presence in our lives, encouraging us to rely on Him as our foundation.

Attention to Detail in Service
Just as the temple's construction involved meticulous craftsmanship, our service to God should be marked by diligence and excellence.

Continuity of God's Design
The design elements in the temple connect to earlier worship structures, showing God's consistent plan and purpose throughout biblical history.

Spiritual Growth and Flourishing
The lily, often a symbol of growth and beauty, can inspire us to pursue spiritual growth and flourishing in our walk with God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the description of the lily-shaped capitals enhance our understanding of the importance of beauty in worship?

2. In what ways do the pillars Jachin and Boaz symbolize God's strength and stability in your life today?

3. How can we apply the principle of attention to detail and excellence in our own service to God and others?

4. What connections can you find between the design of Solomon's temple and the instructions for the Tabernacle in Exodus 25?

5. How does Jesus' teaching about the lilies of the field in Matthew 6 relate to the symbolism of the lily-shaped capitals in 1 Kings 7:19?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 25
The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle, which also included ornate designs, showing the continuity of God's desire for beauty and order in places of worship.

2 Chronicles 3
A parallel account of the construction of Solomon's temple, providing additional details about the temple's design and significance.

Matthew 6
Jesus' reference to the lilies of the field, which can be connected to the beauty and provision of God, as symbolized by the lily-shaped capitals.
Hiram, the Master BuilderJ. 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
Across, Capitals, Chapiters, Crowns, Cubits, Design, Flowers, Lilies, Lily, Lily-work, Ornamented, Pillars, Porch, Portico, Shape, Tops, Vestibule
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Kings 7:19

     4472   lily

1 Kings 7:13-22

     5211   art

1 Kings 7:13-45

     5272   craftsmen

1 Kings 7:13-50

     4348   mining

1 Kings 7:15-20

     4450   fruit

1 Kings 7:15-22

     4446   flowers

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

Links
1 Kings 7:19 NIV
1 Kings 7:19 NLT
1 Kings 7:19 ESV
1 Kings 7:19 NASB
1 Kings 7:19 KJV

1 Kings 7:19 Commentaries

Bible Hub
1 Kings 7:18
Top of Page
Top of Page