Topical Bible: House: Architecture of Pillars

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In biblical times, the architecture of houses and significant buildings often included the use of pillars, which served both functional and symbolic purposes. Pillars were integral to the structural integrity of buildings, providing support for roofs and upper accounts. They also held cultural and religious significance, often symbolizing strength, stability, and beauty.

Pillars in the Tabernacle and Temple

The use of pillars is prominently featured in the construction of sacred spaces, such as the Tabernacle and Solomon's Temple. In the Tabernacle, pillars were used to support the curtains and the entrance (Exodus 26:32-37). These pillars were made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, signifying the holiness and divine presence within the Tabernacle.

Solomon's Temple, a more permanent structure, also featured prominent pillars. The most notable were the two bronze pillars named Jachin and Boaz, which stood at the entrance of the Temple (1 Kings 7:21). These pillars were not only architectural elements but also carried deep symbolic meaning, representing God's establishment and strength.

Pillars in Domestic Architecture

In domestic architecture, pillars were used to support the roofs of homes and courtyards. The typical Israelite house was often built around a central courtyard, with pillars supporting the roofed areas that provided shade and shelter. These pillars were usually made of stone or wood, depending on the availability of materials.

Symbolic and Metaphorical Use of Pillars

Beyond their physical presence, pillars are frequently used metaphorically in Scripture to convey strength and support. For instance, in Proverbs 9:1 , wisdom is personified as having "built her house; she has carved out her seven pillars." This imagery suggests a foundation of strength and stability, essential qualities of wisdom.

In the New Testament, pillars are used to describe key figures in the early Church. Paul refers to James, Cephas (Peter), and John as "pillars" of the Church in Galatians 2:9 , highlighting their foundational role in the establishment and support of the Christian community.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Pillars also held cultural and religious significance in the ancient Near East. They were often erected as memorials or markers of significant events. Jacob set up a pillar at Bethel to commemorate his encounter with God (Genesis 28:18). Such pillars served as tangible reminders of divine encounters and covenants.

In summary, the architecture of pillars in biblical times was multifaceted, serving practical, symbolic, and religious purposes. Whether in sacred or domestic settings, pillars were essential elements that reflected the values and beliefs of the people, providing both physical support and spiritual symbolism.

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Proverbs 9:1
Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn out her seven pillars:
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Library

To the Rev. Andrew Brandram
... which was Friday, I called at the house of my ... of it was evidently of Roman architecture,
for there was no mistaking the beautiful light pillars which supported ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev andrew brandram.htm

Strength Profaned and Lost
... Then his brethren and all the house of his father ... till he can breathe again, on the
pillars that held ... We need not discuss the probable architecture of Dagon's ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/strength profaned and lost.htm

Of the Building of this Temple
... of any hammer, or other instrument of architecture; but as if ... two parts, he made
the inner house of twenty ... this Hiram made two [hollow] pillars, whose outsides ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 of the building.htm

Hugh the Builder
... It is evident from records and architecture alike that the ... Hugh to the beauty of
God's house." The dying ... the columns, which so surround the pillars that they ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter viii hugh the builder.htm

The Ascent of the Body
... Increase of rooms in architecture can be effected in ... The ventilation of the
house"respiration"has been ... other cells developed into bony pillars for support. ...
/.../drummond/the lowell lectures on the ascent of man/chapter i the ascent of.htm

Hiram, the Inspired Artificer
... to be the best adornments of the House of God for ... Possibly the Psalmist had these
pillars in his mind ... another to sculpture, another to architecture, another to ...
/.../milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/hiram the inspired artificer.htm

Christ Glorified as the Builder of his Church
... of the inner chamber, the song of the house of wine ... the temple to Solomon, so that
the pillars, and the ... and yet all these styles of architecture somehow fused ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/christ glorified as the builder.htm

The Schoolboy of Madaura
... like Theveste, had its temples with pillars and Corinthian ... The house, the
Town-with-deep-streets, perfectly ... Of course, the Roman architecture could not have ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/v the schoolboy of madaura.htm

Obadiah; Or, Early Piety Eminent Piety
... he did not mind the architecture of the house, but now ... and must have a spire, gothic
architecture, a marble ... have among them these who shall be pillars in the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 30 1884/obadiah or early piety eminent.htm

Travel. A Personal Experience.
... great nave is supported by seventy-five huge pillars. ... her orchestra, concert hall,
and opera-house; with her ... order, copies of the architecture and sculpture of ...
/.../ix travel a personal experience.htm