1 Kings 7:19 Study Bible: The capitals that were on the top of the pillars in the porch were of lily work, four cubits.

◄ 1 Kings 7:19 ►

And the capitals atop the pillars in the portico were shaped like lilies, four cubits high.

capitals atop the pillars
The term "capitals" refers to the decorative tops of the pillars, which are significant in ancient architecture. In Hebrew, the word used is "כֹּתֶרֶת" (koteret), which denotes the crowning feature of a column. These capitals were not merely structural but also symbolic, representing the beauty and glory of the temple. The pillars themselves, known as "עמודים" (amudim), were essential in supporting the structure, symbolizing strength and stability. In a spiritual sense, these capitals can be seen as the crowning glory of God's creation, reflecting His majesty and the beauty of His divine order.

in the portico
The "portico" refers to a porch or entranceway, known in Hebrew as "אוּלָם" (ulam). This was a significant architectural feature in Solomon's Temple, serving as a grand entrance that prepared worshippers for the sacred space within. The portico's presence highlights the importance of preparation and reverence when approaching God. It serves as a reminder of the transition from the secular to the sacred, encouraging believers to enter God's presence with awe and respect.

shaped like lilies
The phrase "shaped like lilies" is a beautiful depiction of the capitals' design. The lily, or "שׁוּשַׁן" (shushan) in Hebrew, is often associated with purity and beauty in Scripture. This floral motif is not only aesthetically pleasing but also rich in symbolism, representing the purity and holiness that should characterize the worship of God. The lily's presence in the temple's architecture serves as a reminder of the beauty of holiness and the call for believers to live lives that reflect God's purity.

four cubits high
The measurement "four cubits high" provides a sense of scale and grandeur to the capitals. A cubit, known as "אַמָּה" (ammah) in Hebrew, is an ancient unit of length, approximately 18 inches or 45 centimeters. Thus, the capitals were about six feet tall, emphasizing their prominence and the importance of beauty and detail in the house of God. This height signifies the elevation of God's ways above human understanding, calling believers to look up and aspire to the divine standards set by the Creator.

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.

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

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

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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