◄ 1 Kings 7:20 ►
On the capitals of both pillars, just above the rounded projection next to the network, were the two hundred pomegranates in rows encircling each capital.
Study Bible
On the capitals of both pillars
The "capitals" refer to the ornate tops of the two bronze pillars, Jachin and Boaz, which stood at the entrance of Solomon's Temple. In Hebrew, the word for "capitals" is "כֹּתֶרֶת" (koteret), which signifies a crown or topmost part, symbolizing authority and completion. These capitals were not merely structural but carried deep symbolic meaning, representing the strength and stability of God's covenant with Israel.

above the rounded projection
The "rounded projection" is a translation of the Hebrew word "גֻּלָּה" (gullah), which can mean a bowl or a rounded shape. This architectural feature highlights the intricate design and craftsmanship of the temple, reflecting the glory and majesty of God. The rounded projection served as a base for the capitals, emphasizing the perfection and completeness of God's creation.

next to the latticework
The "latticework" refers to the decorative network or grid-like design that adorned the pillars. In Hebrew, "שְׂבָכָה" (sebakhah) suggests a woven or interlaced pattern, symbolizing the interconnectedness of God's people and His divine plan. The latticework can be seen as a metaphor for the protective and encompassing nature of God's presence, as well as the beauty and complexity of His creation.

were two hundred pomegranates
The "pomegranates" are significant both culturally and religiously. In Hebrew, "רִמּוֹן" (rimmon) is the word for pomegranate, a fruit often associated with fertility, abundance, and blessing. The pomegranate's numerous seeds symbolize prosperity and the fulfillment of God's promises. In the context of the temple, the pomegranates represent the fruitfulness of a life lived in obedience to God and the blessings that flow from His covenant.

in rows all around
The phrase "in rows all around" indicates the orderly and intentional placement of the pomegranates. This meticulous arrangement reflects the order and harmony inherent in God's creation and His divine order. The circular arrangement can also symbolize eternity and the unending nature of God's love and faithfulness to His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
The king of Israel who commissioned the building of the temple and his palace, including the intricate details of the pillars.

2. Hiram
A skilled craftsman from Tyre, known for his expertise in bronze work, who was responsible for creating the temple furnishings, including the pillars.

3. Temple of Solomon
The first temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship for the Israelites, symbolizing God's presence among His people.

4. Pillars (Jachin and Boaz)
Two bronze pillars at the entrance of Solomon's Temple, representing strength and stability.

5. Pomegranates
Decorative elements on the pillars, symbolizing fruitfulness and abundance.
Teaching Points
Symbolism of Pomegranates
The pomegranates on the pillars symbolize fruitfulness and abundance, reminding believers of the spiritual fruit they are called to bear in their lives (Galatians 5:22-23).

God's Attention to Detail
The intricate design of the temple, including the pomegranates, reflects God's attention to detail and His desire for beauty and order in worship. Believers are encouraged to honor God with excellence in all they do (Colossians 3:23).

Strength and Stability in Faith
The pillars, named Jachin and Boaz, symbolize strength and stability. Christians are called to stand firm in their faith, rooted in the truth of God's Word (Ephesians 6:13-14).

The Role of Art in Worship
The artistic elements of the temple, such as the pomegranates, highlight the role of creativity and art in worship, encouraging believers to use their gifts to glorify God (Exodus 35:30-35).
Bible Study Questions
1. How do the pomegranates on the temple pillars symbolize spiritual fruitfulness in the life of a believer?

2. In what ways can we reflect God's attention to detail and beauty in our personal worship and service to Him?

3. How can the symbolism of the pillars, Jachin and Boaz, encourage us to remain strong and stable in our faith today?

4. What role does creativity and art play in your personal worship, and how can you use your gifts to honor God?

5. How do the descriptions of the temple in 1 Kings 7 and other scriptures enhance your understanding of God's presence and holiness?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 28:33-34
The pomegranates on the hem of the priestly garments, symbolizing holiness and the priestly role in interceding for the people.

Jeremiah 52:22-23
A description of the temple pillars, reinforcing the importance and beauty of the temple's design.

Song of Solomon 4:3
Pomegranates as a symbol of beauty and love, reflecting the relationship between God and His people.

Revelation 21:12-14
The New Jerusalem's gates and foundations, symbolizing the eternal beauty and strength of God's kingdom.
Sermons
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
Apples, Behind, Belly, Beside, Bowl-shaped, Capital, Capitals, Chapiter, Chapiters, Close, Crown, Crowns, Enlargement, Hundred, Lines, Net, Network, Net-work, Numbered, Over-against, Pillars, Pomegranates, Projection, Protuberance, Round, Rounded, Rows
Dictionary of Bible Themes
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

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