Pillars: Two, Placed in the Temple Porch
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Topical Encyclopedia
The two pillars placed in the porch of Solomon's Temple hold significant architectural and symbolic importance in biblical history. These pillars, named Jachin and Boaz, are described in detail in the Old Testament, particularly in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles.

Biblical Description and Construction

The construction of the pillars is attributed to Hiram, a skilled craftsman from Tyre, who was commissioned by King Solomon to assist in building the Temple. The account in 1 Kings 7:15-22 provides a detailed description of these pillars: "He cast two pillars of bronze, each eighteen cubits high and twelve cubits in circumference. He also made two capitals of cast bronze to set on top of the pillars; each capital was five cubits high" (1 Kings 7:15-16). The pillars were adorned with intricate designs, including networks of chainwork and pomegranates, adding to their grandeur and beauty.

Symbolic Significance

The names of the pillars, Jachin and Boaz, carry deep symbolic meanings. "Jachin" is often interpreted to mean "He will establish," while "Boaz" is understood as "In Him is strength." These names reflect the theological themes of divine establishment and strength, underscoring the belief that the Temple was a divinely ordained structure, supported and sustained by God's power.

The placement of the pillars at the entrance of the Temple served as a constant reminder to the Israelites of God's presence and His covenant with them. As they entered the sacred space, the pillars symbolized the stability and strength that God provided to His people.

Architectural and Ritual Role

Architecturally, the pillars were not merely decorative but also served a functional role in the overall design of the Temple. They framed the entrance, creating a majestic and awe-inspiring approach to the holy place. The height and craftsmanship of the pillars would have been a testament to the grandeur of Solomon's Temple, reflecting the glory and majesty of God.

In the context of Israelite worship, the pillars may have also played a role in the rituals and ceremonies conducted at the Temple. While the Bible does not provide explicit details on their use in worship, their prominent placement suggests they were integral to the sacred atmosphere of the Temple.

Historical and Theological Context

The construction of the Temple, including the pillars, marked a significant moment in Israel's history. It represented the fulfillment of God's promise to David that his son would build a house for the Lord (2 Samuel 7:12-13). The Temple became the central place of worship for the Israelites, and the pillars were a key feature of this sacred space.

Theologically, the pillars can be seen as a representation of God's unchanging nature and His faithfulness to His covenant. They stood as a testament to the enduring relationship between God and His people, a relationship characterized by divine support and strength.

References in Other Biblical Texts

The pillars are also mentioned in 2 Chronicles 3:15-17, which reiterates their dimensions and decorative features: "In front of the temple he made two pillars, each 35 cubits high, with a capital of five cubits on top of each" (2 Chronicles 3:15). This account highlights the consistency in the biblical narrative regarding the pillars' construction and significance.

Throughout the biblical text, the pillars of Jachin and Boaz remain a powerful symbol of God's presence and the divine order established through the Temple. Their legacy continues to be a subject of interest and reverence in biblical studies and religious tradition.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
1 Kings 7:15-21
For he cast two pillars of brass, of eighteen cubits high apiece: and a line of twelve cubits did compass either of them about.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Building of this Temple
... The small pillars had the same animals engraven that were ... to the command of Moses;
also two hundred thousand ... He also placed a partition round about the temple ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 of the building.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... this altar of burnt-offering was thus placed in the ... the door of the porch of the
temple, and they ... 2. These two pillars were types of Christ's apostles; of the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

Appendix 1 Massecheth Middoth
... the circuit and the wall, and the place of the pillars. ... high-priest, and it lay behind
the other two, and a ... captivity had digged, and a wheel was placed upon it ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/appendix 1 massecheth middoth.htm

Final Settlement of the Church by St. John
... Peter, one of the "pillars" of the Church, it had ... bring before us the Institution
of the two great Sacraments ... of the Bishop and Clergy, which are placed in the ...
/.../a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter iv final settlement of.htm

A Discourse
... A throne of justice was well placed there, to save a long journey to the capital,
for the trial of offenders, and the ... The temple had two pillars before the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

The Gospel According to St. John
... He was revered as one of the pillars of the ... Mark's Gospel, and possibly the other
two, but he evidently ... It seems to have been originally placed after Luke 21:36 ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter vi the gospel according.htm

The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert
... execution, for I saw in its courtyard stone pillars and blocks ... and a half, until
Jesus was about two years old ... in its body in which sacrifices were placed to be ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xvi the flight into egypt.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... were Men lying in wait whom she had placed there,) Then ... and his left, he held Two
middle pillars which the ... No man can serve two masters, either he Will hate one ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Earlier traditions placed this event in the period which ... Dagon, he was brought into
the temple to amuse ... expense, he took hold of the two pillars against which ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Papal Tombs.
... of Castel S. Angelo, while Franco placed himself on ... John Lateran, against one of
the pillars of the ... the clumsy buttresses, which were built two centuries ago ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter v papal tombs.htm

Resources
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