1 Kings 7:15 Study Bible: For he cast the two pillars of bronze, eighteen cubits was the height of one pillar; and a line of twelve cubits could encompass the one pillar, and its thickness hollowed out was four fingers; and so was the second pillar.

◄ 1 Kings 7:15 ►

He cast two pillars of bronze, each eighteen cubits high and twelve cubits in circumference.

He cast two pillars of bronze
The casting of bronze pillars signifies the advanced metallurgical skills present during Solomon's reign. Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, was a symbol of strength and durability. These pillars, named Jachin and Boaz, stood at the entrance of the Temple, representing stability and strength. The use of bronze in the Temple's construction reflects the wealth and resources available to Solomon, as well as the influence of surrounding cultures, such as the Phoenicians, who were skilled in metalwork. The pillars can also be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate strength and support for His people.

each eighteen cubits high
A cubit is generally considered to be about 18 inches, making each pillar approximately 27 feet tall. This impressive height would have made the pillars a prominent feature of the Temple, visible from a distance and symbolizing the grandeur and majesty of God’s dwelling place. The number eighteen, being a multiple of six, can be seen as representing human effort and imperfection, which is made perfect in the presence of God.

and twelve cubits in circumference
The circumference of twelve cubits, or about 18 feet, suggests a substantial thickness, indicating the pillars' strength and stability. The number twelve is significant in biblical numerology, often representing completeness or the people of God, as seen in the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles. This connection underscores the idea that the Temple was a place for all of God's people to come and worship. The circular nature of the pillars may also symbolize eternity and the unending nature of God's covenant with His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Hiram of Tyre
A skilled craftsman from Tyre, commissioned by King Solomon to create various items for the temple, including the bronze pillars.

2. King Solomon
The king of Israel who built the temple in Jerusalem, known for his wisdom and wealth.

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

4. Bronze Pillars
Two significant structures named Jachin and Boaz, placed at the entrance of the temple, symbolizing strength and stability.

5. Jerusalem
The city where the temple was constructed, serving as the spiritual and political center of Israel.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of Strength and Stability
The bronze pillars represent the strength and stability that come from a life grounded in God's truth. Believers are called to be pillars in their communities, standing firm in faith.

Craftsmanship and Excellence
Hiram's work on the pillars reflects the importance of using our God-given talents with excellence for His glory. We should strive for quality and dedication in our work as a form of worship.

God's Presence and Worship
The temple, with its magnificent pillars, was a place where God's presence dwelled. Today, believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit, called to live lives that honor and reflect God's holiness.

Legacy and Remembrance
The pillars, named Jachin and Boaz, served as a lasting legacy and reminder of God's promises and faithfulness. Our lives should also be a testament to God's work and faithfulness.

Spiritual Strength in Community
Just as the pillars stood at the entrance of the temple, believers are called to be spiritual pillars in their communities, providing support and guidance to others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How do the bronze pillars symbolize strength and stability in your personal faith journey?

2. In what ways can you use your talents and skills to serve God and others, following the example of Hiram's craftsmanship?

3. How does understanding that you are a temple of the Holy Spirit impact your daily life and decisions?

4. What legacy are you building in your life that reflects God's faithfulness and promises?

5. How can you be a spiritual pillar in your community, providing support and guidance to those around you?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 27:1-2
Describes the construction of the bronze altar, highlighting the use of bronze in sacred objects, symbolizing judgment and strength.

2 Chronicles 3:15-17
Provides additional details about the bronze pillars, including their names and significance.

Revelation 3:12
Refers to believers as pillars in the temple of God, symbolizing stability and permanence in God's kingdom.

Psalm 144:12
Compares sons and daughters to pillars, emphasizing strength and beauty in the context of a godly family.

Jeremiah 1:18
God makes Jeremiah a fortified city, an iron pillar, and a bronze wall, symbolizing divine strength and protection.

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

Apiece, Brass, Bronze, Cast, Circumference, Compass, Compassed, Cord, Cubits, Eighteen, Either, Encircled, Encompass, Encompassed, Fashioned, Fingers, Formed, Formeth, Height, Hollow, Line, Measured, Pillar, Pillars, Round, Thickness, Thus, Twelve

Dictionary of Bible Themes

1 Kings 7:13-22

1 Kings 7:13-45

1 Kings 7:13-50

1 Kings 7:14-15

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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