1 Kings 7:20 Study Bible: And the capitals were on the two pillars, even above and close to the rounded projection which was beside the network. And there were two hundred pomegranates in rows all around on the capital, and the same around the other capital.

◄ 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 tops of the two bronze pillars, Jachin and Boaz, which stood at the entrance of Solomon's Temple. These pillars were not only structural but also symbolic, representing strength and stability. The use of capitals in ancient architecture often signified the crowning glory of a structure, and in the context of the temple, they symbolized the divine presence and majesty of God.

just above the rounded projection
The rounded projection likely refers to a bulging or swelling part of the pillar, which was a common feature in ancient Near Eastern architecture. This design element added to the aesthetic beauty and grandeur of the temple, reflecting the opulence and attention to detail in Solomon's construction projects. It also served a practical purpose, providing a base for the decorative elements above.

next to the network
The network, or latticework, was an intricate design that adorned the pillars. This type of decoration was typical in ancient craftsmanship, showcasing the skill and artistry of the workers. The network may have had symbolic meanings, such as representing the interconnectedness of God's creation or the complexity of divine wisdom.

were the two hundred pomegranates
Pomegranates were a common motif in ancient Israelite art and architecture, symbolizing fertility, abundance, and blessing. In the context of the temple, they may have represented the fruitfulness of the land promised to the Israelites or the blessings that flow from a relationship with God. The number two hundred signifies completeness and abundance, emphasizing the lavishness of God's provision.

in rows encircling each capital
The arrangement of the pomegranates in rows encircling the capitals suggests order and symmetry, reflecting the divine order and harmony that the temple was meant to embody. This design choice also highlights the importance of beauty and precision in worship, as the temple was a place where God's presence dwelled among His people.

each capital
The repetition of the design on each capital underscores the uniformity and balance in the temple's construction. It also signifies that both pillars, Jachin and Boaz, were equally important in their symbolic roles, representing the dual aspects of God's covenant with Israel: establishment and strength.

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 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

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

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

Links

1 Kings 7:20 NIV
1 Kings 7:20 NLT
1 Kings 7:20 ESV
1 Kings 7:20 NASB
1 Kings 7:20 KJV

1 Kings 7:20 Commentaries

Bible Hub