1 Kings 7:21
Thus he set up the pillars at the portico of the temple. The pillar to the south he named Jachin, and the pillar to the north he named Boaz.
Thus he set up the pillars at the portico of the temple.
The construction of the temple was a significant event in Israel's history, symbolizing God's presence among His people. The portico, or entrance, was a grand and sacred space, and the pillars were not merely structural but also symbolic. In ancient Near Eastern architecture, pillars often represented stability and strength. These pillars at the temple's entrance signified the enduring covenant between God and Israel. The temple itself was a fulfillment of God's promise to David that his son would build a house for His name (2 Samuel 7:13).

The pillar to the south he named Jachin,
The name "Jachin" means "He will establish" or "He establishes." This name reflects the divine promise of stability and establishment, likely referring to God's establishment of the Davidic line and the kingdom of Israel. The positioning of Jachin on the south side may symbolize the direction of blessing and favor, as the south was often associated with warmth and prosperity in biblical literature.

and the pillar to the north he named Boaz.
"Boaz" means "In Him is strength" or "By His strength." This name emphasizes the strength and power of God, which undergirds the temple and the nation of Israel. The north side, often seen as a place of challenge or threat in biblical texts, being associated with strength, suggests God's protection and might against adversaries. The names Jachin and Boaz together encapsulate the themes of divine establishment and strength, pointing to God's sovereign role in the life of Israel. These pillars can also be seen as types of Christ, who is both the foundation and strength of the Church (1 Corinthians 3:11, Ephesians 2:20).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
The king of Israel who commissioned the building of the temple, a central figure in the account of 1 Kings.

2. Hiram of Tyre
The skilled craftsman who was responsible for much of the temple's construction, including the pillars.

3. The Temple
The holy place in Jerusalem where the Israelites worshiped God, symbolizing God's presence among His people.

4. Jachin
The name of the southern pillar, meaning "He will establish," signifying stability and God's promise to establish His people.

5. Boaz
The name of the northern pillar, meaning "In Him is strength," representing the strength and support found in God.
Teaching Points
Symbolism of the Pillars
The names Jachin and Boaz remind us of God's promises to establish and strengthen His people. Reflect on how God provides stability and strength in your life.

God's Presence
The temple was a physical representation of God's presence. Consider how, through Christ, we are now the temple of the Holy Spirit, carrying His presence with us.

Legacy of Faith
Just as the pillars stood as a testament to God's faithfulness, our lives can be a testament to His work in us. How can you be a pillar of faith in your community?

Strength in God
The name Boaz signifies strength in God. In times of weakness, remember that true strength comes from relying on Him.

Establishment in God
The name Jachin signifies establishment. Reflect on how God is establishing His purposes in your life and how you can align with His will.
Bible Study Questions
1. What do the names Jachin and Boaz reveal about God's character and His relationship with His people?

2. How does the construction of the temple in 1 Kings 7 relate to the concept of believers being the temple of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament?

3. In what ways can you be a "pillar" in your community, reflecting God's strength and stability?

4. How do the themes of establishment and strength in 1 Kings 7:21 encourage you in your current life circumstances?

5. What other biblical figures or accounts illustrate the themes of God's strength and establishment, and how can they inspire your faith journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 26
The construction of the Tabernacle, which served as a precursor to the temple, highlighting the continuity of God's dwelling place among His people.

2 Chronicles 3
A parallel account of the temple's construction, providing additional details and emphasizing the significance of the temple in Israel's worship.

Psalm 46
Speaks of God as our refuge and strength, a theme echoed in the naming of the pillar Boaz.

Revelation 3:12
Refers to believers as pillars in the temple of God, drawing a spiritual parallel to the physical pillars of Solomon's temple.
Jachin and BoazA. Rowland 1 Kings 7:21
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
Boaz, Bo'az, Calleth, Doorway, Jachin, Jakin, Named, Naming, Nave, North, Pillar, Pillars, Porch, Portico, Raiseth, South, Temple, Thereof, Thus, Vestibule
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Kings 7:21

     5443   pillars

1 Kings 7:13-22

     5211   art

1 Kings 7:13-45

     5272   craftsmen

1 Kings 7:13-50

     4348   mining

1 Kings 7:15-22

     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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