1 Kings 7:42 Study Bible: and the four hundred pomegranates for the two networks; two rows of pomegranates for each network, to cover the two bowls of the capitals that were on the pillars;

◄ 1 Kings 7:42 ►

the four hundred pomegranates for the two sets of network (two rows of pomegranates for each network covering both the bowl-shaped capitals atop the pillars);

Study Bible

the four hundred pomegranates for the two sets of network
The pomegranates mentioned here are decorative elements used in the construction of Solomon's Temple. The number four hundred signifies abundance and completeness, often seen in biblical numerology. Pomegranates are a symbol of fertility and prosperity, reflecting the blessings of God upon Israel. The "two sets of network" refer to the intricate latticework that adorned the temple pillars, showcasing the craftsmanship and attention to detail in the temple's construction. This design element is consistent with the ornate style of ancient Near Eastern architecture.

two rows of pomegranates for each network
The arrangement of pomegranates in two rows suggests a sense of order and symmetry, which is a recurring theme in the design of the temple. This meticulous organization reflects the divine order and harmony that the temple was meant to embody. The use of pomegranates in temple decoration is also seen in other parts of the temple, such as the priestly garments (Exodus 28:33-34), indicating their significance in Israelite worship and culture.

covering both the bowl-shaped capitals atop the pillars
The "bowl-shaped capitals" refer to the tops of the two bronze pillars, Jachin and Boaz, which stood at the entrance of the temple. These capitals were not only structural but also symbolic, representing strength and stability. The covering of the capitals with pomegranates and network highlights the beauty and grandeur of the temple, serving as a visual reminder of God's majesty. The pillars themselves can be seen as types of Christ, who is the foundation and support of the Church, providing strength and stability to His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
The king of Israel who commissioned the building of the temple and his palace. He is known for his wisdom and wealth.

2. Hiram
A skilled craftsman from Tyre, hired by Solomon to create the bronze works for the temple, including the pomegranates mentioned in this verse.

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. Pomegranates
A fruit often used in biblical symbolism, representing abundance, fertility, and the law due to its many seeds.

5. Pillars (Jachin and Boaz)
The two bronze pillars at the entrance of Solomon's Temple, adorned with intricate designs, including the pomegranates.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of Pomegranates
Pomegranates in the temple symbolize God's provision and abundance. Reflect on how God provides for us today and how we can trust in His abundance.

Artistry and Craftsmanship
The detailed work of Hiram reflects the importance of using our God-given talents for His glory. Consider how you can use your skills to serve God and others.

Holiness and Worship
The temple's design, including the pomegranates, was meant to inspire awe and reverence. Evaluate how your worship practices reflect the holiness of God.

Legacy and Memory
The pomegranates on the pillars were a lasting symbol of Israel's relationship with God. Think about the legacy of faith you are building for future generations.

Bible Study Questions

1. What do the pomegranates on the temple pillars teach us about God's character and His relationship with Israel?

2. How can the use of pomegranates in the temple's design inspire us to incorporate beauty and creativity in our worship today?

3. In what ways can we use our unique skills and talents, like Hiram, to contribute to the work of God’s kingdom?

4. How does the symbolism of pomegranates as a sign of abundance challenge our understanding of God's provision in our lives?

5. Reflect on the legacy of faith you are creating. How can you ensure it is rooted in the principles and teachings of Scripture?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 28:33-34
Pomegranates were also used in the design of the high priest's garments, symbolizing beauty and holiness.

Jeremiah 52:22-23
Describes the destruction of the temple and the pillars, including the pomegranates, highlighting their significance and the loss felt by Israel.

Song of Solomon 4:3
Uses pomegranates as a metaphor for beauty and love, showing their cultural and spiritual significance.

Sermons

The Lotus

W. Balgarnie.

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, Bowls, Bowl-shaped, Capitals, Chapiters, Cover, Covering, Crowns, Cups, Decorating, Front, Globes, Hundred, Lines, Net, Nets, Network, Net-work, Networks, Net-works, Pillars, Pomegranates, Rows, Sets, Tops

Dictionary of Bible Themes

1 Kings 7:13-45

1 Kings 7:13-50

1 Kings 7:38-45

1 Kings 7:40-42

1 Kings 7:40-45

1 Kings 7:41-45

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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