1 Kings 7:15

KJV

For he cast two pillars of brass, of eighteen cubits high apiece: and a line of twelve cubits did compass either of them about.

KJV (with Strong's)

For he cast {H6696} two {H8147} pillars {H5982} of brass {H5178}, of eighteen {H8083}{H6240} cubits {H520} high {H6967} apiece {H5982}{H259}: and a line {H2339} of twelve {H8147}{H6240} cubits {H520} did compass {H5437} either {H8145} of them about {H5437}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He made the two bronze columns, each one thirty-one-and-a-half feet high and twenty-one feet in circumference.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

For he fashioned the two pillars of brass, eighteen cubits high apiece: and a line of twelve cubits compassed either of them about.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 7:15 introduces the construction of two monumental bronze pillars for the porch of Solomon's Temple, detailing their impressive dimensions: eighteen cubits in height and twelve cubits in circumference. This verse marks the beginning of the description of the Temple's elaborate furnishings, highlighting the immense scale, precious materials, and sophisticated craftsmanship dedicated to God's dwelling place in Jerusalem. These pillars, later named Jachin and Boaz, were not merely structural but profoundly symbolic, signifying strength, stability, and the divine presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of King Solomon's extensive building projects, specifically following the detailed account of the Temple's construction in [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Construction of Solomon's Temple"). Chapter 7 shifts focus from the Temple's main structure to its intricate furnishings and Solomon's own palace. Verses [1 Kings 7:13-14](/1_kings/7-13 "1 Kings 7:13-14 - Hiram the Craftsman") introduce Hiram of Tyre, a master craftsman renowned for his bronze work, who is commissioned by Solomon to create these sacred objects. The description of the pillars in [1 Kings 7:15-22](/1_kings/7-15 "1 Kings 7:15-22 - The Bronze Pillars") is highly detailed, emphasizing their grandeur and symbolic significance as prominent features at the Temple's entrance. The subsequent verses continue to describe other bronze furnishings, such as the Sea and the stands, underscoring the opulence and sacred nature of the Temple's interior.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's Temple was built in Jerusalem, serving as the central place of worship for the Israelite nation, fulfilling David's desire to build a permanent dwelling for God's name ([2 Samuel 7:1-17](/2_samuel/7-1 "2 Samuel 7 - God's Covenant with David")). The use of bronze was common in ancient Near Eastern architecture and cultic objects, valued for its durability and aesthetic appeal. The dimensions and materials described reflect the immense wealth and power of Solomon's kingdom, as well as the advanced metallurgical skills available through alliances, particularly with Tyre. Large pillars at the entrance of significant buildings, especially temples, were a common architectural feature in the ancient world, often serving both a structural and symbolic purpose, representing strength, stability, and the divine presence. The Temple itself was a marvel of ancient engineering and art, intended to reflect the glory and majesty of the God of Israel.
* **Key Themes:** The construction of these pillars contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Kings. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Grandeur and Human Devotion**, as the immense scale, precious materials, and meticulous craftsmanship dedicated to these objects reflect Israel's commitment to honoring God with the best of their abilities and resources ([1 Chronicles 29:1-5](/1_chronicles/29-1 "1 Chronicles 29:1-5 - David's Preparations for the Temple")). Secondly, the pillars embody the theme of **Strength and Stability**, symbolizing the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people and His steadfast presence among them. Their placement at the Temple's entrance would have visually reinforced the idea of God as the ultimate support and foundation. Thirdly, these structures contribute to the theme of **Awe and Holiness**, preparing worshippers for an encounter with the divine as they approached the sacred space, fostering a sense of reverence and wonder at the majesty of God's dwelling.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cast (Hebrew, _yatsaq_):** This verb signifies the process of pouring molten metal into a mold. In the context of ancient metallurgy, "casting" large objects like these pillars was a highly sophisticated and labor-intensive process, requiring immense heat, precise molds, and skilled artisans. It points to the advanced technological capabilities of Hiram and his Tyrian craftsmen, emphasizing the quality and permanence of the work dedicated to the Temple.
* **Pillars (Hebrew, _‘ammûd_):** These were freestanding, monumental columns. In ancient architecture, pillars often served both structural and symbolic functions. Here, their immense size and placement at the Temple's entrance suggest they were not merely decorative but conveyed a profound message of support, permanence, and divine presence. They were distinct from the Temple's load-bearing walls, standing as independent, symbolic sentinels.
* **Brass (Hebrew, _nechoshet_):** While often translated as "brass" in older versions like the KJV, this term more accurately refers to "bronze," an alloy of copper, typically with tin. Bronze was a highly valued and durable metal in the ancient world, frequently used for sacred objects, tools, and weapons. Its use for these massive pillars highlights their significance and the preciousness of the materials dedicated to the Lord's house, indicating wealth and enduring quality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he cast two pillars of brass,"**: This opening phrase immediately identifies the primary action and material. "He" refers to Hiram, the master craftsman from Tyre, whose skill in bronze work is emphasized throughout this chapter. The act of "casting" indicates a deliberate and advanced metallurgical process, underscoring the monumental effort and expertise involved in creating such large, hollow structures from molten bronze. The choice of "brass" (bronze) signifies durability, value, and a material commonly associated with sacred objects in Israelite and Near Eastern contexts.
* **"of eighteen cubits high apiece:"**: This clause provides the vertical dimension of each pillar. An "eighteen cubit" height (approximately 27 feet or 8.2 meters, assuming a cubit of 18 inches/45 cm) clearly indicates their colossal scale. This immense height would have made them incredibly imposing and visible, drawing the eye upwards and conveying a sense of grandeur and majesty to anyone approaching the Temple. The repetition of "apiece" emphasizes that both pillars shared this impressive, identical height.
* **"and a line of twelve cubits did compass either of them about."**: This final clause describes the circumference of each pillar. A "twelve cubit" circumference (approximately 18 feet or 5.5 meters) denotes a substantial girth, making the pillars not only tall but also robust and solid in appearance. The phrase "did compass either of them about" vividly describes the measurement around their circular bases, further emphasizing their massive and symmetrical construction. This detail, alongside the height, paints a picture of structures designed to convey immense strength and stability.

#### Literary Devices
The description in 1 Kings 7:15 employs several literary devices to convey the significance of the bronze pillars. **Precision of Detail** is evident in the specific measurements (eighteen cubits high, twelve cubits circumference), which lend an air of factual accuracy and emphasize the monumental scale and meticulous craftsmanship involved. This precision also serves to impress upon the reader the grandeur and costliness of the Temple's construction. **Symbolism** is paramount, as the very presence of such massive pillars at the entrance of a sacred space would have inherently conveyed ideas of strength, stability, and permanence. Pillars in ancient Near Eastern cultures often symbolized support and divine presence, and these would have powerfully communicated the enduring nature of God's covenant and His steadfast dwelling among His people. The sheer scale described also borders on **Hyperbole**, as the dimensions, while likely accurate, are presented in a way that evokes awe and wonder, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of the Temple as God's earthly abode.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The construction of these magnificent bronze pillars for Solomon's Temple speaks volumes about the Israelite understanding of God's majesty and the dedication required in His worship. They were not merely architectural elements but profound symbols of God's steadfastness and the enduring nature of His covenant with Israel. Their imposing size and permanent placement at the Temple's entrance communicated a message of divine strength and stability, assuring the people of God's faithful presence amidst them. This commitment to excellence in building God's house reflects a theological conviction that the Lord deserves the very best, echoing principles of sacrificial giving and worship that permeate the Old Testament.

* [1 Kings 7:21](/1_kings/7-21 "1 Kings 7:21 - Naming of Jachin and Boaz")
* [2 Chronicles 3:15-17](/2_chronicles/3-15 "2 Chronicles 3:15-17 - Parallel Account of the Pillars")
* [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - Command to Build a Sanctuary")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The description of these colossal bronze pillars in 1 Kings 7:15 invites us to consider the nature of our own devotion and the foundations upon which our faith rests. Just as these pillars stood as enduring testaments to God's presence and power at the Temple's entrance, so too are we called to build our lives on unshakeable truths, dedicating our finest efforts and resources to God's glory. The excellence of craftsmanship and the preciousness of materials used for the Temple serve as a timeless reminder that our worship and service should be characterized by intentionality, quality, and wholeheartedness. These pillars, embodying strength and stability, can also prompt us to reflect on the foundational truths of our faith – the unwavering character of God, the reliability of His promises, and the eternal security found in Him – which provide steadfast support in a world of constant change.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I called to offer my "best" to God, reflecting His glory and excellence?**
* **What are the "pillars" of my faith – the foundational truths that provide strength and stability in challenging times?**
* **How does the grandeur and permanence of the Temple's construction inspire awe and reverence for God in my own worship and daily life?**

### FAQ
**What was the purpose of these two large bronze pillars?**

Answer: The two large bronze pillars, later named Jachin and Boaz ([1 Kings 7:21](/1_kings/7-21 "1 Kings 7:21 - The Naming of the Pillars")), served both an architectural and profound symbolic purpose. Architecturally, they stood at the porch or entrance of the Temple, creating an impressive facade. Symbolically, they represented strength, stability, and the enduring presence of God. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, such monumental pillars often signified the support and permanence of a structure or institution. For Solomon's Temple, they were visual declarations of God's unwavering covenant with Israel and His steadfast dwelling among His people, preparing those who entered for an encounter with the divine. They were not primarily structural in the sense of bearing the weight of the main Temple building, but rather stood as independent, symbolic sentinels.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Kings 7:15 describes physical pillars for a physical Temple, its deeper theological resonance finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Temple itself, with all its elaborate furnishings, was a shadow pointing to the reality of God's dwelling among His people, a reality fully embodied in Christ. Just as these bronze pillars symbolized strength, stability, and God's enduring presence, so Jesus is the true and ultimate **foundation** and **pillar** of God's eternal house. He is the one upon whom the entire spiritual temple of believers is built ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone")), the cornerstone that provides the ultimate stability and coherence. Furthermore, Christ himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" ([John 2:19](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus on the Temple")), referring to the temple of His body, thereby becoming the ultimate locus of God's presence. The grandeur and permanence of the bronze pillars foreshadow the eternal majesty and unshakeable nature of God's kingdom, established and upheld by Christ, who is "the same yesterday and today and forever" ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same")). He is the true and living way into God's presence, the ultimate "entrance" to the divine.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 52:21

And [concerning] the pillars, the height of one pillar [was] eighteen cubits; and a fillet of twelve cubits did compass it; and the thickness thereof [was] four fingers: [it was] hollow.

2 Chronicles 3:15

Also he made before the house two pillars of thirty and five cubits high, and the chapiter that [was] on the top of each of them [was] five cubits.

2 Chronicles 3:17

And he reared up the pillars before the temple, one on the right hand, and the other on the left; and called the name of that on the right hand Jachin, and the name of that on the left Boaz.

1 Kings 7:21

And he set up the pillars in the porch of the temple: and he set up the right pillar, and called the name thereof Jachin: and he set up the left pillar, and called the name thereof Boaz.

2 Kings 25:16

The two pillars, one sea, and the bases which Solomon had made for the house of the LORD; the brass of all these vessels was without weight.

2 Kings 25:17

The height of the one pillar [was] eighteen cubits, and the chapiter upon it [was] brass: and the height of the chapiter three cubits; and the wreathen work, and pomegranates upon the chapiter round about, all of brass: and like unto these had the second pillar with wreathen work.

1 Kings 7:41

The two pillars, and the [two] bowls of the chapiters that [were] on the top of the two pillars; and the two networks, to cover the two bowls of the chapiters which [were] upon the top of the pillars;