1 Kings 7:18

KJV

And he made the pillars, and two rows round about upon the one network, to cover the chapiters that [were] upon the top, with pomegranates: and so did he for the other chapiter.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he made {H6213} the pillars {H5982}, and two {H8147} rows {H2905} round about {H5439} upon the one {H259} network {H7639}, to cover {H3680} the chapiters {H3805} that were upon the top {H7218}, with pomegranates {H7416}: and so did {H6213} he for the other {H8145} chapiter {H3805}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When he made the columns, he made two rows of pomegranates to put at the top of each column around the netting covering its capital.

Berean Standard Bible

Likewise, he made the pillars with two rows of pomegranates around each grating to cover each capital atop the pillars.

American Standard Version

So he made the pillars; and there were two rows round about upon the one network, to cover the capitals that were upon the top of the pillars: and so did he for the other capital.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 7:18 meticulously details the intricate decorative elements adorning the capitals of the two colossal bronze pillars, Jachin and Boaz, which stood at the entrance of Solomon's magnificent Temple. This verse specifically describes the "network" (lattice-work) and the "two rows round about" of pomegranates that embellished these "chapiters" (capitals), highlighting the extraordinary craftsmanship and symbolic richness invested in God's dwelling place. It underscores the profound attention to detail and the symbolic significance of every component within the sacred architecture, reflecting the divine expectation for excellence and beauty in worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a lengthy and highly detailed account of the construction of Solomon's Temple and his own palace, spanning [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Construction of the Temple") through [1 Kings 7](/1_kings/7 "1 Kings 7 - Temple and Palace Construction"). Specifically, [1 Kings 7:13-22](/1_kings/7-13 "1 Kings 7:13-22 - Hiram's Work on the Bronze Pillars") focuses on the work of Hiram of Tyre, a master craftsman, in casting the bronze components for the Temple. Verses [1 Kings 7:15-17](/1_kings/7-15 "1 Kings 7:15-17 - Dimensions of the Bronze Pillars") describe the casting and dimensions of the two massive pillars themselves, while verse 18 elaborates on the intricate ornamentation of their capitals. The narrative then continues to describe other bronze furnishings, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the Temple's construction and its elaborate design, culminating in the placement and naming of the pillars in [1 Kings 7:21](/1_kings/7-21 "1 Kings 7:21 - Naming of Jachin and Boaz"). This meticulous description underscores the divine importance placed on every detail of the sacred edifice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC) was a period of unprecedented peace, prosperity, and architectural ambition in Israel. The construction of the Temple in Jerusalem was the crowning achievement of his reign, serving as the central place of worship for the nation and symbolizing God's dwelling among His people. The use of Hiram of Tyre, a skilled Phoenician craftsman, reflects the international collaboration and advanced metallurgical techniques available at the time. Phoenicia was renowned for its bronze work, and its artisans were highly sought after. In the ancient Near East, temples were not merely functional buildings but elaborate expressions of royal power, divine presence, and cosmic order. The inclusion of highly symbolic decorative elements like pomegranates was common in sacred architecture, conveying messages of fertility, abundance, and divine blessing, which resonated deeply with the agricultural and spiritual life of ancient Israel.
* **Key Themes:** The detailed description in [1 Kings 7:18](/1_kings/7-18 "1 Kings 7:18 - Ornamentation of Temple Pillars") contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Grandeur and Meticulous Craftsmanship**, emphasizing that God deserves the absolute finest in terms of artistry and materials. The extraordinary precision and beauty of the Temple's construction, down to the smallest decorative elements, reflect God's own character of order, beauty, and excellence. Secondly, the prominent use of pomegranates underscores the **Symbolism of Abundance and Life**. Pomegranates, with their numerous seeds, were widely recognized symbols of fertility, prosperity, and blessing in the ancient world, appearing elsewhere in sacred contexts such as the high priest's garments in [Exodus 28:33](/exodus/28-33 "Exodus 28:33 - Pomegranates on Priestly Garments"). Their presence on the Temple pillars signifies the fruitfulness and blessings associated with God's covenant presence. Finally, the verse contributes to the theme of **Architectural Significance**, demonstrating that the pillars Jachin and Boaz were not merely structural but deeply symbolic, marking the entrance to the holy place and embodying strength and establishment, further enhanced by their elaborate and meaningful ornamentation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chapiters (Hebrew, _koterot'_):** This term refers to the capital or crown of a pillar, the uppermost part that rests on the shaft. In the context of the Temple pillars, these chapiters were not merely structural elements but highly ornamental features, designed to be visually striking and to bear significant symbolic decoration. They served as the elaborate termination point of the colossal bronze pillars, drawing the eye upward.
* **Network (Hebrew, _sevakah'_):** This word describes an intricate lattice-work, chain-work, or filigree. It refers to a decorative pattern of interwoven chains or a net-like design that adorned the chapiters. This elaborate design element would have created a visually rich texture, adding a layer of complexity and grandeur to the pillars' capitals, possibly evoking images of a net or interwoven chains, symbolizing divine order or interconnectedness.
* **Pomegranates (Hebrew, _rimmonim'_):** The fruit of the pomegranate tree, highly valued in the ancient Near East for its beauty, taste, and numerous seeds. As a decorative motif, pomegranates were frequently used in sacred contexts throughout the region and in Israelite worship. Symbolically, they represented fertility, abundance, prosperity, and blessing. Their presence on the Temple pillars reinforced the themes of divine blessing, fruitfulness, and the life-giving presence associated with God's dwelling among His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he made the pillars, and two rows round about upon the one network":** This clause attributes the craftsmanship to Hiram of Tyre, detailing his work on the decorative elements for the capitals of the bronze pillars. The "two rows round about" specifies the precise arrangement of the pomegranates, indicating a deliberate, symmetrical, and visually appealing design. The "network" served as the foundational decorative layer or background upon which these rows of pomegranates were meticulously placed.
* **"to cover the chapiters that [were] upon the top, with pomegranates":** This clarifies the purpose and placement of the elaborate ornamentation. The network and pomegranates were designed to embellish and "cover" (or more accurately, adorn) the chapiters (capitals) of the pillars, which rested "upon the top" of the pillar shafts. The pomegranates were the primary visual motif, arranged to create a striking and symbolically rich effect on the pillar crowns.
* **"and so did he for the other chapiter":** This final phrase confirms the uniformity and symmetry of the design. The intricate and detailed ornamentation described for the capital of the first pillar was replicated identically for the capital of the second pillar, ensuring balance and consistent grandeur at the Temple's entrance.

#### Literary Devices
The description in [1 Kings 7:18](/1_kings/7-18 "1 Kings 7:18 - Ornamentation of Temple Pillars") employs several literary devices to convey the magnificence of the Temple. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the pomegranates serving as powerful symbols of fertility, abundance, and divine blessing. Their inclusion is not merely aesthetic but communicates profound theological truths about God's desire to bless His people. The "network" itself could be seen as **symbolic** of divine order or intricate divine design. The meticulous enumeration of details, such as "two rows round about," exemplifies **descriptive imagery**, allowing the reader to visualize the elaborate craftsmanship. Furthermore, the focus on such minute, beautiful details within the context of colossal structures highlights a form of **merism**, where the part represents the whole, emphasizing that every aspect of the Temple, from its grand scale to its smallest ornament, was perfected for God's glory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous detail of the Temple's ornamentation, as described in [1 Kings 7:18](/1_kings/7-18 "1 Kings 7:18 - Ornamentation of Temple Pillars"), speaks volumes about God's character and His expectations for worship. It underscores that God is a God of order, beauty, and excellence, deserving of the highest quality in all that is dedicated to Him. The Temple, as the physical manifestation of God's presence among His people, was to reflect His glory in every dimension, from its grand architecture to its intricate decorative elements. The pomegranates, with their rich symbolism of abundance and life, further emphasize God's desire to bless His people and to establish a fruitful covenant relationship with them. This attention to detail teaches us that true worship involves offering our very best, not only in grand gestures but also in the seemingly small or hidden aspects of our service and devotion.

* [Exodus 28:33](/exodus/28-33 "Exodus 28:33 - Pomegranates on Priestly Garments")
* [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Pattern for the Tabernacle")
* [Hebrews 9:24](/hebrews/9-24 "Hebrews 9:24 - Christ's Heavenly Sanctuary")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While we no longer construct physical temples in the same manner as Solomon, the principles embedded in [1 Kings 7:18](/1_kings/7-18 "1 Kings 7:18 - Ornamentation of Temple Pillars") remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse challenges us to consider the quality and intentionality of our "offerings" to God. If God commanded such meticulous detail and beauty for a physical structure, how much more should we strive for excellence in our lives, which are now, by His Spirit, the very "temple" where He dwells? This means pursuing excellence in our work, cultivating integrity in our relationships, and dedicating ourselves wholeheartedly to spiritual disciplines. The symbolism of the pomegranates encourages us to live lives that are fruitful and abundant, not for our own glory, but as a reflection of God's blessings and the indwelling Spirit. Our lives should be adorned with the "fruit of the Spirit," demonstrating the beauty and abundance that come from God's presence within us, serving as a testament to His glory in every detail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of the Temple's construction challenge or inspire your approach to serving God in your own life?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a life that reflects the "fruitfulness" and "abundance" symbolized by the pomegranates on the Temple pillars?**
* **What does the emphasis on beauty and excellence in God's dwelling place teach us about His character and His expectations for our worship?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the "network" on the chapiters?**

Answer: The "network" (Hebrew _sevakah_) refers to an intricate lattice-work or chain-work that adorned the capitals of the pillars. While its precise symbolic meaning is debated, it served primarily as a highly detailed decorative element, adding a layer of visual complexity and richness to the pillars. It likely provided the base or framework upon which the pomegranates and chains (mentioned in [1 Kings 7:17](/1_kings/7-17 "1 Kings 7:17 - Chains and Pomegranates on Pillars")) were arranged. It contributed to the overall grandeur and meticulous detail of the Temple, symbolizing the divine order and the extraordinary craftsmanship dedicated to God's sanctuary.

**Why were pomegranates chosen as a decorative motif for the Temple?**

Answer: Pomegranates were highly symbolic in the ancient Near East and in Israelite culture, consistently representing fertility, abundance, prosperity, and divine blessing due to their numerous seeds and vibrant color. Their inclusion on the Temple pillars, and also on the high priest's garments ([Exodus 28:33](/exodus/28-33 "Exodus 28:33 - Pomegranates on Priestly Garments")), underscored the themes of fruitfulness and blessing that God intended for His people through His presence in the Temple. They served as a visual reminder of God's covenant promises of life, prosperity, and the abundant provision available through His dwelling among them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The elaborate beauty and symbolic richness of Solomon's Temple, particularly the intricate details like the pomegranates on the pillars described in [1 Kings 7:18](/1_kings/7-18 "1 Kings 7:18 - Ornamentation of Temple Pillars"), ultimately point beyond themselves to the person and work of Jesus Christ. The earthly Temple, magnificent as it was, served as a shadow and type of a greater reality—the true dwelling place of God among humanity. Jesus Himself is the ultimate Temple, the very embodiment of God's presence, as declared in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), where "the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us." The pomegranates, symbolizing abundance and life, find their supreme fulfillment in Christ, who came that we "may have life and have it abundantly" ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life in Christ")). The pillars, named Jachin ("He establishes") and Boaz ("In Him is strength"), foreshadow Christ as the one who establishes God's kingdom and provides divine strength. He is the cornerstone upon whom God's spiritual house is built ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ as the Cornerstone")), far surpassing any structure made with human hands. The unparalleled beauty and glory of the Temple, with its meticulous designs, ultimately prefigure the incomparable glory of God revealed in the face of Jesus Christ ([2 Corinthians 4:6](/2_corinthians/4-6 "2 Corinthians 4:6 - The Light of the Knowledge of the Glory of God")). Through His sacrifice and resurrection, Christ has not only established God's presence among His people forever but has also made believers themselves living temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - Believers as God's Temple")), adorned with the fruit of His Spirit, fulfilling the ancient symbols in a new and living way.

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

Exodus 28:24

And thou shalt put the two wreathen [chains] of gold in the two rings [which are] on the ends of the breastplate.

Exodus 28:25

And [the other] two ends of the two wreathen [chains] thou shalt fasten in the two ouches, and put [them] on the shoulderpieces of the ephod before it.

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.

Exodus 28:14

And two chains [of] pure gold at the ends; [of] wreathen work shalt thou make them, and fasten the wreathen chains to the ouches.

Exodus 39:15

And they made upon the breastplate chains at the ends, [of] wreathen work [of] pure gold.

Exodus 39:18

And the two ends of the two wreathen chains they fastened in the two ouches, and put them on the shoulderpieces of the ephod, before it.

Exodus 28:22

And thou shalt make upon the breastplate chains at the ends [of] wreathen work [of] pure gold.