1 Kings 7:22

KJV

And upon the top of the pillars [was] lily work: so was the work of the pillars finished.

KJV (with Strong's)

And upon the top {H7218} of the pillars {H5982} was lily {H7799} work {H4639}: so was the work {H4399} of the pillars {H5982} finished {H8552}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On the tops of the columns were shapes like lilies; thus the work of the columns was finished.

Berean Standard Bible

And the tops of the pillars were shaped like lilies. So the work of the pillars was completed.

American Standard Version

And upon the top of the pillars was lily-work: so was the work of the pillars finished.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 7:22 concludes the detailed description of the two massive bronze pillars, Jachin and Boaz, that flanked the entrance to Solomon's Temple. This verse specifically highlights the "lily work" that adorned the capitals of these pillars, signifying the exquisite beauty and meticulous craftsmanship employed in the construction of God's dwelling place. It underscores the completion of a significant architectural element, reflecting the dedication to excellence in all aspects of the sacred structure.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a lengthy and detailed account of the construction of Solomon's Temple and his palace, primarily found in [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Building the Temple") and [1 Kings 7](/1_kings/7 "1 Kings 7 - Solomon's Palace and Temple Furnishings"). Chapter 6 broadly describes the Temple's structure, while chapter 7 shifts focus to the elaborate furnishings and the skilled craftsmanship of Hiram of Tyre, a master bronze worker. Verses [1 Kings 7:15-21](/1_kings/7-15 "1 Kings 7:15-21 - Description of Jachin and Boaz") provide a meticulous account of the dimensions, materials, and initial decorative elements of the two pillars, Jachin and Boaz, including their height, circumference, and the intricate networks and pomegranates on their capitals. Verse 22 serves as the concluding statement for this specific description, adding the final decorative flourish—the "lily work"—and explicitly stating that "the work of the pillars was finished," thereby marking the completion of these monumental features.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of Solomon's Temple was a monumental undertaking, reflecting the peak of Israelite power and prosperity during his reign. The use of Phoenician craftsmen like Hiram, mentioned in [1 Kings 7:13](/1_kings/7-13 "1 Kings 7:13 - Hiram of Tyre, the Craftsman"), highlights the international collaboration and the high level of artistic and engineering skill available in the ancient Near East. Bronze work was a highly valued and sophisticated craft, requiring specialized knowledge and resources. Pillars, often symbolic rather than purely structural, were common features at the entrances of temples and palaces in the region, serving to convey strength, stability, and divine presence. The "lily work" itself was a widespread decorative motif in ancient Near Eastern art, frequently associated with fertility, beauty, and divine blessing, making its inclusion on the Temple pillars both aesthetically pleasing and culturally resonant.

* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes to several key themes within [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings - The Reign of Kings") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Beauty and Excellence**, illustrating that God's dwelling place was to be adorned with the finest materials and most intricate artistry, reflecting His own glory and majesty. The meticulous detail, down to the "lily work," underscores that God values not only functionality but also beauty and perfection in worship. Secondly, the **Symbolism of the Lily** (Hebrew: *shoshan*) points to purity, flourishing, and divine favor, themes often associated with God's presence and blessing. The lily motif appears elsewhere in scripture, such as in the poetic imagery of [Song of Solomon 2:1](/song_of_solomon/2-1 "Song of Solomon 2:1 - I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys") and in Jesus' teaching on God's provision for the "lilies of the field" in [Matthew 6:28](/matthew/6-28 "Matthew 6:28 - Consider the lilies of the field"). Finally, the phrase "so was the work of the pillars finished" highlights the theme of **Completion and Perfection**, signifying that God enables the successful fruition of His purposes. This resonates with the broader biblical truth that God is faithful to [complete the good work He begins](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - He who began a good work will complete it").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **lily work (Hebrew, _shoshan'_):** The Hebrew word שׁוֹשָׁן (*shoshan*) refers to a lily or lotus flower. In ancient Near Eastern iconography, the lily was a common decorative motif, symbolizing beauty, purity, fertility, and sometimes royalty or divine favor. Its application as "lily work" on the capitals of the Temple pillars suggests an ornate, floral design, adding an element of natural beauty and symbolic meaning to the sacred structure.
* **finished (Hebrew, _kalah'_):** The Hebrew verb כָּלָה (*kalah*) means "to be complete," "to be finished," or "to be brought to an end." Its use here emphasizes the successful culmination of a significant and complex phase of the Temple's construction. It conveys a sense of finality and perfection, indicating that the pillars were fully executed according to the design and ready for their intended place.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And upon the top of the pillars [was] lily work":** This clause specifies the final decorative element placed on the capitals (the uppermost parts) of the two great bronze pillars, Jachin and Boaz. The "lily work" would have been an intricate, sculpted or cast design depicting lilies, adding a layer of aesthetic beauty and symbolic resonance to these prominent architectural features. This detail highlights the meticulous attention given to every part of the Temple, even its decorative flourishes.
* **"so was the work of the pillars finished":** This concluding phrase emphatically states the completion of the construction and ornamentation of the pillars. It signifies that the detailed instructions and the demanding craftsmanship involved in creating these massive bronze elements had been fully executed. This completion was not merely functional but also symbolic, indicating the readiness of these foundational elements for the sacred space they adorned.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and significance. **Emphasis** is achieved through the explicit statement of "finished," underscoring the successful completion of a major undertaking. **Symbolism** is central, with the "lily work" representing beauty, purity, and the flourishing presence of God, while the pillars themselves (Jachin and Boaz, whose names mean "He will establish" and "In Him is strength") symbolize God's steadfastness and power. The detailed description of the Temple's construction throughout [1 Kings 7](/1_kings/7 "1 Kings 7 - Temple Furnishings"), culminating in the "lily work," can be seen as a form of **merism**, where the specific details of the highest decorative elements represent the overall perfection and completeness of the entire structure. The intricate nature of the "lily work" also serves as a **synecdoche**, where a part (the final decorative detail) stands for the whole (the overall meticulous and beautiful craftsmanship of the Temple).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The "lily work" on the Temple pillars, though a small detail in the grand scheme, carries profound theological weight. It speaks to God's inherent nature as a God of beauty, order, and excellence, who desires that His dwelling place and the worship offered to Him reflect these attributes. The meticulous craftsmanship and the inclusion of beautiful, symbolic elements like the lily underscore that our devotion to God should not be merely functional but should involve our best efforts, our creativity, and our pursuit of excellence. This attention to detail in the physical Temple foreshadows the spiritual beauty and perfection God desires in the lives of His people, who are now His living temples. It reminds us that every act of worship and service, no matter how small, contributes to the overall glory of God's dwelling among His people.

* [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - Let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.")
* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle...")
* [1 Corinthians 10:31](/1_corinthians/10-31 "1 Corinthians 10:31 - Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Kings 7:22, with its focus on the "lily work" and the completion of the pillars, offers a powerful spiritual lesson for believers today. Just as God commanded and inspired the meticulous construction of the Temple, down to its most intricate decorative elements, He desires excellence and beauty in our lives and worship. This isn't about human perfectionism but about offering our best to God, recognizing that He is worthy of our utmost dedication and care. The "lily work" reminds us that even the seemingly small or "finished" details of our character, our service, and our daily walk matter to God. Are we pursuing spiritual beauty and integrity in the "lily work" of our lives—our attitudes, our words, our hidden motives? This verse encourages us to reflect on the quality of our devotion, prompting us to consider how we can bring more beauty, purity, and intentionality to our relationship with God and our service to others, knowing that our lives are a living temple for the Holy Spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail in the Temple's construction challenge our approach to worship and service today?**
* **In what "details" of your life or ministry can you seek to reflect God's standard of excellence and beauty?**
* **What does the "finished" work of the pillars teach us about God's faithfulness to complete what He begins in us?**

### FAQ
**What is "lily work" and why was it used on the Temple pillars?**

Answer: "Lily work" refers to a decorative motif featuring lilies or lotus flowers, common in ancient Near Eastern art. The Hebrew word is *shoshan*. It was used on the capitals of the Temple pillars (Jachin and Boaz) to add beauty, elegance, and symbolic meaning. In ancient cultures, the lily often symbolized purity, beauty, fertility, and divine blessing or favor. Its inclusion on the Temple, God's dwelling place, underscored the sacredness, holiness, and flourishing nature associated with His presence. It was a final, intricate flourish that completed the aesthetic design of these monumental pillars, as described in [1 Kings 7:22](/1_kings/7-22 "1 Kings 7:22 - Lily work on the pillars").

**What is the significance of the pillars Jachin and Boaz?**

Answer: The two bronze pillars, Jachin and Boaz, stood at the entrance of Solomon's Temple and were not primarily structural but symbolic. Their names themselves are highly significant: "Jachin" (יָכִין) means "He will establish," and "Boaz" (בֹּעַז) means "In Him is strength." These names likely served as a constant reminder to those entering the Temple that God (Yahweh) is the one who establishes His covenant, His kingdom, and His people, and that true strength is found in Him. Their impressive size and intricate ornamentation, including the "lily work" mentioned in [1 Kings 7:22](/1_kings/7-22 "1 Kings 7:22 - Lily work on the pillars") and the pomegranates and chains described in [1 Kings 7:18-20](/1_kings/7-18 "1 Kings 7:18-20 - Details of the pillar capitals"), further emphasized the glory, stability, and divine presence associated with the Temple. These pillars, detailed in [1 Kings 7:15-22](/1_kings/7-15 "1 Kings 7:15-22 - Description of Jachin and Boaz") and [2 Chronicles 3:15-17](/2_chronicles/3-15 "2 Chronicles 3:15-17 - Pillars of the Temple"), were powerful visual declarations of God's character and promises.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "lily work" on the Temple pillars, signifying beauty, completion, and divine presence, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The earthly Temple, with all its magnificent details and symbolic elements, was a shadow pointing to a greater reality. Jesus declared, "[Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus speaks of His body as the Temple")," referring to "[the temple of his body](/john/2-21 "John 2:21 - Jesus speaks of the temple of His body")." Christ is the true and perfect Temple, the ultimate dwelling place of God in human flesh, in whom "[all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily")." The beauty of the "lily work" on the pillars foreshadows the flawless beauty of Christ's character, His purity, and His perfect obedience. Furthermore, the declaration that "the work of the pillars was finished" powerfully prefigures Christ's triumphant cry on the cross, "[It is finished!](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Jesus' last words on the cross")" Through His completed work of atonement, Christ established the new covenant and provided the ultimate strength and foundation for our salvation. He is the one who establishes (Jachin) His kingdom in our hearts and in whom all strength (Boaz) resides. We, as believers, are now "[built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Cornerstone")," growing into "[a holy temple in the Lord](/ephesians/2-21 "Ephesians 2:21 - A holy temple in the Lord")," where "[God dwells by his Spirit](/ephesians/2-22 "Ephesians 2:22 - God's dwelling through the Spirit")." The perfection and beauty of the old Temple's "lily work" are fully realized in the finished, perfect, and eternally beautiful work of Christ, who has "[perfected forever those who are being sanctified](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14 - By one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified")."

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.