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.

Also he made {H6213} before {H6440} the house {H1004} two {H8147} pillars {H5982} of thirty {H7970} and five {H2568} cubits {H520} high {H753}, and the chapiter {H6858} that was on the top {H7218} of each of them was five {H2568} cubits {H520}.

In front of the house he made two columns sixty-one-and-a-quarter feet high, with a capital of eight-and-three-quarters feet on top of each.

In front of the temple he made two pillars, which together were thirty-five cubits high, each with a capital on top measuring five cubits.

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

Commentary

Context

This verse is part of 2 Chronicles chapter 3, which meticulously describes King Solomon's construction of the first Temple in Jerusalem. Following the detailed plans given by his father, David, Solomon embarked on this monumental task to build a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant and a center for Israelite worship. This specific verse focuses on two prominent architectural features: the two large bronze pillars erected at the entrance of the Temple. The account here parallels and complements the description found in 1 Kings 7:15-22, offering insights into the grandeur and precision of this sacred structure.

Key Themes

  • Architectural Grandeur and Divine Purpose: The detailed measurements and description of the pillars underscore the immense scale and beauty of the Temple, built to honor God. Every aspect, from the dimensions to the materials, was intended to reflect the glory and majesty of the Lord.
  • Symbolism of Strength and Stability: Pillars in ancient architecture often symbolized power, support, and permanence. These two pillars, standing prominently before the Temple, conveyed a sense of enduring strength and the steadfastness of God's covenant with His people.
  • Meticulous Craftsmanship: The precise figures for height and the chapiters (capitals) highlight the careful and dedicated artistry involved in the Temple's construction, emphasizing that nothing was too grand or too detailed for the Lord's house.

Linguistic Insights & Measurements

The unit of measurement used, "cubits," refers to an ancient linear measure, typically the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, roughly 18-21 inches (or 45-53 cm). According to 2 Chronicles 3:15, each of these two pillars was "thirty and five cubits high." The "chapiter" refers to the capital, or the ornamental top, of the pillar, which was "five cubits" in height. It is worth noting that the parallel account in 1 Kings 7:15 states the pillars were eighteen cubits high each, a difference that scholars have reconciled in various ways, such as 2 Chronicles possibly referring to the combined height of the two pillars' shafts and capitals before they were set, or a different method of measurement.

Symbolic Significance of the Pillars

Though not named in this specific verse, these pillars are famously known as Jachin and Boaz, names given in 1 Kings 7:21. Jachin (יָכִין - yakhin) means "He (God) will establish," and Boaz (בֹּעַז - bo'az) means "In Him is strength." These names were not merely decorative but proclaimed profound theological truths about God's character and His promise to establish His kingdom and provide strength for His people. They served as constant reminders to all who entered the Temple of the foundation of their faith: God's faithfulness and power.

Practical Application

The detailed description of these pillars, alongside the entire Temple construction, reminds us of the importance of giving our best in service to God. While we no longer build physical temples for God to dwell in, as believers, we are called to be temples of the Holy Spirit. This calls for attention to detail in our spiritual lives, ensuring our foundations are strong and our lives reflect the glory of God. Just as the pillars symbolized God's establishment and strength, we are called to rely on His power and to live in a way that demonstrates His steadfastness to the world around us.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 7:15 (2 votes)

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

  • 1 Kings 7:24 (2 votes)

    And under the brim of it round about [there were] knops compassing it, ten in a cubit, compassing the sea round about: the knops [were] cast in two rows, when it was cast.

  • Jeremiah 52:20 (2 votes)

    The two pillars, one sea, and twelve brasen bulls that [were] under the bases, which king Solomon had made in the house of the LORD: the brass of all these vessels was without weight.

  • Jeremiah 52:23 (2 votes)

    And there were ninety and six pomegranates on a side; [and] all the pomegranates upon the network [were] an hundred round about.