Jeremiah 52:22

And a chapiter of brass [was] upon it; and the height of one chapiter [was] five cubits, with network and pomegranates upon the chapiters round about, all [of] brass. The second pillar also and the pomegranates [were] like unto these.

And a chapiter {H3805} of brass {H5178} was upon it; and the height {H6967} of one {H259} chapiter {H3805} was five {H2568} cubits {H520}, with network {H7639} and pomegranates {H7416} upon the chapiters {H3805} round about {H5439}, all of brass {H5178}. The second {H8145} pillar {H5982} also and the pomegranates {H7416} were like unto these.

On it was a capital of brass eight-and-three quarters feet high, with netting and pomegranates all around the capital, all of bronze; the second column was similar, also with pomegranates.

The bronze capital atop one pillar was five cubits high, with a network of bronze pomegranates all around. The second pillar, with its pomegranates, was similar.

And a capital of brass was upon it; and the height of the one capital was five cubits, with network and pomegranates upon the capital round about, all of brass: and the second pillar also had like unto these, and pomegranates.

Commentary

Context of Jeremiah 52:22

Jeremiah 52 serves as a concluding chapter to the book of Jeremiah, largely paralleling and expanding upon the account found in 2 Kings 25. It details the final siege and fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians under King Nebuchadnezzar, the destruction of the Temple, and the subsequent exile of Judah. Verse 22 specifically describes the dimensions and decorative elements of the two great bronze pillars, named Jachin and Boaz, that stood at the porch of Solomon's Temple. This detailed description is given in the context of the Babylonian forces meticulously dismantling and plundering the Temple's precious items, highlighting the thoroughness of the destruction and the immense wealth that was lost.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Temple's Grandeur and Loss: The precise description of the "chapiters" (capitals) with their height, network, and pomegranates underscores the magnificent artistry and wealth invested in Solomon's Temple. This detail, even amidst its destruction, serves as a poignant reminder of what was lost due to Israel's disobedience and God's subsequent judgment.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: The destruction of the Temple and the plundering of its treasures were direct fulfillments of prophecies given by Jeremiah and other prophets regarding the consequences of Judah's idolatry and unfaithfulness. The meticulous accounting of the plundered items emphasizes the completeness of this judgment.
  • The End of an Era: The stripping of these iconic pillars and their elaborate capitals symbolized the end of an era for the nation of Judah—the cessation of Temple worship, the loss of national sovereignty, and the beginning of the Babylonian exile.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV text uses several specific terms:

  • Chapiter: This term refers to the ornamental capital or top part of a pillar. In ancient architecture, the chapiter was often elaborately decorated and crucial to the aesthetic and structural integrity of the column.
  • Cubits: An ancient unit of length, typically defined by the length of the forearm from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. A cubit was approximately 18-21 inches (45-53 cm). Thus, five cubits would be roughly 7.5 to 8.75 feet (2.3 to 2.7 meters), indicating substantial and impressive capitals.
  • Network and Pomegranates: These were common decorative motifs in ancient Near Eastern art and architecture. The "network" likely refers to a lattice-work or chain-like pattern, while "pomegranates" were symbolic of fertility, abundance, and blessing. Their presence on the Temple pillars added symbolic depth and beauty, as also described in 1 Kings 7:20.

Practical Application

While detailing physical structures, Jeremiah 52:22 offers timeless lessons:

  • The Transience of Material Things: Even the most sacred and magnificent physical structures, like Solomon's Temple, are subject to decay and destruction. This reminds us not to place ultimate trust in earthly possessions or institutions, but in God alone.
  • God's Sovereignty in Judgment: The detailed account of the Temple's dismantling underscores God's absolute sovereignty, even in acts of judgment. His word, whether of blessing or curse, is always fulfilled.
  • Focus on Spiritual Foundations: The destruction of the physical Temple eventually led to a re-evaluation of worship and God's presence, paving the way for the synagogue system and ultimately the understanding that God does not dwell in temples made with hands (Acts 7:48), but in the hearts of His people. Our spiritual condition and obedience are far more enduring than any physical structure.
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Cross-References

  • Exodus 39:15 (2 votes)

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

  • Exodus 39:18 (2 votes)

    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 28:14 (2 votes)

    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 28:22 (2 votes)

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

  • 2 Kings 25:17 (2 votes)

    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 7:16 (2 votes)

    And he made two chapiters [of] molten brass, to set upon the tops of the pillars: the height of the one chapiter [was] five cubits, and the height of the other chapiter [was] five cubits:

  • 1 Kings 7:17 (2 votes)

    [And] nets of checker work, and wreaths of chain work, for the chapiters which [were] upon the top of the pillars; seven for the one chapiter, and seven for the other chapiter.