Jachin and Boaz
The Holy Spirit in 1 Kings 6:1 dates the building of the Temple from Israel’s deliverance from Egypt. Thus would He emphasize the fact that it was amongst a people saved by sovereign grace Jehovah was about to make His abode. The work was commenced in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign “in the month Zif, which is the second month.” This month corresponds with the British May. Zif means “splendor.” Spring was in its glory, physically and otherwise. Israel was about to experience a glorious summer-time of blessing and prosperity. Alas, that it did not continue. The unfaithful nation has passed through a long dark night of sorrow since. But summer is approaching, for “HE is nigh, even at the doors” (Matt. 24:33).
The Temple was 60 cubits long, 20 cubits broad, and 30 cubits high. In its breadth and length it was double the size of the Tabernacle. The Holy of Holies was 20 cubits long, and the Holy place 40 cubits. In the front of the house broadways was a porch 20 cubits long and to cubits broad (1 Kings 6:23). The great pillars are described with much detail in 1 Kings 7:15-22; much more briefly in (2 Chronicles 3:15-17. They were named Jachin, meaning “He will establish,” and Boa; “In Him is strength.” These great pillars, each about 18 cubits high, were a public testimony that stability is found in Christ, and only in Christ. Early in the building operations, Jehovah spoke afresh to Solomon. “Concerning this house which thou art in building, if thou wilt walk in My statutes, and execute My judgments, and keep all My commandments to walk in them: then will I perform My word as to thee, which I spake unto David thy father: and I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake My people Israel” (1 Kings 6:11-13). Here again is the fatal “if.” Everything at the moment depended upon the faithfulness of king and people. All was soon lost, never to be restored until the day of the Lord Jesus. But “the gifts and calling of God are without repentance” (Rom. 11:29), and He will yet fulfill all His promises of grace to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Such is the evil and instability of, poor flesh, that each one of us must humbly say, “Saved by grace alone; this is all my plea.”
The brass (more probably “copper” or “bronze”) of which the pillars were made was brought from Syria by David in war, so we are told in 2 Chronicles 18:8. Brass signifies the righteousness of God in judgment. Hence its use in the Altar of Burnt-offerings. Four figures of righteousness are found in Scripture:
GOLD―Intrinsic divine righteousness.
BRASS (or copper)―Divine righteousness as applied to man in judgment.
LINEN―”The righteousness of the saints” (Rev. 19:8).
FILMY RAGS―The righteousness of the flesh (Isa. 64:6).
The ornamentations of the pillars suggest what Christ works for and in His own. “Nets of checker work”: He has caught us out of the sea of humanity for Himself (Matt. 13:47; Luke 5:10). “Wreaths of chain work”: He binds and secures all whom He acquires (Hos. 11:4). “Pomegranates” are frequently used in Scripture as emblems of fruitfulness. All who are Christ’s are meant to be fruitful. “Upon the top of the pillars was lily work”: the lily character, purity and lowliness, is precious in His sight. Solomon’s massive brazen pillars were in the Lord’s thoughts in His promise to the overcomer in Philadelphia: “I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God and He shall go no more out.” What encouragement to all who with little strength seek to keep His word and not deny His name! Looked down upon today by the great ones of ecclesiastical Christendom; small here and now; but made great and notable in the day of recompense by our appreciative Lord. Where will others be then?
“He will establish: in Him is strength” ―precious assurance both for Israel and for ourselves. He is willing: He is able. David’s royal house has forfeited everything by unfaithfulness; but Christ will restore it all in the day of His power. Meantime, Solomon’s noble pillars have been broken up as “scrap,” and carried to Babylon (Jer. 27:19-22; 52:17-23). The Holy Spirit dwells mournfully upon their beauty whilst recording their destruction.