May 22nd~Two Pillars

1 Kings 7:1-51


2 Chronicles 3:15-4:22

King Solomon built his impressive palace and finished the details of the Temple. In the process, he spared no expense. He hired a skilled artist from Tyre, named Huram, to complete all of the intricate bronze work. While the Temple took seven years to complete, it took thirteen years to finish Solomon’s palace.

It was easy to get lost in all of the details today, especially since they were recorded in 1 Kings and in 2 Chronicles. However, I don’t want us to miss something significant here. One of Solomon’s final touches on the front of the Temple was to add “two pillars that were 27 feet tall, each topped with a [beautifully decorated] capital extending another seven and a half feet. He named the one on the south ‘Jakin’ and the one on the north ‘Boaz’” (2 Chronicles 3:15-17).

Why in the world would anyone name pillars? Had King Solomon lost his mind? Did the people think that was weird? I don’t know; but, even if they did, I’m sure no one would’ve said anything. The reason that Solomon named these pillars was to remind him of two important promises. Jakin, which means “He establishes,” reminded Solomon of God’s promise to his father David, that he would always have a descendant on the throne (2 Samuel 7:12-16). It is God who established the Davidic line of kings.

The second pillar was named Boaz, which means, “In Him is strength.” This pillar reminded Solomon of the charge his father David gave to him when he was crowned as his successor. “Be strong and courageous and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged by the size of this task, for the Lord God is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you” (1 Chronicles 28:20). The Boaz Pillar also reminded Solomon of some of his father’s last words to him, “Observe the requirements of the Lord your God and follow all of His ways. Keep all of the commands and regulations written in the law of Moses so that you will be successful in all you do and wherever you go” (1 Kings 2:1-3). It was in the strength of God that Solomon would be an effective king.

Daily Reflection

Let these two pillars also be a reminder of two essential truths in your life. First, Jakin — “He establishes” — your salvation is in God’s hands! It is He who has established a covenant with you through Christ. Without this pillar, you would never be allowed into God’s presence, to have right standing with Him, to be forgiven of your sins, or to have eternal life.

Second, Boaz — “in Him is strength” — the Christian life is a supplied life. You cannot live it in your own strength but you must rely upon the Spirit of God to help you. The flesh is weak and unreliable. To resist temptation, to overcome sin, to understand God’s Word, to serve and share Christ with others, and to remain faithful to God through difficult times, you will need supernatural help. Thank God He has given you this power, this strength, through the Holy Spirit in you (Acts 1:8).

What other pillars are there in your life? Are they able to withstand the test of time?

“Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy and that is what you are” (1 Corinthians 3:16).

BiAY.org | Day 142 — 223 Days to Go