1 Kings 7:21 – “He erected the pillars at the portico of the temple; the pillar to the south he named Jakin and the one to the north Boaz.”
Extended Explanation
This verse describes the final placement of two prominent pillars, Jakin and Boaz, at the entrance to Solomon’s temple. These pillars were not just structural supports but symbolic elements. The pillar on the south was named Jakin, which means “He establishes,” and the pillar on the north was named Boaz, meaning “In Him is strength.” Together, these names reflected God’s role in establishing Israel and giving the nation strength. As worshipers entered the temple, they would pass between these two pillars, serving as a constant reminder of God’s faithfulness and power in their lives and the life of the nation.
Historical Context
The building of Solomon’s temple was one of the most important events in Israel’s history. The temple symbolized God’s presence among His people, and its construction was a monumental achievement. The pillars, Jakin and Boaz, were part of the grand design and stood at the entrance, marking the threshold between the outer world and the sacred space within the temple. Naming the pillars emphasized their symbolic importance, tying them directly to God’s covenant with Israel. The nation of Israel depended on God’s establishment and strength, and these pillars were visible representations of that dependence.
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, pillars often represented strength, stability, and the divine. In the case of Solomon’s temple, the pillars reminded the people that it was God who had established Israel as His chosen people, and it was through His strength that they would be sustained.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Jakin and Boaz represent two key aspects of God’s relationship with His people: establishment and strength. “He establishes” reflects the idea that God is the one who lays the foundation for everything in our lives, whether it’s Israel’s role as a nation or our personal walk with Him. “In Him is strength” reminds us that our ability to endure, grow, and succeed comes from God alone. These two pillars, positioned at the temple entrance, highlighted the truth that every part of life—spiritual and physical—is under God’s authority and care.
Literary Analysis
This verse uses symbolic names to communicate deeper spiritual truths. The pillars, Jakin and Boaz, serve as more than architectural features; they embody theological concepts. The placement of the pillars at the temple’s entrance underscores their importance—anyone entering the temple would first encounter these symbols of God’s establishment and strength. The verse provides a literary contrast: one pillar focuses on what God has already done (“He establishes”), while the other focuses on what God continues to provide (“In Him is strength”). This balance of past and present reflects the completeness of God’s provision for His people.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 46:1-2 – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” This reflects the idea of Boaz, that in God is our strength.
- 1 Samuel 2:2 – “There is no Rock like our God.” This ties into the stability and establishment symbolized by the pillar Jakin.
- Ephesians 2:19-22 – Paul speaks about Jesus Christ as the cornerstone, and how believers are being built into a holy temple for God. This passage connects the themes of establishment and strength with the church today.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, 1 Kings 7:21 is a powerful reminder that God is both our foundation and our strength. Just as the people of Israel passed by the pillars of Jakin and Boaz when entering the temple, we too must acknowledge that God is the one who establishes our faith and gives us the strength to live it out. When we enter into worship, whether in a church building or in our daily lives, we are entering into the presence of the One who provides us with both stability and power. The names of the pillars remind us that God has already laid a firm foundation in our lives through His promises, and He continues to sustain us every day.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in His desire to establish His people and give them strength. The pillars, Jakin and Boaz, represent God’s unwavering commitment to His people. He has not only laid the foundation for our relationship with Him but also provides us with the strength we need to walk with Him each day. These two attributes—establishment and strength—are acts of God’s love. He doesn’t leave us to build our lives alone or rely on our own power. Instead, He lovingly provides what we need to be secure and strong in Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
In the New Testament, Jesus is often referred to as the cornerstone—the most important stone in the foundation of any building. Ephesians 2:20 describes believers as being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. Just as Jakin and Boaz stood at the entrance of the temple, reminding the Israelites of God’s strength and foundation, Jesus is the foundation and strength of the Christian faith. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus has established our salvation, and it is through Him that we have the strength to live lives that honor God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How can you recognize and rely on God’s strength in the challenges you face today?
- In what ways has God established a firm foundation in your life, and how can you build upon it?
- What does it mean for you to live in the knowledge that “In Him is strength”?
- How does Jesus, as the cornerstone of your faith, shape the way you approach life’s difficulties and opportunities?