Two Pillars of Prayer {1 Kings 5-8}

Today’s chapters read like a construction progress report. Not too exciting at first glance, especially since the author seems to be writing to those who would know much of the significance to all he’s added here, but once you do just a bit of investigative work things begin to pop and the excitement begins to build!

One aspect found in chapter six and seven tells us that this is more than just a building project. It’s actually the beginning of a whole new era in Israel’s history. Israel had spent 430 years in Egyptian bondage (before God redeemed them), and since, Israel has spent 480 years of wandering (so to speak) before God gives them the gift of rest. For some reason God has decided Israel’s wandering days are over, and allows Solomon to build Him a Temple. It’s as if God would not rest until He had given His people rest. Pretty cool, huh? But there’s one more thing I discovered in chapter 7 that may just fire up your prayer life,

“He (Solomon) set up the pillars at the portico of the sanctuary: He set up the right pillar and named it Jachin; then he set up the left pillar and named it Boaz. The tops of the pillars were shaped like lilies. Then the work of the pillars was completed.” 1 Kings 7:21–22

It’s important to note that these two pillars are not described as supporting any structure or roof. They were a free-standing testimony to all who entered the Temple, and Solomon actually gave each pillar a name. Did that peek your interest while reading? It did mine! Why would Solomon erect two pillars that serve no purpose in supporting the structure and name them?

It’s also important to note that the portico was the entrance of the Temple, therefore the men of Israel would pass by these pillars as they entered the Temple, but the true significance is found in the names Solomon gave them and not so much in their placement.

One, Solomon named Jachin which means, “He will establish.” It may also be construed as a prayer, “May He establish.”. The second was, Boaz which means “In Him is strength” or “By the Lord, the King is mighty.”

Here we have “He will establish” and “In Him is strength” serving as majestic (standing some 35 feet in the air) statements in front of the Temple for all to see while passing by..

·         The first highlights the promise of the Lord, the second the power of the Lord.

·         The first recalls what the Lord said; the second reminds us that He is able to do all He has said.

·         Jachin stood to point to the original anchor of God’s Word; Boaz stood to point to His ongoing power to bring His Word to pass.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have these two reminders before us always as we meet with God each day? I was reminded of what Paul had said about Abraham in Romans 4:20-21, “He (Abraham) did not waver in unbelief at God’s promise, but was strengthened in His faith and gave glory to God, because he was fully convinced that what he promised He was also able to perform.” (emphasis mine)


In essence, you could say, Jachin highlight’s God’s grace, while Boaz points to our responsibility highlighted in Psalm 105:4, “Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face continually.”
 
If you approached God always between these two pillars of thought, how much more powerful would your prayers be?