SOAP 2 Chronicles 3: Are You a Pillar?

Are You a Pillar?

2 Chronicles 3

And he reared up the pillars before the temple, one on the right hand and the other on the left; and called the name of that on the right hand Jachin, and the name on the loft Boaz.

2 Chronicles 3:17 KJV

In this chapter Solomon is beginning to build the temple. We are given the dimensions and materials used. There is so much to pull from this chapter but immediately the last verse stood out to me.

I’ve seen drawings of the temple and more attention is given to other parts, the Holy of Holies, the Holy place, and the outer court. I’ve never given much thought to the pillars. 

And he set up the pillars in the porch of the temple; and he set up the right pillar, and called the name thereof Jachin; and he set up the left pillar, and called the name thereof Boaz.

1 Kings 7:21 KJV

Nothing in God’s word is filler. Everything has a purpose and significance. What is the purpose of a pillar? Why were they placed in the porch? Why were they named Jachin and Boaz?

According to Britannica, a pillar is a vertical element that support compressive and bending forces, transmitting all the loads of the structure to the foundation.  They are one of the most important elements for the support of a structure therefore, their execution requires special attention.

A porch is a place people gather to have conversation. It was the place where Jesus taught, shared and visited with people (John 10) and where His disciples continued Jesus’ ministry (Acts 3, 5).

The first time we hear the name Jachin is in Genesis 46:10 in reference to Jacob’s family.

And the sons of Simeon; Lemuel and main, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar and Shaun the son of a Canaanitish woman.

God fulfills his promise to make a great nation through Jacob’s bloodline. With Jachin’s heritage intact and known throughout the land, the right pillar, looking out from the porch is called Jachin (son of Simeon, son of Jacob) which means “established” or “he will establish”.

We hear about Boaz in the book of Ruth. The left pillar is called Boaz, which means “strength” or “in him is strength “.

I know that is a lot of information but I thought it was important to understand the significance of the pillars and their names.

The pillars had a purpose, they were not there as ornamental or decoration. 

The porch and the pillars are where you stand, what you walk through before you enter into the Holy place and then the Holy of Holies. They are a reminder that God is our strength, stability and support. He bears the weight of our sin and welcomes us into His presence. When I think of a pillar I think of stability and strength. 

James, Cephas and John were “pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me”

Galations 2:9 KJV

Paul said in 1 Timothy 3:15 behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

Revelation 3:12 says Him that overcommeth will I make a pillar in the temple of my God.

And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. Exodus 13:21 KJV

Lot’s wife was turned into a pillar of salt.

Genesis 19:26

Are you a pillar? What kind of a pillar are you?

Jesus, help us to be pillars of your church. To be reliable and supportive. To help hold up those who are struggling and to point them to you. Help us to be active in our church and community. To show faith, obedience, humility, selfless love, forgiveness, self-discipline, gratitude and worship. To be an overcomer. In Jesus name, Amen.