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← The Two Pillars

Chapter 18 · Study

The Two Pillars

Print study sheet Read first, then practise.

Vocabulary · 7

Pillars of the Porch
Two great brazen pillars set at the porch of King Solomon's Temple. Their casting and placement are described in 1 Kings 7 and 2 Chronicles 3, biblical material that is fully public.
Boaz
The name of the left-hand pillar (as one enters the porch from the East). In Hebrew it signifies "In strength." The published lecture explains both name and meaning.
Jachin
The name of the right-hand pillar. In Hebrew it signifies "He shall establish." The published lecture pairs the meanings: "In strength He shall establish."
Pomegranate
The capital of each pillar was adorned with two hundred pomegranates, arranged in rows. The published lecture treats the pomegranate as an emblem of plenty.
Lily-work
The capitals were also adorned with lily-work. The published lecture treats the lily as an emblem of peace.
Hiram the Builder
The bronze-worker from Tyre commissioned by King Solomon to cast the two pillars and the temple's brazen furnishings, distinct from King Hiram of Tyre. The biblical account is in 1 Kings 7.
Globes upon the capitals
In Anglo-American Masonic depictions a celestial globe surmounts one pillar and a terrestrial globe the other (a tradition added by speculative Masonry, not present in the biblical account). The published lecture treats them as emblematic of the universality of Masonry.

Practice questions · 5

  1. Where in scripture is the casting and placement of the two pillars described?

    • a. Exodus 30
    • b. 1 Kings 7 ✓
    • c. Psalm 19
    • d. Proverbs 8

  2. What does the name 'Boaz' signify, per the published lecture?

    • a. He shall establish
    • b. In strength ✓
    • c. Peace be unto thee
    • d. House of God

  3. What does the name 'Jachin' signify?

    • a. In strength
    • b. He shall establish ✓
    • c. Word of the Lord
    • d. Light from on high

  4. Of what is the pomegranate, adorning the capitals, an emblem in the published lecture?

    • a. Wisdom
    • b. Plenty ✓
    • c. Justice
    • d. Fortitude

  5. Of what is the lily-work an emblem in the published lecture?

    • a. Peace ✓
    • b. Innocence
    • c. Resurrection
    • d. Mercy