What are Jachin and Boaz?

This and JACHIN were the names given to two pillars in the porch of the temple built by Solomon. They are minutely described in 1 Kings 7:15-22; 2 Chr. 3:15-17. It will be observed that in Kings and Jer. 52:21 the height of each pillar is 18 cubits, but in Chronicles their length is said to be 35 cubits. The explanation of this difference is that in Kings the height of each is given, and in Chronicles the length of the pillars, the two together; so that the 17-1/2 cubits, with perhaps a socket, would be the same as the 18 cubits in Kings. JACHIN signifies 'He will establish,' and BOAZ, 'in Him [is] strength' — implying that the kingdom will be established in strength and in peace, under the administration of Christ: thus the names are typical of the millennium. There appears to be an allusion to these pillars in Rev. 3:12, the overcomer being made a 'pillar' in the temple of God.

The Temple was 60 cubits long, 20 cubits broad, and 30 cubits high. In its breadth and length it was double the size of the Tabernacle. The Holy of Holies was 20 cubits long, and the Holy place 40 cubits. In the front of the house broadways was a porch 20 cubits long and 10 cubits broad (1 Kings 6:23). The great pillars are described in much detail in 1 Kings 7:15-22; much more briefly in 2 Chronicles 3:15-17. They were named Jachin, meaning "He will establish," and Boaz, "In Him is strength." These great pillars, each about 18 cubits high, were a public testimony that stability is found in Christ, and only in Christ. Early in the building operations, Jehovah spoke afresh to Solomon. "Concerning this house which thou art in building, if thou wilt walk in My statutes, and execute My judgements, and keep all My commandments to walk in them: then will I perform My word as to thee, which I spake to David thy father: and I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake My people Israel" (1 Kings 6:11-13). Here again is the fatal "if." Everything at the moment depended upon the faithfulness of king and people. All was soon lost, never to be restored until the day of the Lord Jesus. But "the gifts and calling of God are without repentance" (Rom. 11:29), and He will yet fulfil all His promises of grace to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Such is the evil and instability of poor flesh, that each one of us must humbly say, "Saved by grace alone; this is all my plea."

TWO COPPER PILLARS (vs.15-22)

The magnificence of the temple was enhanced by two great pillars of copper at the entrance, each measuring 18 cubits (27 feet) high and 12 cubits (18 feet) in circumference (v.15). If these were solid copper their weight must have been tremendous. In fact, they would be remarkably strong if they were hollow with only 4 inch thick walls. But nothing is said concerning this. Even the capitals placed on top of the pillars were 5 cubits (7.5 feet) high, and these were ornamented with a lattice network of chains (v.17). Besides this two rows of pomegranates formed of copper were used as ornaments, and the capitals were in the shape of lilies. The pomegranates (full of seeds) speak of the abundant fruitfulness of the work of God, while the lilies speak of the beauty of God's work (vs.18-20).

The pillars were named Jachin (on the right) and Boaz (on the left) of the entry (v.21). Jachin means "He shall establish." This is a promise that God will eventually establish His house for it was not to be established then. Indeed, that house was later destroyed because of Israel's unfaithfulness, but God's promise as to the future remains. Boaz means "in Him is strength." If the weakness of Israel led to ruin and failure, the Lord Jesus is still the strong One who will accomplish the will of God in perfection. This work of erecting the pillars was no small project, and must have occupied some time.

The brazen pillars, situated in front of the porch of the temple, attracted attention immediately. They represented the outward manifestation of the principles of the kingdom. We have already said that no other pillar is mentioned in the temple. They were named Jachin (He shall establish) and Boaz (in Him is strength). These were the two great truths presented symbolically to whosoever took part in the blessed reign of Solomon. All came from Him; in Him and in Him personally there is strength. He maintains Himself and needs no external help whatsoever. His strength is used to establish rather than needing to be established.

One of the two notable pillars in Solomon's temple: it signifies 'He will establish.' 1 Kings 7:21; 2 Chr. 3:17. See BOAZ.

In the court of the temple were two pillars which received the names of JACHIN, "He will establish;" and BOAZ, "in him is strength," which perfectly agrees with the fact that it was God's house that was being built. 1 Kings 7:21; Rev. 3:12.

The vessels of Jehovah's house were made on a much larger scale then those of the tabernacle; but they were the same, although greater in number. The only new things were the pillars, Jachin and Boaz; that is to say, "He will establish," and, "in Him is strength" (names which make the meaning of these pillars evident). I doubt not that the passage in Revelation 3:12 alludes to these pillars.

Solomon "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 ['He will establish'], and the name of that on the left Boaz ['In Him is strength'] (2 Chron. 3:17). They are silent but eloquent testimony-bearers of the great truths of ESTABLISHMENT BY GOD and STRENGTH IN CHRIST. The truths thus declared are expressed by the Holy Ghost in 2 Cor. 1:21 — "Now He which stablishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, is God; who has also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts."

The two pillars called Jachin (He will establish) and Boaz (In Him is strength) are the symbols of the stability of the government of this earth in the glorious reign of Christ, which is typified by the reign of Solomon and the house he built.

We turn now to Solomon's molten sea (2 Chron. 4:2-5). This being a development of the laver, we have necessarily the same thought of priestly cleansing connected with it, but not this only. There are further thoughts also. Solomon's reign is remarkably typical of the future reign of the Lord Jesus. It was a period of peace and glory for Israel, all foes having been put down. The Temple arrangements accordingly suggest to us various Millennial features. Thus we have the Cherubim looking "toward the house" (2 Chron. 3:13, R.V.), i.e., outwards, toward the people, telling us of Divine righteousness looking abroad in blessing to men. Compare Psalm 72:2-3; Isa. 32:1. Then the two great pillars called Jachin and Boaz; meaning respectively "He will establish" and "in Him is strength," teach us that Christ in the day of His kingdom will establish all things in power for His earthly people, and will uphold and preserve from ruin that which He will establish for them. He is the true Boaz, the Kinsman-Redeemer.