Bible Talks: 1 Kings 7:13-37.

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We notice here that the two pillars of the house were called Jachin and Boaz. These names mean, “He will establish,” and “In Him is strength.” These pillars were made of brass, and brass figures to us righteouess in judgment. This reminds us of the verse previously quoted, “Behold, a King shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment.” Isaiah 32:11Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment. (Isaiah 32:1). In the millennium, of which Solomon’s reign was a figure, there will be righteous government established in power in the earth. Even the measurements of these pillars and chapiters are all figurative and give us a further picture of the character of the kingdom. Twelve speaks of government in the hands of man and so it will be in the millenium. Ten speaks of responsibility Godward, for there were ten commandments, and in this future time, under the new covenant, we read, “I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts.” Hebrews 8:1010For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: (Hebrews 8:10). Perhaps the reason these pillars were eighteen cubits high, which is made up of ten and eight, is because the kingdom established in the millennial age (figured by the ten) will be the introduction into the eternal state. Eight in Scripture figures new creation, and at that time all will be permanently established on the earth, as we read in 1 Corinthians 15:2525For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. (1 Corinthians 15:25). “He must reign, till He hath put all enemies under His feet.” In the millennium, as we have remarked, the new order of things will be brought in, for then righteousness reigns, but it is not until the eternal state that righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:1313Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. (2 Peter 3:13)).
Then there were brass chapiters of four cubits and five cubits, with seven nets on each one. Four speaks of the universe, five of human weakness, and seven figures perfection. Christ was crucified in weakness, but He will yet reign over the universe, establishing perfect government on the earth. The lily work and pomegranates on all these, no doubt speak of the beauty and fruitfulness which will be seen in the earth when this kingdom is established by the Lord Jesus Christ.
We then read of the great brazen sea which Solomon built. This sea was built upon twelve brazen oxen which faced in all directions. This brazen sea contained two thousand baths and would perhaps answer to that verse in Ezekiel 36:2525Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. (Ezekiel 36:25). “I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.” During these “two days” (answering to the two thousand) Israel are nationally under the guilt of having crucified their Messiah, but when they turn to the Lord there will be cleansing for them, and then they will be established in blessing on the earth. This is figured in the twelve oxen. (See Hosea 5:156:3; Zechariah 13:1, 21In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness. 2And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord of hosts, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land. (Zechariah 13:1‑2).) What a day it will be when this cleansing takes place for that guilty nation. There will be stability and strength in the righteous government which will then be established, as typified in the oxen, the lions, and the cherubim. The wheels under it would perhaps show us what we have already remarked, that things will not be permanently established on the earth during the millennium, for a wheel brings in the thought of movement. It will not be until the eternal state that righteousness dwells.
ML 01/08/1956