Grace Notes // When We Were Kings Week 4

Making Bronze Statues

Written by Keli Miller

No expense was spared when building the temple of God. 

In 1 Kings 7 we find all the details we could possibly imagine (and more) listed out. We know how tall each bronze pillar was, how many water carts there were and how high and wide they stood. We learn that the temple was 10 cubits squared (felt obligated to pause and mention that Solomon’s own palace was double this size) and we know that beyond this, there was an immeasurable amount of bronze work. 

In this time, the weight of all this bronze would determine the value of it. I love that we don’t know the exact weight because it says, that the value of this temple can not be measured. You can not put a price on it. 

This entire process points to the Christ to come. 

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 4:20)

When reading through this chapter it’s easy to get lost in all the details. Why should we care how tall two pillars were thousands of years ago? Or that they were named Jachin and Boaz? 

Because, even here God is speaking. 

In 1 Kings 7:21 we read about the two pillars at the entrance of the sanctuary. These are the two pillars that you must pass through everytime you enter and exit the temple of God’s presence. The right pillar was named Jachin, meaning “He will establish.” The left pillar named Boaz, meaning “In Him is strength.” In your coming and going, He will establish you in strength. 

He will establish him in strength.   

In the details of the building of the temple, we find the heart of God. Intentionality was woven throughout every step. And while Solomon and Hiram receive credit for this project, we know that there were many helping hands. 

A little bit about Hiram: we know that his father (also a bronze maker) was from Tyre and his mother was from the tribe of Dan. This suggests that he would share some of the Isralites affection for the temple of God. Between the skill passed down from his father and his mother’s roots, he was uniquely positioned for this job, but we know he didn’t work alone. In fact, 2 Chronicles' account tells us that around 153,600 were enlisted to work on the temple. It takes an entire community. There were porters, stonecutters, and supervisors whose help was needed in order to build the temple. 

From the temple, to Jesus walking on earth, to his Holy Spirit dwelling in us, the presence and work of God has been immeasurable. 

When Jesus was on earth, he made it clear that was going away so that something greater could come and do a new work in and through all of us. 

The church is not just the pastor or the staff, it is a body of many hands. It is all of us coming together for His purposes. God has positioned and called each of us uniquely, to participate in the work of His Kingdom. 

“There will always be a position or a role, bodies in that role are super helpful. You in that role, is invaluable.” - Pastor Holly Avera

In your coming and going he will establish you in strength. As you go about your life and work, with the presence of God, He will establish you in strength. He will equip you for the work he’s asked you to do. 

In the Word 

1 Kings 6-7

2 Chronicles 2 

Phillipians 2: 1-4, 12-13

Processing

What is the work you are called to do? Think both inside the church and outside the church. 

What has been asked of you & are you doing the work? 

We read through a lot of details this week. Read both accounts of the temple building. How do you see God’s heart through these details? What do you learn about Solomon’s heart?