Pillars in the Bible

Solomon built two pillars and erected them in the porch of the temple. The pillar to the south he named it Jakin and the one to the north, Boaz, meaning ‘He shall establish’ and ‘In it is strength’, respectively. These pillars were a constant reminder to everyone who looked to the temple, that God would be their strength and that His purpose would be established and His righteousness upheld.

Absalom had taken a pillar and erected it in the King’s Valley as a monument to himself. He thought, “I have no son to carry on the memory of my name.” He named the pillar after himself and it is called ‘Absalom’s Monument’ to this day (2 Samuel 18:18).

The difference between the pillars of God and Absalom’s pillar: the pillars of God were there to give praise to God to uphold the memory of His name and His will, not so Absalom’s pillar, it was set out in the King’s Valley, miles from anywhere. It was to uphold his name and his memory because he had no son.

Paul says, “You will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15). It is a place of surety when the world is in turmoil, a place of refuge. A pillar is only as good as the foundation on which it is built. We can have the strongest of pillars but unless that pillar is based upon that firm foundation, it will not stand. We are pillars of God’s righteousness: “James, Peter and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognised the grace given to me” (Galatians 2:9). These three brethren are described as pillars. They were sure and steady in the things of God, they were always there to support others. They gave Paul and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship and departed, so even though we may be miles away from others in fellowship in Christ Jesus, that supportive right hand of fellowship is constantly there for us. We see Jesus Christ the perfect specimen of a man who was the pillar of faith, and through his sacrifice, shown through bread and wine, we see God’s plan and purpose. The bread speaks of strength of God, the wine that God has established a new covenant in Christ.

Bro Joel Singini (Nkhata Bay, Malawi)