“Then he set up the pillars before the temple, one on the right hand and the other on the left; he called the name of the one on the right hand Jachin, and the name of the one on the left Boaz.”

‭‭II Chronicles‬ ‭3:17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

It took seven years and over 15 thousand men to build the tabernacle of G-d – a place covered filled with gold, cedar, and precious stones, set apart and dedicated to the worship or G-d. Though G-d could not and would not be contained within the walls, it stood as a testimony to anyone who would draw near of the worth, the beauty, and the power of the One True G-d. 

As the story unfolds today of the construction of the Temple, I was captivated by the pillars. When the Israelites traveled from Egypt to the Promised Land, they were led by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. It’s the same Hebrew word found in this passage. 

Believed to be 6 feet thick and 27 feet high, the pillars were works of art capped by a decorative column intricately carved. Solomon then erected them at entrance and named them: Jachin on the right (may He establish) and Boaz on the left (in Him is strength). 

‭‭From pillars to guide and shield them – moving, alive, and fluid, to large, ornate, immovable pillars. Pillars that stood as testimonies and reminders of His strength, protection, and promise. Pillars that stood prophetically at the entrance proclaiming “May He establish us” and “in Him is all strength”. 

I’m once again reminded that He establishes, strengthens, and sustains me. There are pillars in my spirit – marker moments of irrefutable evidence of His power. Yet, how quickly I forget His provision and promise as I foolishly forge ahead without seeking Him,  relying upon my own ability to accomplish the tasks before me only to faint in the end. 

He stands before me – and you – today, promising to establish our way, ready to strengthen us, if we’ll only turn and yield to Him. 

Father – thank You for Your truth. Establish and strengthen me. Help me to find my source in You alone. Not in man. Not in things. Not in vain imaginations. But in You. Only You. You are good and You keep doing good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen. 

Daily Reading: 1 Kings 5-6, 2 Chronicles 2-3