Pillar of Boaz
One of the most wonderful things I’ve discovered about the Bible is when studying it over and over, I learn new things, information I missed in previous readings. This happened again recently.
Sometimes I search particular passages of scripture for information, but my daily Bible study consists of whatever scripture comes next in my reading of the Old and New Testaments from beginning to end. When I finish, I start over. Of course, this takes me quite a while to read the entire Bible.
One day this past week, my Old Testament lesson was in 1 Kings 6, as Solomon begins to build the temple in Jerusalem.
In the four hundred and eightieth year after the Israelites came out of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, the second month, he began to build the temple of the LORD. (1 Kings 6:1) NIV
Construction began in 966 B.C. and finished seven years later. Although modest in size, 90 X 30 X 45 feet, the temple was a great architectural achievement for this era.1
Solomon hired Hiram of Tyre, a skilled bronze craftsman. As part of the construction, Hiram built two large bronze pillars placed at the entrance to the vestibule of the temple. The massive pillars were 45 feet tall and 18 feet in circumference. 2 Solomon named the pillars; the one on the north side, he designated Jachin, which means “he will establish.” The pillar on the south side, Solomon called, Boaz, “in him is strength.”
Boaz?
How had I missed this naming of a pillar in previous readings of this passage? The Book of Ruth is one of my favorites, and Boaz, the kinsman redeemer of Naomi, one of my heroes. To summarize briefly, Naomi’s family had fled from Judah to Moab to escape a famine. Her husband Elimelek and her two sons died while they resided in this foreign country. Having no other recourse, Naomi traveled back to her homeland to seek help. One of her daughters-in-law, Ruth, made the journey with her. Settling again in Bethlehem, the women focused on surviving. Ruth offered to go to the grain fields to glean, following behind the laborers during the barley harvest, gathering grain they missed. Boaz, Naomi’s kinsman, observes Ruth and extends his protection to her. As Naomi’s closest relation, Boaz is responsible for her welfare, but his concern and care go much further. He not only rescued Naomi and Ruth from poverty, he marries Ruth in what I’ve always believed is a love match.
Four generations later, the great-great grandson of Ruth and Boaz, names a pillar Boaz. Was this in remembrance of Solomon’s ancestor or was the name chosen for its meaning, “in him is strength?”3 Scripture doesn’t tell us the reason. Perhaps Solomon chose the name to honor God…
In Him is strength
We know that our Father cares for the downtrodden, the poor, and those experiencing grief. God loves all His children, but I believe he has a special place in His heart for those who are suffering. Naomi was mired deeply in grief, loneliness, and fear. Boaz was her closest relation. He had compassion for her and for Ruth, who had made the long journey from Moab to help care for her mother-in-law.
Boaz followed the teachings of His God. He exemplified qualities of our Father:
- Boaz cared for those in need—Naomi was poor and needed help.
- Boaz protected the vulnerable—making sure Ruth was safe when working the fields.
- Boaz saw a need and gave assistance—his actions honored God.
- Boaz accepted and loved Ruth even though she was from a different culture.
Solomon’s choice of Boaz to name the pillar seems fitting—in him is strength.
I pray those words can also be used to describe us—in us is strength to serve our Lord.
Wishing you safety and blessings as you strive to complete God’s work here on Earth.
1 Bernhard W. Anderson. (2007). Understanding the Old Testament. Pearson Prentice Hall: Upper Saddle River, N.J.
I too love the story of Ruth and Boaz and I never picked up on the pillar of Boaz. Such seemingly small things we can miss that have so much meaning. Thank you for sharing this.
I’m glad I’m not the only one who doesn’t catch all the details. But, that’s the marvelous thing about Bible study–we keep finding such amazing and meaningful information. Thank you for stopping by and sharing, Jen.
The story of Ruth never gets old for me. It shows us how God accepts all who will come to Him in faith and gives us the picture of Christ as our redeemer. That is an interesting fact you uncovered about the pillar in the temple named Boaz. That man’s legacy lasted for centuries. Thanks for sharing, Katherine.
The story of Ruth never gets old for me either, Barbara. It shares hope, not only of God’s Master plan, but that we can find happiness and hope following sorrow and grief. Wishing you a blessed week.
Fascinating piece of information you’ve highlighted here. Thank you for sharing your thought-provoking insights.
Isn’t is wonderful that the Bible is filled with fascinating information that always applies to our daily lives? Thank you for visiting, Annie. Hope your week is filled with joy and blessings.
I love that we find something new when we read the Bible -especially in familiar passages. Today was one of those days.-pillar of Boaz and what that represents: “In him is strength.” Thanks for sharing.
I agree Marilyn. Our Bible is filled with wisdom and guidance and so many examples of God’s love for us. “In Him there is strength” and with that strength He protects us, loves us, and guides us along our journey with Him. We are so blessed.
I love how the Holy Spirit is constantly revealing new things to us as we continue to meditate on and study His word. It truly is the never-ending book; because each time we read something again we find something new. It is because we are seeking or because God is growing us? Perhaps both. Thank you for sharing these insights with us Ms. Katherine.
I like that, J.D., our Bible as the “never ending book.” God’s love for us is the never ending story of redemption, grace, and forgiveness. We are so blessed that Jesus sent us the Counselor and Comforter in the form of the Holy Spirit so that we are never alone on our journey. May God bless you and your Cross-Dubya family, my friend.
You’re so right that the Bible teaches us new lessons no matter how many times we’ve already read through. I don’t remember noticing the pillar of Boaz in previous readings. I love that Solomon was wise enough to include history in the construction of the temple. We would be wise to look back and remember where we came from too.
I agree. We could learn so much from history if we would review more often. Instead, we blunder forward and repeat the same mistakes. “Look where we came from”…I like that. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, Nancy.
I’m so glad you made that connection and shared it with us! Every detail and layer in the Bible has significance, which is why it’s the “never ending book,” as Mr. J.D. said. Thank you for giving me something to mull over from several angles as we start a new day.
“Never ending book”–I agree! We learn new information and lessons with every reading AND the Bible continues to be applicable to our daily living, guiding us on our journey with Jesus. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and encouragement, Leigh.
I’ve long loved the book of Ruth too. It has so many applications to our lives today. Boaz was quite the hero. I believe there is a connection to the naming of that pillar. At least there is now in my mind thanks to your words.
You share such an important point Candyce, the story of Ruth (and those of other people in the Bible) provide us with vital information to guide us on our daily walk with our Lord. The importance of trust, loyalty, faith, loving one another, protecting our loved ones, perseverance are just some of the wonderful lessons we find in the Book of Ruth. So glad you stopped by and shared your thoughts. Wishing you a day filled with sunshine!
May it be said of me, “In Mary the strength of God is evident.”
Scripture is such a treasure hunt, isn’t it? Proof that the Bible is the living, breathing, active Word of the living God filled with little treasures waiting to be discovered.
That’s a lovely prayer, Mary, one we all can join with you. The Bible provides us with so many treasures and I love your description–“the living breathing active Word of the living God.” We are so blessed.
This is such a lovely post, Katherine! I, too, read through the Old and New Testaments and get to passages as they come up and am often amazed by things I’ve not noticed before.
I have never thought about Solomon naming the pillar Boaz, but it is so fitting, as Boaz was definitely a man who honored God and found his strength in God to be able to act as he did to protect and love Ruth.
I’m so grateful for the lessons we are provided in our daily reading of God’s Word, but I also love the inside look we receive into the lives of those who came before us. The Book of Ruth provides wonderful lessons, but we are also given a glimpse of their deepest emotions, reminding us these are real people, not just storybook characters. Wishing you a day filled with joy and blessing, Kathy.
Thank you for sharing him with us!
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How fascinating! I’ve never noticed that either. Thanks Katherine for pointing that out. Love learning new things from Scripture!
As J.D. reminded us in his comment–scripture is living, breathing, and continually guiding us. Just think of the new things we still can look forward to learning! Thank you for stopping by and sharing encouragement, Sylvia.
Katherine, I didn’t know about the pillar of Boaz. Loved learning about that. Neither did I realize the small size of the temple. Only 30 feet wide! I guess they did a lot in the courts. You’ve peaked my interest!
It peaked my interest too, Debbie, and I did some research on the later temples. Perhaps for another blog. Like you, I love learning new things and it is always a blessing when something special from God’s Word is pointed out.
Thank you for reminding us that our strength is in the Lord. He is a pillar we can trust to hold up our lives.
Yes, Joanna, our strength is in the Lord. Thank you for stopping by and reminding us that all we are or ever will be is all within God’s plan. Wishing you a blessed week and much joy in writing.