Pillars

Why so much attention to the pillars of Solomon’s temple in 2 Kings 25? It is likely that these were the last major items left. Ahaz had already dismantled the bronze sea and the water chariots. King after king plundered the temple for bribe money. When Nebuchadnezzar came, not much was left. Perhaps even the ark was among the “gold” items removed earlier.

The sequence of removal is probably significant. First, Ahaz interrupted the flow of water going out of the temple, and revoved the sea from the backs of the bulls. Israel was no longer carrying the sea of nations, no longer the source for heavenly water. No water chariots flowed from the temple to the four corners of the earth. But at least Israel still had her king and priest. But, second, Jachin and Boaz, the priestly and royal guardians of the house, were removed. An Israel that does not send living water to the Gentiles will be utterly ruined; an Israel that dismantles her water chariots will eventually be without king and priest.