1 Kings Chapter 7 · Verse 22
And upon the top of the pillars was lily work: so was the work of the pillars finished.
Original Language Analysis
וְעַ֛ל
H5921
וְעַ֛ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
1 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
רֹ֥אשׁ
And upon the top
H7218
רֹ֥אשׁ
And upon the top
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
2 of 8
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
הָֽעַמּוּדִֽים׃
of the pillars
H5982
הָֽעַמּוּדִֽים׃
of the pillars
Strong's:
H5982
Word #:
3 of 8
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
מַֽעֲשֵׂ֣ה
work
H4639
מַֽעֲשֵׂ֣ה
work
Strong's:
H4639
Word #:
4 of 8
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
שׁוֹשָׁ֑ן
was lily
H7799
שׁוֹשָׁ֑ן
was lily
Strong's:
H7799
Word #:
5 of 8
a lily (from its whiteness), as a flower of architectural ornament; also a (straight) trumpet (from the tubular shape)
וַתִּתֹּ֖ם
finished
H8552
וַתִּתֹּ֖ם
finished
Strong's:
H8552
Word #:
6 of 8
to complete, in a good or a bad sense, literal, or figurative, transitive or intransitive
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the temple as God's dwelling place help us understand Christ's incarnation and the church as God's temple today?
- What does Solomon's prayer and dedication teach about approaching God in worship and prayer?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
And upon the top of the pillars was lily work: so was the work of the pillars finished.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of temple furnishings and solomon's palace, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy.
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.