Two Pillars of Brass

1 Kings 7:15 - For he cast two pillars of brass, of eighteen cubits high apiece: and a line of twelve cubits did compass either of them about.
2 Chronicles 3:15 - Also he made before the house two pillars of thirty and five cubits high, and the chapiter that was on the top of each of them was five cubits.

1 Kings 7:15 states that the two pillars are eighteen cubits high. In 2 Chronicles 3:15 it states that the two pillars are thirty and five cubits high. Why the height difference?


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How high were the pillars of Solomon's Temple ?

Another alleged discrepancy is said to be found in the details of the pillars and "chapiters" given in several different Scriptures. In one place the figure is thirty five cubits for the pillars and in three places the figure given is eighteen cubits, and the "chapiters" are variously described as of three and five cubits. There is no disagreement in the relevant Scriptures, but rather a lack of understanding or a lack of candour on the part of the critic. The pillars are each 18 cubits high (1 Kings 7.15, 16; 2 Kings 25.17; Jeremiah 52.21). Each pillar is finished with a "chapiter", and apparently exactly half a cubit of each pillar fits into the chapiter and is thus concealed from view. The visible portions of the two pillars together measure exactly 35 cubits, (2 Chronicles 3.15--see also A.V. margin " long ").

Were the chapiters 5 cubits high as in 1 Kings 7, or 3 cubits as in 2 Kings 25.17? Both are correct. The full measurement given in 1 Kings 7, 2 Chronicles 3, and Jeremiah 52.21, includes the ornamental embellishment, nets, wreaths, chains etc. The 3 cubits given in 2 Kings 25.17 is the measurement of the chapiter only, and the "wreathen work" would account for the other two cubits.

Will Kinney

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