1 Kings 7:20
And the chapiters upon the two pillars had pomegranates also above, over against the belly which was by the network: and the pomegranates were two hundred in rows round about upon the other chapiter. And the chapiters upon the two pillars had pomegranates also above, over against the belly which was by the network: and the pomegranates were two hundred in rows round about upon the other chapiter.
The verse belongs to the history of the undivided kingdom under Solomon in 1 Kings 1 to 11, which relates the same events as 2 Chronicles 1 to 9 and comes in chronological order. It is part of the account of the construction of Solomon's temple, a permanent and enlarged version of the tabernacle built with greater vessels and remarkable magnificence. It falls in the latter part of 1 Kings 7 that gives details of the furnishings and vessels of the temple, following the description of Solomon's own house which he built only after he had finished the house of Jehovah, showing he did not put self first as many do.
The verse describes the capitals of the two pillars with pomegranates arranged in rows round about them. The temple described had two holy places with sacred vessels like those of the tabernacle, and its two-part design served as a pattern of the heavenly temple, which likewise has two holy places. The account of the building and furniture of the temple to which the verse belongs is to be especially noted, along with the dedication prayer and sacrifices and the divine answer to Solomon's prayer.
The temple work to which the verse belongs shows the Lord gave special wisdom to the builders of the temple, just as He gave special wisdom to the men who built the tabernacle in the wilderness and skill to His people in agricultural work. That skill shows the power of invention is God-given, with no principle of invention new to the Lord, who could have revealed modern principles thousands of years before had it been within His purpose. All such wisdom was given for the benefit of the masses and for the furtherance of His cause, but especially in scientific and mechanical lines it has been largely perverted to selfish purposes and turned from the object of the Giver, and much inventive skill was withheld until the last days for finishing the work.
The pomegranates in rows around the capitals of the two pillars were used as adornment to make the house of the Lord beautiful, not to be worshiped. Together with the bell, lions, cattle, and woven cherubim of the tabernacle and temple, the verse proves it is proper to draw, portray, and make likenesses of things in heaven, earth, and water for use and to glorify God. The second commandment forbids making any likeness only in order to bow before it and worship it.