The Hollow Pillar: A Reflection on Strength and Vulnerability
"And concerning the pillars, the height of one pillar was eighteen cubits; and a fillet of twelve cubits did compass it; and the thickness thereof was four fingers: it was hollow." - Jeremiah 52:21
The book of Jeremiah, known for its profound messages of hope amid destruction, offers insights that resonate deeply within us, even in its minutiae. One such passage is Jeremiah 52:21, which states: "And concerning the pillars, the height of one pillar was eighteen cubits; and a fillet of twelve cubits did compass it; and the thickness thereof was four fingers: it was hollow." At first glance, this description of ancient pillars may seem archaic or irrelevant to our modern lives. However, upon deeper reflection, it becomes a powerful metaphor for the dual aspects of strength and vulnerability that each of us can relate to.
### The Significance of Height
The first element noted in this passage is the height of the pillar, measuring eighteen cubits. In biblical literature, height often symbolizes spiritual elevations or significant achievements. It draws our attention to the majesty and glory of God. Just as a towering pillar stands tall, we, too, are called to rise above our circumstances.
In our lives, we strive for higher spiritual heights, aiming to be a reflection of God’s glory. Paul encourages us in Ephesians 4:13 to grow "unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." The height of the pillar can remind us of this journey towards greater spiritual maturity. However, just as Solomon built the magnificent pillars for the temple, indicating they were erected for divine service, we must remember that our lives ought to bring glory to God as well. The pursuit of spiritual height should be rooted in service and humility.
### The Fillet of Twelve Cubits
The fillet described as twelve cubits surrounding the pillar can also be seen as a symbol of strength and support. In biblical numerology, the number twelve holds significant meaning — it often represents completeness, as seen in the twelve tribes of Israel, and also signifies God’s governance over His people. The fillet serves an important function; it aids in holding things together.
As followers of Christ, we are called to support and uplift one another in faith (Galatians 6:2). This fillet around us can symbolize our community, the body of Christ that provides strength and helps bear our burdens. The strength of our heights is fortified by the community that surrounds us, emphasizing that we do not walk the Christian journey alone. Just as the fillet ensures the integrity of the pillar, so does our faith community help stabilize and surround us in times of joy and trial.
### The Hollow Center
Finally, we encounter the most profound aspect — the hollowness of the pillar. The text explicitly states, "it was hollow." This hollowness can reflect a critical life truth: strength does not always equate to solidity. A hollow pillar can stand tall and support significant weight, yet it has an empty space within. This hollowness may represent vulnerability in our lives, the areas where we might feel lacking or where we struggle.
It begs the question: Can we acknowledge our hollowness and still serve God? The answer is a resounding yes! In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul writes, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." This hollowness does not disqualify us from God’s purpose; rather, it provides an opportunity for God’s strength to shine through our weaknesses.
### Conclusion
In conclusion, the image of the pillars in Jeremiah 52:21 is a compelling reminder of our Christian journey. We are called to strive for height, to seek completeness in our communities, and to embrace our vulnerabilities. God uses the hollow spaces within us to infill us with His grace, making us stronger than we could ever appear on our own. As we reflect on this passage, let us not only aspire to be tall pillars of faith but also humble enough to acknowledge our hollowness, filling us with God’s spirit and strength.
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Jeremiah 52:21 Artwork
Jeremiah 52:21 - "And concerning the pillars, the height of one pillar was eighteen cubits; and a fillet of twelve cubits did compass it; and the thickness thereof was four fingers: it was hollow."
"And concerning the pillars, the height of one pillar was eighteen cubits; and a fillet of twelve cubits did compass it; and the thickness thereof was four fingers: it was hollow." - Jeremiah 52:21
Jeremiah 52:16
Jeremiah 52:5 - "So the city was besieged unto the eleventh year of king Zedekiah."
Jeremiah 52:16 - "But Nebuzar-adan the captain of the guard left certain of the poor of the land for vinedressers and for husbandmen."
Jeremiah 52:2 - "And he did that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that Jehoiakim had done."
Jeremiah 52:6 - "And in the fourth month, in the ninth day of the month, the famine was sore in the city, so that there was no bread for the people of the land."
Jeremiah 52:26 - "So Nebuzar-adan the captain of the guard took them, and brought them to the king of Babylon to Riblah."
Jeremiah 52:1 - "Zedekiah was one and twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah."
Jeremiah 52:24 - "¶ And the captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest, and Zephaniah the second priest, and the three keepers of the door:"
Jeremiah 52:32 - "And spake kindly unto him, and set his throne above the throne of the kings that were with him in Babylon,"
Jeremiah 52:14 - "And all the army of the Chaldeans, that were with the captain of the guard, brake down all the walls of Jerusalem round about."
Jeremiah 52:28 - "This is the people whom Nebuchadrezzar carried away captive: in the seventh year three thousand Jews and three and twenty:"
Jeremiah 52:18 - "The caldrons also, and the shovels, and the snuffers, and the bowls, and the spoons, and all the vessels of brass wherewith they ministered, took they away."
Jeremiah 52:23 - "And there were ninety and six pomegranates on a side; and all the pomegranates upon the network were an hundred round about."
Jeremiah 52:29 - "In the eighteenth year of Nebuchadrezzar he carried away captive from Jerusalem eight hundred thirty and two persons:"
Jeremiah 52:13 - "And burned the house of the LORD, and the king's house; and all the houses of Jerusalem, and all the houses of the great men, burned he with fire:"
Jeremiah 52:33 - "And changed his prison garments: and he did continually eat bread before him all the days of his life."
Jeremiah 52:8 - "¶ But the army of the Chaldeans pursued after the king, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho; and all his army was scattered from him."
Jeremiah 52:10 - "And the king of Babylon slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes: he slew also all the princes of Judah in Riblah."
Jeremiah 52:9 - "Then they took the king, and carried him up unto the king of Babylon to Riblah in the land of Hamath; where he gave judgment upon him."
Jeremiah 52:19 - "And the basons, and the firepans, and the bowls, and the caldrons, and the candlesticks, and the spoons, and the cups; that which was of gold in gold, and that which was of silver in silver, took the captain of the guard away."
"So the city was besieged unto the eleventh year of king Zedekiah." - Jeremiah 52:5
Jeremiah 52:17 - "Also the pillars of brass that were in the house of the LORD, and the bases, and the brasen sea that was in the house of the LORD, the Chaldeans brake, and carried all the brass of them to Babylon."
Jeremiah 52:34 - "And for his diet, there was a continual diet given him of the king of Babylon, every day a portion until the day of his death, all the days of his life."
Jeremiah 52:27 - "And the king of Babylon smote them, and put them to death in Riblah in the land of Hamath. Thus Judah was carried away captive out of his own land."
Jeremiah 52:11 - "Then he put out the eyes of Zedekiah; and the king of Babylon bound him in chains, and carried him to Babylon, and put him in prison till the day of his death."
Jeremiah 52:28-30 - "Jeremiah 52:28-30: 28 This is the people whom Nebuchadrezzar carried away captive: in the seventh year three thousand Jews and three and twenty: 29 In the eighteenth year of Nebuchadrezzar he carried away captive from Jerusalem eight hundred thirty and two persons: 30 In the three and twentieth year of Nebuchadrezzar Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive of the Jews seven hundred forty and five persons: all the persons were four thousand and six hundred."
Jeremiah 51:52 - "Wherefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will do judgment upon her graven images: and through all her land the wounded shall groan."
Jeremiah 52:3 - "For through the anger of the LORD it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, till he had cast them out from his presence, that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon."