מלכים א, פרק ז׳, פסוק י״ח

The construction of the Temple pillars culminates in a highly detailed design phase, bringing together the magnificent ornaments that crown their tops. This stage marks the transition from planning and preparing molds in the earth to the actual casting of molten copper ([מלבי״ם], [מצודת דוד]), representing the final completion of the massive structures ([שטיינזלץ]). The primary decoration was concentrated at the summit of each pillar, where the capitals were set. These capitals were complex architectural forms built from two basin-like halves placed together. The lower section was concave and faced upward, while the upper section faced downward and was crafted as a woven net. The purpose of this netting was to drape over and cover the lower half of the capital ([רש״י], [מצודת דוד]). Each net was individually designed to cover its respective capital, rather than a single net spanning across both pillars ([רד״ק]).

Integrated into this netting were two rows of copper pomegranates ([מצודת דוד], [שטיינזלץ]). Rather than being attached directly to the capital itself, these pomegranates were threaded onto chains that wrapped around the structure ([רש״י]). The chains connected to the top of each pomegranate, allowing the body of the fruit to hang downward ([מלבי״ם]). Offering a completely different perspective, [רלב״ג] suggests that the two rows do not refer to pomegranates at all, but rather to small decorative pillars fixed directly into the netting itself.

A structural puzzle arises regarding the exact placement of these elements. Logically, the capitals stood on top of the pillars, and the pomegranates hung from the capitals. However, the precise recorded tradition indicates a layout where the capitals were positioned upon the pomegranates ([רד״ק], [מנחת שי]). To resolve this apparent contradiction, [רש״י] explains that the description should simply be understood in reverse, meaning the capitals were actually designed to cover the pomegranates. Taking an architectural approach, [רד״ק] proposes that there may have been additional, smaller capitals resting directly on top of the pomegranates. Alternatively, [מלבי״ם] clarifies that the description does not refer to the placement of the capital as a whole. Instead, it indicates that the surrounding chains were fastened specifically to the top of each individual pomegranate as it hung downward.