Author: Abu Raef
Freemasonry (part 19)
In the previous discussions, we studied and examined three of the most important signs and symbols of Freemasonry. In those slogans and symbols, this point was emphasized and affirmed: that they are influenced by the teachings and beliefs of Zionism and Judaism. Now, we will also examine and evaluate some of these symbols that have a direct connection with the fundamental and root teachings and beliefs of Judaism and Zionism. In reality, these symbols and signs have been designed and formulated based on these teachings and beliefs.
These symbols and indications sometimes even depict important tools of Jewish culture and beliefs, which are used and employed in temples, wars, gatherings, and various assemblies. In what follows, we point to another group of these indications, which are very important and practical, and we will examine and evaluate them.
The Masonic Lodge Slogan: “Temple”
The sacred “Temple” (lodge) held a very important position in ancient civilizations, especially the civilizations of Mesopotamia and Pharaonic Egypt. The temple was considered a great and essential house for the dwelling of gods. If the heavens were regarded as the place of residence of the gods and the realm of sacred secrets, then when they willed to descend to the earth, their place of residence could be nothing other than large houses worthy of them—and that was the “Temple.” It is as if the heavens are the dwelling place of the gods in the upper world, and the temple is considered their dwelling place on earth.
The temple was composed of elements such as the “sacred altar,” the “sacred monument,” the “sacred pillars,” and the “sacred chambers.”
The sacred altar was regarded as one of the most important pillars of the temple in ancient civilizations, because it symbolized divine presence, sacrifice, and reunification with the Lord through the offering of sacrifices. It was also considered a symbol of transition from death to life, and passage from limited time to eternity. The sacred altar itself also literally means the place of sacred slaughter, which conveys the meaning of a holy sacrifice and the sanctity of this act. [1]
The Temple in Masonic Thought
In Freemasonic thought as well, the Masonic lodge holds a very important position which, in terms of significance and sanctity, is no less than its status in ancient civilizations. This lodge is a symbol of the Jewish Temple, that is, the “Temple of Prophet Solomon (PBUH),” which was built by “Hiram of Tyre,” and it is considered the spirit of global Zionist Jewish Masonry.
If the Jewish Temple is regarded as the dwelling place of God and the site of His indwelling among the Children of Israel, and as the center of the world and the axis of existence, then every Masonic lodge is in reality a symbol of that same Jewish Temple. Every master who sits upon his chair is considered a representative of the Jewish king, and every Mason is regarded as the embodiment of a Jewish worker. [2]
The Black and White Floor of the Lodge
The black and white squares of the floor of the Masonic lodge symbolize the duality of “good” and “evil;” or they symbolize the unity of all Masons across the world despite differences in colors and religious and political viewpoints; or these two black and white squares symbolize the challenges of daily life; or they indicate duality in moral standards and values. These various interpretations are each based on the different views of commentators and interpreters of these symbols. [3]
The Two Pillars of the Lodge
The two pillars that stand on the two sides of the lodge are:
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The Pillar of Strength, called “Boaz,” attributed to the fourth forefather of Prophet Solomon (PBUH), with the letter “B” engraved upon it.
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The Pillar of Beauty and Stability, called “Jachin,” one of the twelve sons of Prophet Jacob (PBUH), with the letter “G” engraved upon it. [4]
To be continued…
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References:
- Cooper, J. C., The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Traditional Symbols, translated by Mustafa Mahmoud, p. 16, National Center for Translation, first edition, 2004.
- De Vaux, Roland, The Children of Israel: Their Institutions and Laws in the Light of the Old Testament, translated by Dr. Abdulwahhab Alloub, p. 521, Series of Religious and Historical Studies, 1431 AH.
- The Significations of Sacred Symbols and Numbers in Masonic Thought, p. 214.
- Boucher, Jules, Masonic Symbols, p. 185 and onwards, translated by Dr. Jamil Saadeh, The United Grand Lebanese Lodge, first edition, 2006.
