There are many legends about the origins and principles of Freemasonry, and there are not enough historical sources to dispel any doubts. Although there is a wealth of documentation on some of the important symbols of Freemasonry that can be linked to the Old Testament, mainly through the internet. This desk study on the Old Testament and Freemasonry explores the links between them, focusing on the symbolic and ethical parallels. This research was designed to prove that many of the symbols and teachings of Freemasonry draw inspiration from certain elements of the Old Testament.

Old Testament and Freemasonry

There are many legends about the origins and principles of Freemasonry, and there are not enough historical sources to dispel any doubts. Although there is a wealth of documentation on some of the important symbols of Freemasonry that can be linked to the Old Testament, mainly through the internet.

In terms of historical sources, I have done some research – mainly using the internet – to find out which some of the important symbols of Freemasonry are linked to the Old Testament. I have also researched what this connection is. I just wanted to explore the Old Testament connections. I did not aim for completeness, I was just looking for the most important connections.

The connection between Freemasonry and the Old Testament is mostly symbolic. I was looking for where the origins of Freemasonry are found in the Old Testament.

Many of the symbols and teachings of Freemasonry draw inspiration from elements of the Old Testament. One of the most important examples is the Temple of Solomon, which is an important part of the Old Testament and a symbol often found in Masonic rituals.

In addition, Freemasonry places great emphasis on ethical and moral teachings, which are often paralleled with the laws and teachings of the Old Testament. These parallels help to make the traditions and values of Freemasonry sometimes appear biblically based.

What does it mean to be a Freemason?

To be a Mason is to strive for knowledge, truth and service.

To be a Mason is to strive for progress, to preserve tradition and to be helpful.

To be a Mason is to observe the written and unwritten rules based on integrity, respect, charity, philanthropy, tolerance and friendship between men.

You can read it on a Masonic website:

“Masons expect themselves to act with integrity in all aspects of life and to demonstrate sound ethical principles. They hold themselves responsible for preserving their centuries-old traditions for future generations. Freemasons respect the opinions and personalities of their fellow Brethren, and all men, regardless of their origin. Freemasons expect themselves to be charitable, community-minded philanthropists in life wherever possible. The philanthropic sentiment is found in the thought world of every Mason.

Freemasons expect themselves to be tolerant, which basically means tolerant of others’ opinions, religions, world views, ethnic or national origins, and other things. For Freemasons, tolerance is the basis of mutual understanding and respect, a moral imperative. It does not, however, imply agreement with or adherence to dissent, but merely acceptance of the existence of difference. Freemasonry gives Masons the opportunity to form lifelong friendships that extend beyond the lodge, allowing Masons to connect with new people.”

Masons are progressive. Their ideas are focused on progress and advancement, they believe that progressive people work for social progress, because a progressive person is open to new ideas, new concepts. Freemasons believe that creating the opportunity for progress is their most important activity.

Masons are traditionalists. The concept of tradition encompasses social, religious, local and organizational culture, actions, customs and norms that are passed down through successive generations.

Tradition encompasses a significant part of our accumulated knowledge, values and customs.

For Freemasons, one of the most important is helpfulness. This means being a well-wisher, a protector, a helper, a support, a patron.

Philanthropy is one of the fundamental beliefs of Freemasonry. The term means a philanthropist, a benefactor, a person who helps the community.

The beginning of Freemasonry

Masonic authorities contradict each other on the question of early beginnings.

Many Masonic scholars point to the Regius Poem as the first Masonic monument. The Regius Poem, (also known as the Halliwell Manuscript) is a poem in Middle English.

Some scholars, however, cite English, or others cite documents from Scotland, as the first memorial. There are researchers who link Freemasonry to the esotericism of the Knights, and others who cite the Cabala as a source. Still others believe that the origins of Freemasonry can be found in the Old Testament.

 

To be clear, we are not wrong to claim that the ideas of Freemasonry are essentially rooted in the Bible and, in many cases, in the Old Testament.

Masonic rituals refer to biblical events and many of the central Masonic symbols derive their meaning from Scripture. As just one example, Jacob’s ladder in Genesis connects heaven and earth and for Freemasons symbolizes the bridge between the divine and the earthly realms.

Having said that, the origins of Freemasonry in the Old Testament are not clear, as the history and symbols of Freemasonry come from many different religious, philosophical and cultural traditions.

Many of the Masonic symbols and rituals include references to the beliefs of ancient Egypt and Phoenicia, as well as the teachings of Pythagoras and Platon.

Freemasonry gradually evolved from operative masonry, which was linked to the mason guilds of the Middle Ages. These guilds were in a privileged position because of their knowledge of church building and could operate as free bodies.

The constitution of Freemasonry drawn up by James Anderson and published in 1723. Anderson’s constitution reads as follows:

“A Mason is oblig’d by to obey the moral Law; and if he rightly understands the Art, he will never be a stupid Atheist, nor an irreligious Libertine.”

In what follows, I interpret Masonic affiliations according to the Anderson Constitution.

 

The Old Testament

The Old Testament based primarily on the Hebrew Bible, or the 24 books of the Tanakh, which is a collection of ancient religious Hebrew and occasionally Aramaic writings of the Israelites. The Old Testament consists of several books by different authors, written over a period of centuries.

Traditionally, the Old Testament is divided into four parts:

1. the first five books, the Pentateuch (which corresponds to the Jewish Torah);
2. the historical books, which tell the story of the Israelites from the conquest of Canaan to the defeat and exile in Babylon;
3. poetry and wisdom literature that explore themes of human experience, morality and divine justice;
4. the books of the biblical prophets warning of the consequences of turning away from God.

Throughout the Old Testament, God is consistently portrayed as the creator of the world. The Old Testament emphasises the special relationship between God and his chosen people, Israel.

The books of the law describe, for example in Exodus and in Deuteronomy, the terms of the covenant, whereby the people of Israel swear allegiance to God and God swears to be Israel’s special protector and sustainer.

Other themes of the Old Testament include salvation, redemption, divine judgment, obedience and disobedience, faith and loyalty, among others. Throughout, there is a strong emphasis on ethics and ritual purity, all required by God.

Its laws prohibit murder, bribery and corruption, fraudulent trading and many sexual offences. All moral obligations are traceable to God, who is the source of all goodness.

One of the best-known legends links the origins of Freemasonry to the Temple of Solomon in the Old Testament.

The origin of the Bible and the history of translation

To understand the role of the Old Testament, we need to see its origins and its development over the centuries.

• The earliest biblical texts date from 1300-100 BC, first written on scrolls in Hebrew and Aramaic. Much of the Old Testament was written during this period.
• Around 250-50 BC, the Hebrew – Aramaic text was translated into Greek, as most people living at that time were more fluent in Greek.
• By about the 5th century BC, the Jews had accepted the five books of the Torah as the accepted Torah.
• Between the 7th and 9th centuries AD, a group of Jewish scholars unified the Hebrew biblical texts. This became the authoritative version of the Hebrew Bible.
• In 400 AD, St Jerome translated the Greek and Hebrew scriptures into Latin. This was called the Vulgate Bible.
• In 1455 Johannes Gutenberg printed the Vulgate Bible.
• William Tyndale published the first printed English translation of the Bible from Hebrew sources in 1525-1530.
• The most widely recognized English translation was published in 1611. This was the King James Bible. This version became the standard for English-speaking Freemasonry.

The Old Testament and its context as a Masonic “role model”

Certain biblical figures in Masonic ritual have symbolic significance as exemplars of Masonic virtues. For example:

The builders of Solomon’s Temple represent honor in the work. The Temple of Solomon, often cited by Freemasons as a symbol of master builders and the art of construction, has a symbolic meaning. The building of the temple is an embodiment of human endeavor, diligence and the strength of community. For Freemasons, the building of the temple is a metaphor for spiritual and moral progress.

The assumed date of King Solomon’s reign is from 970 BC to 932/931 AD. According to the Bible, he built the first temple in Jerusalem.

Hiram, the master builder who supervised the building of the temple, is a model of integrity that lasted until his death. (According to the Bible, he was the architect of the king of Tyre, who sent him to King Solomon.)

After being attacked by three men for refusing to reveal Masonic secrets, his loyalty to the end is a role model for Masons.

 

I would just like to note, – although it is not the subject of this research, – that an important New Testament figure in Freemasonry is John the Baptist. The Gospel of John focuses on light and darkness.

In the lodges, the Book of the Holy Law takes center stage on the Masonic altar. In many places it is the Bible as we know it today. In some places it is the Old Testament, in others the New Testament. Some have both. But we also know of lodges where the Koran represents the Book of the Holy Law. In many lodges, all three appear at the same time. This demonstrates the openness of Freemasonry, religious tolerance, democracy. It is perhaps not surprising, then, that the Bible and its cross-cultural transmission is fundamental to Freemasonry. Freemasons draw on biblical images, stories and ethics to transmit principles of morality, charity and service to humanity. The process by which the scriptures became canons and Bibles was a long one, and its complexity explains the wide variety of Old Testaments that exist today.

Timothy H. Lim, professor of Hebrew Bible at the University of Edinburgh, identifies the Old Testament as a collection of seemingly divinely inspired, authoritative texts that underwent a human writing and editing process. He argues that it is not a magical book, nor was it literally written and handed down to mankind by God.

 

According to Arthur Edward Waite (1857-1942), American-born British poet and writer, “Solomon’s Temple plays an important role in Masonic legend, almost at the centre of the symbolic system”

 

 

Robert Peter (Professor at the University of Szeged, Hungary) in his study UNIO MYSTICA IN THE DRAMATIC CINCULATION OF THE SABADIC TITLES writes: “In the first degree, the secret names are Jakin and Boaz10 (1Kir 7,21), which refer to the two pillars of Solomon’s temple. In the Old Testament, pillars occur frequently, and sometimes they mark the gates of the weavens, and sometimes they serve as a memorial of certain covenants, such as the covenant between Jacob and Laban.”

On the Internet reads: ‘The Bible holds that there is only one God. The many names given in Scripture to the God of Israel are all intended to reveal a particular characteristic of God. Worshipping other deities or calling on their names is nothing more than the sin of idolatry (Exodus 20:3).”

The Masonic position is that all members must believe in some form of deity. All religions (Christianity, Judaism, Islam) glorify one and the same God, but call this entity by different names.

Freemasonry invites people of different religions to worship the one true Father and God of all at Masonic meetings.”

The Mitzvot

The 613 laws of the Torah, known in Jewish tradition as “mitzvot”, are the foundation of religious Jewish life and moral guidance. Among the 613 mitzvot are positive commandments (to be done) and negative commandments (to be avoided).

The former number 248, while the latter number 365.

Examples of the “mitzvot”:

1. Positive commandments:

o Believe in God.

o Keep and celebrate the Sabbath.

o Respecting parents.

2. Negative commandments:

o Do not kill.

o Do not steal.

o Don’t eat unclean (non-kosher) food.

Although there is no direct connection between Freemasonry and the 613 mitzvot, as Freemasonry is not a religious organization and does not follow the commandments of the Jewish religion, many of the commandments are given high priority among the mitzvot:

• Acts of kindness (giving to charity (tzedakah), visiting the sick and helping the needy) This is of particular importance in the context of Freemasonry. Freemasonry places great emphasis on charitable activities and community service. Masonic organizations have established a number of charitable foundations, hospitals and educational institutions.
• Ethical behavior (meaning honesty, fairness and justice) Freemasonry encourages its members to strive for personal development and to observe high ethical standards. This focus on self-improvement and ethical behavior has a positive impact on the character and actions of its members.
• Personal development the mitzvahs include striving for self-development through humility, gratitude and continuous learning. This is also an important teaching of Freemasonry. In this way, Freemasonry provides a network of like-minded individuals who support each other in their personal and professional lives.

Other featured law

• Dietary laws (eating kosher food and following guidelines for food preparation)
• Observance of Sabbath and holidays (This includes, for example, abstaining from work, lighting candles and participating in communal prayers)
• Family and community
• Environmental responsibility
• Observance of rituals
• Continuous learning

One of the best-known compilers of the list of 613 laws was Maimonides, who gave a detailed arrangement of these commandments in his “Book of Mitzvot” (Sefer Hamitzvot).

Maimonides, (full name Moses ben Maimon), one of the most influential medieval Torah scholars, is credited with codifying the laws of Jewish religious law (halacha) (Mishneh Torah) based on the Talmud. He strives to present the Jewish religion as a logical whole.

Maimonides summarized the doctrines of the Jewish religion in 13 articles of faith.

These are:

1. I believe in God the Creator.
2. God is one.
3. God is a spiritual being (incorporeal).
4. God is first and last.
5. No one is worthy of worship except God.
6. The words of the prophets are true.
7. Moses is the father of the prophets.
8. The Torah of today is the same as the Torah given to Moses.
9. There is no other Torah.
10. God knows man’s thoughts, knows his deeds, understands all that we do.
11. God punishes the disobedient and rewards the keeper.
12. Faith in the Messiah to come, and the expectation of him.
13. Faith in the resurrection of the dead.

 

The Torah is sacred and inviolable in Judaism, as it comes from Moses. The 613 laws of the Torah, the 613 mitzvot, are commandments.

Among them is the building of a sanctuary and its permanent preservation. The flame of the menorah must be kindled.

In every situation, one must keep the word once promised.  These commandments are also true of Freemasonry. For example, the rules that impose the obligation to render assistance.

Thus, it is among the mitzvahs, and it is also the expectation of Freemasonry: to help their fellow men to lift the burden from themselves. The scripture says: “O shepherd, if your sheep go astray, return it to your father’s son.”

Another mitzvah prescribes, “According to the rules of giving Cedaka (charity), the more honorable thing is when he who gives does so without revealing who gave it and who was the needy person to whom he gave it. This expectation is the basis of philanthropic behavior, which is one of the fundamental prescriptions of Freemasonry.

Among the mitzvahs, keeping in touch with one’s fellow man is also regulated. For example, “one should cover one’s sinful ways”. This should preferably be done in such a way that he is not ashamed and can accept what we tell him. These rules are also found in Freemasonry.

Some of the mitzvahs are no longer observed in the modern age. These are not forbidden by Freemasonry either. For example, the prohibition of tattoos.

There are also some mitzvahs that are compulsory in modern times, so that freemasonry also imposes ethical rules or even rules on dress. For example, “No Kohen may enter the Sanctuary in torn clothes.” The rules of Freemasonry include rules on dress.

Giving is a Masonic act that feeds on the mitzvahs. Tzedakah giving is giving to those in need, which is the basis of philanthropy.

Also included in the mitzvot is honesty in business (Geneivat Da’at): it requires avoiding fraud and ensuring that transactions are fair and just.

A very important mitzvah is respect for others (Derech Eretz): everyone should be treated with respect and kindness, regardless of their background or status. This includes using polite language and listening to the feelings of others.

Environmental stewardship is important among the mitzvot (Bal Tashchit): waste should be avoided, and steps should be taken to protect and preserve the environment. This may include recycling, water conservation and responsible use of resources.

Most of the 613 mitzvot are still relevant today, especially in religious and spiritual life. Many of the 613 mitzvot are still in force today, while others are not. Some of the mitzvot were valid only during the time of the Sanctuary, while others are still applicable today. For example, the mitzvot concerning the Kohanim, which relate to the service of the Sanctuary, are not in force today because the Sanctuary is no longer standing. So, there are mitzvot that are no longer relevant today because they were only applicable when the Sanctuary was in existence, such as temple services and sacrifices. As the Sanctuary is not standing today, these mitzvahs are not practiced at present. In the Old Testament, (especially in the first five books), there are many moral obligations.

Some important moral obligations from the Old Testament:

• Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17)
• Love your neighbor as yourself (Leviticus 3:19:18)
• Care for the poor and needy (Leviticus 19:9-10; Deuteronomy 15:7-11)
• Justice and honesty (Deuteronomy 16:20)
• Peace and forgiveness (Proverbs 15:1, Micah 6:8)

Some mitzvahs also relevant to Freemasonry

Among the 613 mitzvot, many laws are still in force today. Many of these laws are also in force in relation to freemasons. Of course, some of these laws are to be interpreted literally, and others are metaphorically true.

Here are a few examples:

• A sanctuary must be built (Exodus 25:8)!
• The sanctuary must be feared (Leviticus 19:30)!
• The Sanctuary must be always guarded (Numbers 18:2,4)!
• Man must keep his word and do what he has sworn (Deuteronomy 23:23)!
• When there is a difference of opinion among the judges of the Sanhedrin, the opinion of the majority shall prevail (Exodus 23:2)!
• Judges and officials must be appointed in every Jewish community (Deuteronomy 16:18)!
• It should not favor either party appearing in court (Leviticus 19:15; Exodus 23:2-3)!
• It is obligatory to testify before the court (Leviticus 5:1).
• Witnesses must be questioned thoroughly (Deuteronomy 19:18)!
• False witnesses must be treated in the same manner as they intended to be treated (Deuteronomy 19:19)!
• If possible, c’dakah (charity, charitable donation) should be given (Deuteronomy 15:7-8)!
• We are to help our fellow man to take the burden off himself or his animal (Exodus 23:5)!
• We are to rebuke (warn) the one who is in the way of sin (Leviticus 19:17)
• A man shall not break his word (oath) (Deuteronomy 23:23)!
• A kohen in torn clothes shall not enter the Holy Place (Leviticus 10:6)!
• Thou shalt be temperate in food and drink, and not a drunkard or a drunkard (Deuteronomy 21:20- 21)!
• Do no evil to your fellow man (Leviticus 19:13).
• Thou shalt not deny thy fellow man his (rightful) request (Leviticus 19:11)!
• You must not take a false oath to deny a financial obligation (Leviticus 19:11-12)
• You must not cheat the other party in a transaction (sale) (Leviticus 25:14)!
• You must not deceive others (Leviticus 25:17)!
• One must not use false measures even if he does not use them (Deuteronomy 25:13- 14)!
• One must not pass false judgments (Leviticus 19:15)!
• No bearing false witness (Exodus 20:16)!
• Do not pass judgment on presumption, (at least) two witnesses must be heard before passing judgment (Deuteronomy 19:15)!
• Do not put your fellow man in a dangerous situation (Deuteronomy 22:8)!
• Do not question the authority of the (supreme) court (Deuteronomy 17:11)!

These commandments are not only important for the followers of the Jewish religion but are also widely disseminated and applied. For example, in Freemasonry.

Moral obligation is also found in the writings of the biblical prophet Micah. He is credited as the author of the Book of Micah in the Hebrew Bible. In particular, he spoke out against social injustice and idolatry and stressed the importance of honesty and justice. This writing is also significant for Freemasonry.

Freemasonry also draws on other Old Testament memories. For example, connections can be found through Jacob’s twelve sons.

 

Some Masonic symbols from the Old Testament

Many of the symbols of Freemasonry are derived from or connected to Old Testament stories and symbols.

Let’s look at some examples:

The Temple of Solomon

One of the most famous Masonic symbols is the Temple of Solomon, which is found in the Old Testament. The building of Solomon’s Temple and the stories associated with it (such as the legend of the master Hiram) are seen as an allegory of architectural and spiritual progress.

According to the legend of Freemasonry, Hiram, the chief architect of the temple, is a hero of the Masons. The stories and symbols associated with the building of the temple are an important part of Masonic rites and symbols.

The “Jachin” and “Boaz” pillars used in Freemasonry: originally the pillars of Solomon’s temple, they symbolize strength and firmness.

The Ark of the Covenant, which was built to contain the Ten Commandments given to Moses, is another Old Testament symbol that has significance in Freemasonry.

It symbolizes the covenant between God and man and is sometimes used to symbolize the Masons’ belief in a higher power and moral law.

Noah’s ark: The story of the flood is told in the first book of Genesis. The narrative is told in Genesis at 1:19. Only the godly Noah escaped the flood that destroyed mankind, along with his family, wife, three sons and three daughters-in-law. It is sometimes used symbolically in Masonic rituals as a symbol of safety, redemption and new beginnings. The ark is a symbol of rebirth and new beginnings, referring to the moral and spiritual development of the individual.

Cain and Abel: their story can also be linked to Freemasonry, especially through the moral lessons and the concept of justice that Freemasons emphasize. 

Sanctuary and altar: The symbols of the sanctuary and altar found in the Old Testament appear in freemasonry as symbols of sacrifice and faith.

 

The Square and compass: these tools are often the central symbols of Freemasonry. They are linked to the spirituality of the Old Testament, especially through the ideas of order, justice and harmony in God.

The block of stone (rough and worked): this symbol represents the spiritual development and moral purity of man. The Bible often uses blocks of stone and architecture as metaphors, for example in the concept of “cornerstone”.

The polishing of a rough stone as the basis of Freemasonry represents man’s spiritual development, progression, which has the meaning of development, progress, gradualness.

The Candlestick (Menorah): although originally a Jewish religious symbol, it also appears in Freemasonry as a symbol of light and knowledge.

Jacob’s Ladder: In the Old Testament, Jacob dreams of a ladder reaching the sky. In Freemasonry, Jacob’s ladder is often used as a symbol of progress and the path to greater knowledge and spiritual enlightenment.

 

These symbols convey the moral, spiritual and architectural messages of the Old Testament, while emphasizing the importance of individual development and communal harmony.

 

Jacob and his twelve sons

Jacob and his twelve sons are the central figures of the Old Testament. Jacob, whom God renamed Israel, is the descendant of Abraham and Isaac and one of the forefathers of the Jewish people.

Jacob had two wives (Leah and Rachel) and two concubines (Bilhah and Zilpah) who bore children: Reuben, Shimeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph (whose story became famous for his rise from Egypt) and Benjamin.

The story of Jacob, especially his relationship with his sons, is full of family drama, lessons and the fulfilment of God’s promises. The twelve sons later became the forefathers of the twelve tribes of Israel. Jacob’s blessings and prophecies foreshadowed a destiny or future specific to each of his sons that determined the future of the tribes.

The story of Jacob’s ladder (the ladder from the ground to the sky) is an important part of the story of Jacob, a famous passage in the Old Testament (found in Genesis 28:10-22).

The story goes that Jacob, fleeing from the wrath of his brother Esau, laid his head on a rock at night to sleep. In his dream he saw a ladder reaching up into the sky, and angels were walking up and down it. At the top of the ladder stood God, promising Jacob that he would bless him and his descendants, and that the land on which Jacob lay would belong to his descendants.

Meaning and symbolism:

1. Relationship between God and man: the ladder symbolizes the relationship between God and the human world. Jacob’s vision shows that God is watching over man and is in relationship with him.
2. God’s promise: The vision reminds Jacob that God is faithful to His promise to Abraham and Isaac, and that Jacob will also benefit from this blessing.
3. Spiritual ascension: according to the symbolic interpretation of the ladder, it can also represent the spiritual development of human life, moral improvement and drawing closer to God.
4. The presence of angels: the angels ascending and descending the ladder symbolize God at work in the world, and His angels continually connecting the heavenly and earthly worlds.

Jacob’s ladder has been deeply theologically and spiritually interpreted over the millennia and is a frequently invoked symbol.

There are many references for freemasonry. The Masonic World states that the connection between the Sons of Jacob and Freemasonry is as follows:

The tribe of Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn son, is referred to in the opening of the lodges. Accordingly, the power of Reuben is needed. The opening of Masonic Lodges is a symbolic and ritual event which is part of the Masonic tradition and spirit. The opening ceremony usually involves:

• • the location of the lodge officers,
  • Prayer or meditation
  • Placement of symbols and instruments
  • The formal announcement of the opening of the lodge

 

 

The tribe of Simeon, Jacob’s second son, is symbolized in Freemasonry by the preparation of the candidate. (for example, it symbolizes the aversion to cruelty. Such an allusion is the deprivation of all metal objects in the freemasonry ritual.)

Levi, Jacob’s third son. The tribe of Levi has become a symbol of divine service and spiritual leadership. Their role emphasizes the importance of loyalty to God, moral purity and community service. The tribe of Levi was given a special role in the Old Testament as they became responsible for priestly and religious ministries. Among the families of the tribe of Levi, descendants of Aaron became priests (Kohanim).

The Levites were responsible for the maintenance and transport of the tabernacle (mishkan) during the wilderness wanderings. Later they also looked after the temple in Jerusalem. The Levites were also involved in teaching divine law, ensuring that the people knew and obeyed the Torah.

His responsibilities belong to the “Senior Deacon” in the Freemasonry, according to the Duncan Ritual and Monitor, were “to carry orders from the Worshipful Master in the east to the Senior Warden in the west, and elsewhere around the Lodge, as he may direct; to introduce and clothe all visiting brethren; to receive and conduct candidates. … “To assist the Master in opening and closing the Lodge, … and to see that no one leaves dissatisfied.”

The tribe of Judah is represented by the candidate’s entry into the Lodge. This tribe is named after Jacob’s fourth son, Judah. This tribe was the first to cross the Jordan River.

From the tribe of Judah came King David and his dynasty. After the conquest of Canaan, the tribe of Judah inherited the southern territories, including the city of Jerusalem. This land was one of the largest and most important areas of ancient Israel.

The role of the tribe of Judah in fulfilling the divine promises and upholding the tradition is outstanding. The role of the tribe is a reference to the transition of Masonic candidates from darkness to light, essentially to the land of the free.

The tribe of Zebulun, (the Jacob’s sixth son Zebulun), is represented by the prayer in the Masonic lodge, according to MasonicWorld, because Jacob used Jacob’s prayer and blessing to honor his brother Isaac. According to the Old Testament, Zebulun’s dwelling place extended “toward the seashore” (Genesis 49:13). Tradition says they helped Israel establish ties with other nations through trade. This served to strengthen international relations. Zebulun promoted teaching and learning, for example by providing support to the tribe of Issachar, who were more concerned with Torah study. Zebulun’s tribe became a symbol of economic and commercial prosperity, which contributed to the material and social stability of the people of Israel. Their role also reflects how important the balance of material and spiritual goals was to the community.

Danish tribe is symbolized by the role of the freemason altar, according to MasonicWord. It shows the need to move quickly towards truth and holiness. The tribe of Dan are the descendants of Jacob’s fifth son, Dan. The tribe of Dan was often considered a warrior tribe, ready to defend the people of Israel. This was particularly evident in the fact that their territory was in the neighborhood of the Philistines, which led to frequent conflicts. The tribe of Dan is a symbol of courage, strength and fighting ability, but also a warning of the dangers of spiritual drift. Their history illustrates that physical strength, and courage can only be truly valuable when combined with moral and spiritual guidelines.

The use of lambskin refers to the Naftali The tribe of Naphtali represents the descendants of Jacob’s sixth son, Naphtali. This tribe has played an important role in the history of Israel, especially because of its geographical location and prophetic blessings. When a servant is admitted to the order of freemasonry, a sheepskin or white apron is presented to him in the American rite. This apron is a symbol of innocence and a badge of Masonry.

According to MasonicWord, the Obligation refers to the tribe of Gad and the vow made by a judge of Israel who was a member of that tribe. Obligation is one of the most important vows in Freemasonry.

In the Duncan Ritual, the Master literally asks: “What makes you?”  To which the correct answer is, “My Obligation.”

The tribe of Gad represents the descendants of Jacob’s seventh son, Gad. The tribe of Gad has become a symbol of courage, strength and sacrifice in the history of Israel. Their story is a reminder of the need to balance individual tribal interests with the protection and well-being of the community.

 

Asher‘s tribe is referred to in MasonicWord as the guardians of the secrets of the order. The tribe of Asher means the descendants of Jacob’s eighth son, Asher. The tribe’s name is derived from the Hebrew word “Asher”, meaning “happiness” or “blessing”. It played a peaceful, economic role and became a symbol of abundance.

BenjaminJoseph‘s tribe and his two sons, Ephraim and Menashe, are referred to in the symbolism of the cornerstone at the north-east corner of the MasonicWord

The cornerstone on the north-east corner is a symbolic element of Freemasonry, used especially in the initiation ceremony of new members. In architecture, the cornerstone is a symbol of the stability of the foundation, and in Freemasonry it represents a moral and spiritual foundation.

The cornerstone reminds the initiative that this is the starting point on the path of moral and spiritual development in their lives. Here begins the “building” that symbolizes the construction of one’s character. The north symbolizes darkness, while the east symbolizes light. The north-east corner is thus the point where we move from darkness to light, the beginning of moral and spiritual enlightenment. The symbolism also often refers to a responsibility to the community and the world, as the new Mason is encouraged to build himself up not only for his own inner good, but also for the betterment of society.

This symbolic element reminds participants that the purpose of Freemasonry is the self-improvement of the individual and service to society and humanity.

According to the MasonicWord, the Tribe of Benjamin is the descendants of the twelfth and youngest son of Jacob, Benjamin.

The symbolic significance of the tribe is reinforced by the fact that Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel and was particularly beloved. The story of the tribe is often linked to survival, strength and family loyalty.

 

 

 

Some further references in the rites

According to one of the best-known Masonic documents in the Americas, the Duncan Ritual and Monitor:

• The room, which is well protected, is known by Freemasons as the “ground floor of King Solomon’s Temple“.
• The Masons call in the second degree “the middle chamber of King Solomon’s Temple”.
• Three Master Masons is the requisite number to constitute a Masters’ Lodge, which is called by Masons “the Sanctum Sanctorum, or Holy of Holies of King Solomon’s Temple.”

Summary

Freemasonry is often associated with various religious and philosophical traditions, and its connection to the Old Testament can be explored in several ways:

• Symbolism and Allegory: Freemasonry uses symbols and allegories drawn from many traditions, including the Old Testament. Key figures such as King Solomon and Hiram are central to Masonic rituals and teachings. Solomon’s Temple is frequently referred to as a symbol of moral and spiritual development.
• Moral Teaching: Many Freemasonic teachings emphasize moral lessons that can also be found in the Old Testament, promoting virtues like charity, integrity, and truth. Freemasons often draw parallels between their principles and the ethical teachings found in the scriptures.
• Biblical References in Rituals: Masonic rituals often include readings from the Old Testament. The Holy Bible is considered a sacred text in Freemasonry, and its teachings are used to guide members in their personal and moral development.The relationship between Freemasonry and the Old Testament is complex and multifaceted, reflecting a blend of history, spirituality, and moral philosophy.For Freemasonry, the significance of the Old Testament goes beyond its purely religious meaning. Many of the rites and symbols of Freemasonry draw directly from the Old Testament, particularly the passages relating to the building of Solomon’s temple.Furthermore, the laws and teachings of the Old Testament, such as the Ten Commandments and the 613 mitzvot, form the moral foundation on which the ethical and moral principles of Freemasonry are based. Service to humanity, charity and fraternity are all values which are promoted in the Old Testament and which Freemasons embrace.The Old Testament serves not only as a religious text, but also as a moral and symbolic guide for Freemasonry, whose teachings help members to be fit and serve the community in various walks of life. Especially in Freemasonry.
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  About the author

  Tamás Barát is a retired university professor, Orator and Marshal of Abravanel Lodge 1116 in New York. He is a member of the American Research Lodge in New York, and of the Hungarian Lodge of the “Columns of Light” and the QC Budapest Masonic Research Circle. He is a researcher of Masonic history.

  His main works in this field are:

  • Hungarian Masons in New York in the twentieth century.
  • Duty, Obligation and Responsibility in Freemasonry
  • The Old Testament and Freemasonry