Additionally, the king made a great throne of ivory and overlaid it with pure gold. the kingThis phrase refers to King Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, who was renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects. Solomon's reign is often seen as the pinnacle of Israel's united monarchy, a time of peace and prosperity. His wisdom and wealth were gifts from God, as seen in 1 Kings 3:12-13, where God grants Solomon unparalleled wisdom and riches. The king's actions and decisions were meant to reflect God's glory and the covenant relationship between God and Israel. made a great throne
The construction of a "great throne" signifies not only Solomon's wealth and power but also his role as a judge and leader of Israel. Thrones in ancient Near Eastern cultures were symbols of authority and justice. The Hebrew word for "throne" (כִּסֵּא, kisse) often denotes a seat of honor and judgment. Solomon's throne was not just a physical seat but a representation of his God-given authority to rule and administer justice, as seen in his famous judgment involving two women claiming to be the mother of a child (1 Kings 3:16-28). of ivory
Ivory, a luxury material, was highly prized in the ancient world for its beauty and rarity. It was often imported from distant lands, indicating extensive trade networks and Solomon's international influence. The use of ivory in the throne's construction highlights the opulence of Solomon's court and the fulfillment of God's promise to bless him with wealth. Archaeological discoveries, such as ivory carvings from the ancient city of Samaria, provide insight into the craftsmanship and value of ivory in the biblical era. and overlaid it with pure gold
Gold, a symbol of wealth, purity, and divine presence, was extensively used in the construction of the temple and Solomon's palace. The overlaying of the throne with "pure gold" (זָהָב מוּפָז, zahav mufaz) emphasizes the splendor and majesty of Solomon's reign. Gold's association with divinity and kingship is seen throughout Scripture, from the gold used in the tabernacle (Exodus 25:11) to the gifts brought to Jesus by the Magi (Matthew 2:11). This lavish use of gold reflects the fulfillment of God's promises and the glory of His kingdom on earth through Solomon's rule. Persons / Places / Events 1. King SolomonThe son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. His reign is marked by peace and prosperity in Israel. 2. Throne of IvoryA symbol of Solomon's immense wealth and the grandeur of his kingdom. The throne, made of ivory and overlaid with gold, represents the pinnacle of royal splendor and authority. 3. JerusalemThe capital city of Israel, where Solomon's palace and the Temple were located. It served as the political and spiritual center of the nation during Solomon's reign. 4. Ivory and GoldMaterials that signify luxury and opulence. Ivory was a rare and valuable commodity, while gold symbolized wealth and divine favor. 5. The Queen of ShebaAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, her visit to Solomon (earlier in the chapter) highlights the international recognition of Solomon's wisdom and wealth. Teaching Points The Symbolism of AuthoritySolomon's throne represents not just his personal wealth but the authority and responsibility bestowed upon him by God. As Christians, we are reminded that any position of authority we hold is a stewardship from God. The Danger of MaterialismWhile Solomon's wealth was a sign of God's blessing, it also serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for material wealth to lead one's heart away from God. We must guard against allowing material possessions to become idols. The Pursuit of WisdomSolomon's wisdom was a gift from God, and it attracted people from all over the world. We are encouraged to seek God's wisdom in our lives, which is more valuable than any material wealth. The Temporary Nature of Earthly SplendorDespite the grandeur of Solomon's throne, it was ultimately temporary. This reminds us to focus on eternal treasures and the kingdom of God, which will never fade. Reflecting God's GloryJust as Solomon's throne reflected his glory and the glory of his kingdom, our lives should reflect the glory of God to those around us. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Solomon's throne reflect the nature of his reign, and what can we learn about the responsibilities that come with leadership? 2. In what ways can material wealth become a distraction from our spiritual walk, and how can we guard against this in our own lives? 3. How does the pursuit of wisdom in our lives compare to the pursuit of material wealth, and what steps can we take to prioritize wisdom? 4. What are some ways we can focus on building eternal treasures rather than temporary earthly splendor? 5. How can our lives reflect the glory of God in our daily interactions and decisions, similar to how Solomon's throne reflected his glory? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Chronicles 9:17-19This passage provides a parallel account of Solomon's throne, emphasizing its grandeur and the craftsmanship involved. Psalm 45:6-9This psalm, often seen as a royal wedding song, speaks of a throne that endures forever, connecting the idea of a king's authority with divine approval and blessing. Revelation 3:21This verse speaks of believers sharing in Christ's throne, drawing a parallel between earthly and heavenly authority and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. People Arabians, Aram, Hiram, Hittites, Ophir, Solomon, Tarshish, TharshishPlaces Egypt, House of the Forest of Lebanon, Jerusalem, Kue, Ophir, Sheba, Shephelah, Syria, TarshishTopics Best, Fine, Finest, Gold, Inlaid, Ivory, Maketh, Moreover, Overlaid, Overlayeth, Plated, Refined, Seat, ThroneDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 10:18 4339 ivory 1 Kings 10:14-21 5211 art 1 Kings 10:14-22 4303 metals 1 Kings 10:16-21 5437 palaces 1 Kings 10:18-19 5581 throne 1 Kings 10:18-21 5399 luxury Library Coming to the King.
"And King Solomon gave unto the Queen of Sheba all her desire, whatsoever she asked, beside that which Solomon gave her of his royal bounty."--1 Kings x. 13. The beautiful history recorded in the chapter from which the above words are quoted is deeply instructive to those who have learned to recognise CHRIST in the Scriptures. The reference to this narrative by our LORD Himself was surely designed to draw our attention to it, and gives it an added interest. The blessings, too, received by the Queen …
J. Hudson Taylor—A Ribband of BlueA Royal Seeker after Wisdom
'And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to prove him with hard questions. 2. And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart. 3. And Solomon told her all her questions: there was not any thing hid from the king, which he told her not. 4. And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon's …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Gift
"There came no more such abundance of spices as those which the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon."--1 Kings x. 10. Mechthild of Hellfde, 1277. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 "What dost thou bring me, O my Queen? Love maketh thy steps to fly." Lord, to Thee my jewel I bring, Greater than mountains high; Broader than all the earth's broad lands, Heavier than the ocean sands, And higher it is than the sky: Deeper it is than the depths of the sea, And fairer than the sun, Unreckoned, as if the stars …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series) Of the Weight of Government; and that all Manner of Adversity is to be Despised, and Prosperity Feared.
So much, then, have we briefly said, to shew how great is the weight of government, lest whosoever is unequal to sacred offices of government should dare to profane them, and through lust of pre-eminence undertake a leadership of perdition. For hence it is that James affectionately deters us, saying, Be not made many masters, my brethren (James iii. 1). Hence the Mediator between God and man Himself--He who, transcending the knowledge and understanding even of supernal spirits, reigns in heaven …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Meditations of the Blessed State of the Regenerate Man after Death.
This estate has three degrees:--1st, From the day of death to the resurrection; 2d, From the resurrection to the pronouncing of the sentence; 3d, After the sentence, which lasts eternally. As soon as ever the regenerate man hath yielded up his soul to Christ, the holy angels take her into their custody, and immediately carry her into heaven (Luke xvi. 22), and there present her before Christ, where she is crowned with a crown of righteousness and glory; not which she hath deserved by her good works, …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety There is a Blessedness in Reversion
Blessed are the poor in spirit. Matthew 5:3 Having done with the occasion, I come now to the sermon itself. Blessed are the poor in spirit'. Christ does not begin his Sermon on the Mount as the Law was delivered on the mount, with commands and threatenings, the trumpet sounding, the fire flaming, the earth quaking, and the hearts of the Israelites too for fear; but our Saviour (whose lips dropped as the honeycomb') begins with promises and blessings. So sweet and ravishing was the doctrine of this …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Commerce
The remarkable change which we have noticed in the views of Jewish authorities, from contempt to almost affectation of manual labour, could certainly not have been arbitrary. But as we fail to discover here any religious motive, we can only account for it on the score of altered political and social circumstances. So long as the people were, at least nominally, independent, and in possession of their own land, constant engagement in a trade would probably mark an inferior social stage, and imply …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Typified in the Lives of Joseph and Solomon.
In the Old Testament there are numerous references to the Second Coming of Christ, references both direct and typical, but in every instance it was His return to the earth which was in view. The secret coming of Christ into the air, to catch up the saints to Himself, was an event quite unknown to the Old Testament prophets, an event kept secret until revealed by God to the apostle Paul who, when writing to the Corinthians upon this particular aspect of our subject, said, "Behold, I show you a mystery …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return "Let any Man Come. "
[7] "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."--John 7:37-38. THE text which heads this paper contains one of those mighty sayings of Christ which deserve to be printed in letters of gold. All the stars in heaven are bright and beautiful; yet even a child can see that "one star differeth from another in glory" …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 10:18 NIV1 Kings 10:18 NLT1 Kings 10:18 ESV1 Kings 10:18 NASB1 Kings 10:18 KJV
1 Kings 10:18 Commentaries
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