The throne had six steps, and its back had a rounded top. There were armrests on both sides of the seat, with a lion standing beside each armrest. The throne had six stepsThe number six in biblical numerology often represents human effort or imperfection, as it falls short of the divine number seven. However, in this context, the six steps leading to Solomon's throne symbolize a progression towards wisdom and authority. The throne's elevation signifies the king's exalted status and the reverence due to him. Historically, such architectural features were common in ancient Near Eastern royal thrones, emphasizing the king's role as a mediator between the divine and the earthly realms. its back had a rounded top
The rounded top of the throne's back may symbolize completeness and unity, reflecting the wholeness of Solomon's wisdom and reign. In ancient craftsmanship, rounded designs were often associated with perfection and eternity, suggesting that Solomon's rule was seen as divinely ordained and complete. This design element also highlights the artistic and cultural sophistication of Solomon's era, as described in the biblical narrative. There were armrests on both sides of the seat
Armrests on a throne signify stability and support, indicating the king's firm grasp on power and governance. In the context of Solomon's reign, these armrests could symbolize the wisdom and understanding that supported his rule. The presence of armrests also suggests a sense of comfort and authority, as the king could rest his arms while making judgments or decrees, underscoring his role as a wise and just ruler. with a lion standing beside each armrest
Lions are a powerful biblical symbol of strength, courage, and royalty. In the ancient Near East, lions were often associated with kingship and divine protection. The presence of a lion beside each armrest on Solomon's throne emphasizes his authority and the divine endorsement of his reign. Scripturally, lions are also linked to the tribe of Judah, from which Solomon descended, reinforcing his legitimate claim to the throne and his role as a leader of God's chosen people. The imagery of lions further underscores the majesty and grandeur of Solomon's kingdom, as described in the biblical account. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe king of Israel, known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the construction of the temple and his own palace. 2. Throne of SolomonA symbol of Solomon's authority and the grandeur of his reign, reflecting the prosperity and splendor of Israel during his time. 3. LionsRepresentations of strength and majesty, often associated with royalty and divine protection in ancient Near Eastern cultures. 4. JerusalemThe capital city of Israel, where Solomon's throne was located, serving as the political and spiritual center of the nation. 5. 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 Symbol of AuthorityThe throne represents the authority given by God to Solomon. As believers, we are reminded of the authority of Christ, who reigns as King of Kings. Divine Wisdom and JusticeSolomon's throne is a reminder of the wisdom and justice that should characterize godly leadership. We are called to seek wisdom from God in our own lives. Majesty and SplendorThe detailed description of the throne reflects the majesty of God's creation and His provision. We should recognize and appreciate the beauty and order in God's world. Strength and ProtectionThe lions symbolize strength and protection. As Christians, we can find security in God's strength and His promises to protect and guide us. Legacy and InfluenceSolomon's throne is a testament to his legacy. We are encouraged to consider the legacy we are building through our actions and decisions. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the description of Solomon's throne reflect the nature of his reign and the prosperity of Israel during his time? 2. In what ways can the imagery of lions beside the throne inspire us to trust in God's strength and protection in our lives? 3. How does Solomon's wisdom and the grandeur of his throne point us to the ultimate authority and wisdom of Jesus Christ? 4. What lessons can we learn from Solomon's leadership that can be applied to our roles and responsibilities today? 5. How can we ensure that the legacy we leave behind reflects the values and principles of God's kingdom? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Chronicles 9:17-19This passage provides a parallel account of Solomon's throne, emphasizing its magnificence and the same details about the lions and steps. Psalm 72A psalm attributed to Solomon, which speaks of the king's reign in terms of justice, prosperity, and blessing, reflecting the ideals symbolized by his throne. Revelation 5:5Refers to Jesus as the "Lion of the tribe of Judah," connecting the imagery of lions with divine authority and kingship. Proverbs 20:8Highlights the role of a king in executing justice, which is symbolized by the throne as a seat of judgment and authority. 1 Kings 4:29-34Describes Solomon's wisdom and the breadth of his influence, which is symbolized by the grandeur of his throne. People Arabians, Aram, Hiram, Hittites, Ophir, Solomon, Tarshish, TharshishPlaces Egypt, House of the Forest of Lebanon, Jerusalem, Kue, Ophir, Sheba, Shephelah, Syria, TarshishTopics Arm, Armrests, Arms, Behind, Beside, Calf's, Either, Hands, Lion, Lions, Rear, Rests, Round, Rounded, Seat, Sides, Sitting, Six, Standing, Stays, Steps, Stood, ThroneDictionary of Bible Themes 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 1 Kings 10:19-20 5553 stairways 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 10:19 NIV1 Kings 10:19 NLT1 Kings 10:19 ESV1 Kings 10:19 NASB1 Kings 10:19 KJV
1 Kings 10:19 Commentaries
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