1 Kings 10:18

Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with the best gold.

Moreover the king {H4428} made {H6213} a great {H1419} throne {H3678} of ivory {H8127}, and overlaid {H6823} it with the best {H6338} gold {H2091}.

The king also made a large throne of ivory and overlaid it with the finest gold.

Additionally, the king made a great throne of ivory and overlaid it with pure gold.

Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with the finest gold.

Commentary

1 Kings 10:18 (KJV): "Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with the best gold."

Context

This verse is part of the description of King Solomon's immense wealth and splendor, immediately following the account of the visit of the Queen of Sheba, who was astounded by his wisdom and prosperity (1 Kings 10:1-13). The passage in 1 Kings 10 details the vast amounts of gold, silver, precious stones, and exotic materials that flowed into Jerusalem during Solomon's reign, highlighting the unprecedented riches accumulated by the kingdom. The creation of this elaborate throne symbolizes the peak of this material glory and royal authority.

Key Themes

  • Solomon's Wealth and Splendor: The verse vividly illustrates the extraordinary riches and luxurious lifestyle of Solomon, a direct result of God's blessing on his wisdom (1 Kings 3:12-13).
  • Royal Authority: The throne is the central symbol of a monarch's power and authority. A throne of such magnificence underscored Solomon's supreme position.
  • Earthly Glory: This passage emphasizes the outward, material glory of Solomon's kingdom, which was renowned throughout the ancient world.

Linguistic Insights

The materials mentioned, ivory and gold, were among the most precious and sought-after commodities in the ancient Near East. Ivory, imported from distant lands, represented luxury and exotic trade. Gold, especially "the best gold," signified ultimate wealth, purity, and divine favor in symbolic contexts. Their combination in a single object like a throne speaks volumes about the king's status and resources.

Significance and Cross-References

The description of Solomon's throne is a key image representing the zenith of Israel's earthly kingdom under Solomon. It is further detailed in the following verses (1 Kings 10:19-20), mentioning its steps, lions, and other features, making it unparalleled among the kingdoms of his time. This earthly splendor, however, is often contrasted in scripture with the heavenly throne of God and Christ, which represents eternal, spiritual authority and glory far surpassing any earthly display.

Reflection

Solomon's magnificent throne serves as a powerful image of worldly power and wealth at its peak. While impressive, the Bible often reminds us that such earthly treasures are temporary. Reflecting on this verse can lead us to consider where we place our value—on fleeting material possessions or on treasures in heaven that are eternal and incorruptible.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 45:8

    All thy garments [smell] of myrrh, and aloes, [and] cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.

  • 1 Kings 10:22

    For the king had at sea a navy of Tharshish with the navy of Hiram: once in three years came the navy of Tharshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.

  • Revelation 20:11

    ¶ And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

  • Revelation 18:12

    The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,

  • Ezekiel 27:6

    [Of] the oaks of Bashan have they made thine oars; the company of the Ashurites have made thy benches [of] ivory, [brought] out of the isles of Chittim.

  • Psalms 45:6

    ¶ Thy throne, O God, [is] for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom [is] a right sceptre.

  • Hebrews 1:8

    But unto the Son [he saith], Thy throne, O God, [is] for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness [is] the sceptre of thy kingdom.
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