1 Kings 10:18

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 10:18 describes King Solomon's construction of an exceptionally magnificent throne, crafted from ivory and adorned with the finest gold. This verse serves as a vivid illustration of the unprecedented wealth, unparalleled splendor, and immense royal authority that characterized Solomon's reign, marking the zenith of Israel's material prosperity and global renown during this period.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader narrative in [1 Kings 10](/1_kings/10 "1 Kings 10 - Solomon's Wealth and Wisdom") that meticulously details the extraordinary opulence and wisdom of King Solomon. It immediately follows the account of the Queen of Sheba's visit, where she marvels at Solomon's wisdom and the grandeur of his kingdom, declaring that "the half was not told me" ([1 Kings 10:7](/1_kings/10-7 "1 Kings 10:7 - Queen of Sheba's Amazement")). The preceding verses ([1 Kings 10:14-17](/1_kings/10-14 "1 Kings 10:14-17 - Solomon's Annual Gold Income")) enumerate the vast quantities of gold Solomon received annually, setting the stage for the description of specific, lavish items like this throne. The subsequent verses ([1 Kings 10:19-20](/1_kings/10-19 "1 Kings 10:19-20 - Further Description of Solomon's Throne")) further elaborate on the throne's features, including its six steps and twelve lions, emphasizing its unique and unparalleled nature among the kingdoms of the earth. This detailed description underscores the peak of Israel's material glory under Solomon, a direct fulfillment of God's promise to grant him riches alongside wisdom ([1 Kings 3:12-13](/1_kings/3-12 "1 Kings 3:12-13 - God Grants Solomon Riches and Honor")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC) represents a period of unprecedented peace, prosperity, and international influence for ancient Israel. Jerusalem, under Solomon, became a major hub for trade routes connecting Egypt, Arabia, and Mesopotamia. Ivory, a highly prized and exotic material, was imported from distant lands, likely Africa or India, signifying immense wealth and access to vast trade networks. Gold, especially "the best gold," was the ultimate symbol of power, divine favor, and purity in the ancient Near East. Thrones were not merely functional seats but elaborate works of art and potent symbols of a monarch's authority, legitimacy, and divine right to rule. The construction of such a throne would have been a public declaration of Solomon's immense power and the flourishing state of his kingdom, reflecting the cultural understanding that a king's splendor was a direct reflection of his dominion and the blessing of his deity.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings"). Firstly, it highlights **Solomon's immense wealth and splendor**, showcasing the material manifestation of God's blessing upon his wise rule. This wealth, described in meticulous detail throughout [1 Kings 10](/1_kings/10 "1 Kings 10 - Solomon's Riches"), was a direct result of God's promise to Solomon in [1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "1 Kings 3:13 - God's Promise of Riches to Solomon"). Secondly, the throne itself is a potent symbol of **royal authority and power**, underscoring Solomon's supreme position as king over Israel and his widespread influence among surrounding nations. The unparalleled nature of this throne, as described in subsequent verses, solidifies his status as the most powerful monarch of his time. Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of **earthly glory**, portraying the peak of Israel's national and material achievement. While impressive, this earthly glory often serves as a subtle contrast to the more enduring, spiritual realities emphasized elsewhere in Scripture, foreshadowing the transient nature of even the greatest human accomplishments.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Throne (Hebrew, _kisse'_):** This term refers to a seat of authority, specifically a royal chair. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the throne was the central symbol of a monarch's power, legitimacy, and dominion. Its construction and ornamentation were often indicative of the king's wealth, status, and even his perceived divine favor. Solomon's throne, described here and in subsequent verses, was not merely a piece of furniture but a monumental statement of his unparalleled reign.
* **Ivory (Hebrew, _shenhav'_):** Derived from the tusks of elephants, ivory was an extremely valuable and exotic material in the ancient world, imported from distant lands like Africa or India. Its use in such a prominent object as a throne signifies immense wealth, luxurious taste, and access to extensive international trade networks. Ivory was often carved with intricate designs, adding to the aesthetic and symbolic value of the object.
* **Best Gold (Hebrew, _zahav sagur'_):** The Hebrew phrase _zahav sagur_ literally means "shut-up gold" or "pure gold," indicating gold that is refined, unalloyed, and of the highest quality. This specification emphasizes not just the quantity but the supreme quality of the material used. Gold was universally recognized as a symbol of wealth, purity, and divine majesty, often associated with royalty and sacred objects. Its abundant use on Solomon's throne underscores the extraordinary nature of his riches and the divine blessing upon his kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory":** This clause introduces the creation of a significant royal artifact. The term "great" (גָּדוֹל, _gadol_) is not merely descriptive of size but also of importance and magnificence, suggesting a throne unparalleled in its splendor. The use of ivory, an expensive and exotic material, immediately signals the king's immense wealth and access to international trade, setting this throne apart as a luxury item of the highest order.
* **"and overlaid it with the best gold":** This second clause describes the lavish ornamentation of the ivory throne. "Overlaid" (וַיְצַפֵּהוּ, _vayetzappehu_) indicates that the ivory structure was covered or plated with gold, not merely inlaid. The specification "the best gold" (זָהָב סָגוּר, _zahav sagur_) emphasizes the purity and quality of the gold used, signifying that no expense was spared. This combination of rare ivory and pure gold created an object of breathtaking beauty and immense material value, serving as a powerful visual representation of Solomon's unprecedented prosperity and royal majesty.

#### Literary Devices
The description of Solomon's throne in [1 Kings 10:18](/1_kings/10-18 "1 Kings 10:18 - Solomon's Throne") primarily employs **Descriptive Language** to paint a vivid picture of its opulence. The specific mention of "ivory" and "the best gold" appeals to the reader's imagination, conveying a sense of extraordinary wealth and luxury. This detailed description contributes to the broader use of **Hyperbole** throughout [1 Kings 10](/1_kings/10 "1 Kings 10 - Solomon's Unparalleled Wealth"), where Solomon's riches are presented as unparalleled and limitless, emphasizing the divine blessing upon him. Furthermore, the throne itself functions as a powerful **Symbolism**. As the seat of the monarch, it symbolizes Solomon's **Royal Authority** and **Dominion**. The materials—ivory and gold—symbolize **Wealth**, **Purity**, and **Exoticism**, reinforcing the idea of a kingdom at its zenith, blessed by God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The construction of Solomon's magnificent throne, with its lavish use of ivory and the finest gold, stands as a testament to the peak of Israel's earthly glory and the tangible manifestation of God's covenant blessings upon Solomon's reign. This unparalleled display of wealth and royal authority served to demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises, particularly the promise to grant Solomon riches and honor alongside wisdom ([1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "1 Kings 3:13 - God's Promise of Riches to Solomon")). However, while celebrating this divine provision, the biblical narrative often subtly critiques the dangers of excessive material accumulation and the potential for human hearts to be drawn away from God by such splendor. The transient nature of earthly kingdoms and their glories is a consistent theme in Scripture, contrasting sharply with the eternal and spiritual nature of God's kingdom.

* [2 Chronicles 9:17-19](/2_chronicles/9-17 "2 Chronicles 9:17-19 - Description of Solomon's Throne in Chronicles")
* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")
* [Revelation 4:2-3](/revelation/4-2 "Revelation 4:2-3 - The Throne of God in Heaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's throne, a masterpiece of ancient craftsmanship and a symbol of unparalleled earthly power, invites us to reflect on the nature of true glory and lasting value. Its description serves as a powerful reminder of the fleeting nature of even the greatest human achievements and material possessions. While God blessed Solomon with immense wealth, the narrative of Kings also subtly warns against the seductive power of riches and the pride they can engender, which ultimately led to Solomon's spiritual decline. For us today, this verse prompts introspection: Where do we place our ultimate trust and derive our sense of security and significance? Is it in transient earthly comforts and accomplishments, or in the eternal, incorruptible treasures that await those who seek first God's kingdom and righteousness? The pursuit of worldly splendor, no matter how magnificent, can never satisfy the deepest longings of the human soul, which are ultimately found only in a relationship with our Creator. We are called to steward our resources wisely, recognizing that all we have is a gift from God, and to orient our lives toward eternal rather than temporal rewards.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the description of Solomon's throne challenge or affirm your understanding of wealth and divine blessing?**
* **In what ways might the pursuit of "greatness" or "splendor" in our own lives distract us from God's eternal purposes?**
* **What "treasures" are you investing in today, and how do they compare to the lasting value of God's kingdom?**

### FAQ
**Why was Solomon's throne so important, and what did it symbolize?**

Answer: Solomon's throne was immensely important because it was the central symbol of his royal authority, power, and the stability of his kingdom. In the ancient world, a king's throne was not just a seat but a highly symbolic piece of regalia, often intricately designed to convey majesty and legitimacy. The lavish materials—ivory and the "best gold"—symbolized Solomon's unprecedented wealth, his access to vast international trade networks, and the divine blessing that rested upon his reign. It was a public declaration of Israel's peak prosperity and Solomon's unparalleled status among the monarchs of his time, as further detailed in [1 Kings 10:19-20](/1_kings/10-19 "1 Kings 10:19-20 - Details of Solomon's Throne").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Solomon's ivory and gold throne represented the apex of earthly kingship and material glory, it ultimately points beyond itself to a far greater and eternal King and His unshakeable kingdom. Solomon's reign, though blessed by God, was temporary, and his kingdom eventually divided and fell due to his unfaithfulness. In contrast, Jesus Christ is the true and eternal King, whose throne is not made of perishable materials but is established in righteousness and truth forever. The earthly splendor of Solomon’s throne, impressive as it was, foreshadows the infinitely greater glory of the [heavenly throne of God](/revelation/4-2 "Revelation 4:2 - The Throne of God"), upon which Christ is seated at the Father's right hand ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus Seated at God's Right Hand")). Unlike Solomon, whose wisdom and wealth eventually led to compromise, Jesus embodies perfect wisdom and possesses true, spiritual riches that are incorruptible and eternal. His kingdom is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), yet it is a kingdom that will never end ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - Jesus' Eternal Kingdom")). Thus, Solomon's magnificent, but ultimately transient, throne serves as a powerful earthly shadow of the everlasting, divine authority and glory of Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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.