1 Kings 10:19

KJV

The throne had six steps, and the top of the throne [was] round behind: and [there were] stays on either side on the place of the seat, and two lions stood beside the stays.

KJV (with Strong's)

The throne {H3678} had six {H8337} steps {H4609}, and the top {H7218} of the throne {H3678} was round {H5696} behind {H310}: and there were stays {H3027} on either side on the place {H4725} of the seat {H7675}, and two {H8147} lions {H738} stood {H5975} beside {H681} the stays {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The throne had six steps, a back with a rounded top, arms on either side of the seat, two lions standing beside the arms,

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

There were six steps to the throne, and the top of the throne was round behind; and there were stays on either side by the place of the seat, and two lions standing beside the stays.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 10:19 offers a meticulous description of King Solomon's magnificent throne, a central artifact that powerfully symbolized his unparalleled wisdom, immense wealth, and divinely bestowed glory. This verse, embedded within a broader account detailing the opulence of Solomon's reign, highlights the exquisite craftsmanship and profound symbolic elements of the throne, underscoring its status as a marvel of ancient architecture and a tangible testament to the unprecedented prosperity and peace enjoyed by Israel under his rule.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within [1 Kings 10](/1_kings/10 "1 Kings 10 - Solomon's Wealth and Wisdom"), a chapter primarily dedicated to illustrating the extraordinary wealth, wisdom, and fame of King Solomon. The preceding verses ([1 Kings 10:1-13](/1_kings/10-1-13 "1 Kings 10:1-13 - The Queen of Sheba's Visit")) recount the visit of the Queen of Sheba, who traveled from the ends of the earth to test Solomon's wisdom and was utterly overwhelmed by the splendor of his kingdom, his palace, and particularly the order and magnificence of his court and provisions. Her astonished reaction, specifically noted in [1 Kings 10:5](/1_kings/10-5 "1 Kings 10:5 - The Queen of Sheba's Astonishment"), sets the stage for the detailed description of the throne in verses [1 Kings 10:18-20](/1_kings/10-18-20 "1 Kings 10:18-20 - Description of Solomon's Throne"). The throne is presented as a pinnacle of Solomon's earthly glory, immediately followed by statements about its unparalleled nature among all kingdoms ([1 Kings 10:20](/1_kings/10-20 "1 Kings 10:20 - Solomon's Throne Unmatched")). This passage serves to emphasize the peak of Israel's prosperity and influence under Solomon, a period of unprecedented peace and blessing that would eventually contrast sharply with the later decline of the monarchy.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, a king's throne was far more than mere furniture; it was a potent symbol of his authority, power, and legitimacy. Its design, materials, and adornments communicated the monarch's status, wealth, and even his divine mandate. Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC) marked a golden age for Israel, characterized by extensive trade, diplomatic alliances, and significant building projects, including the Temple and his own palace complex. The use of precious materials like ivory and gold, and elaborate carvings, as seen in this throne, was typical of royal furniture among powerful empires like Egypt and Mesopotamia, but Solomon's throne is presented as exceeding them all in grandeur. The cultural significance of lions as symbols of royalty, strength, and protection was widespread in the ancient world, including in Israel, where the lion was also the emblem of the tribe of Judah, from which the Davidic dynasty originated. The detailed description of the throne reflects the immense resources available to Solomon, largely acquired through his extensive trade networks and the tribute from vassal states, showcasing a period of unparalleled national prestige.

* **Key Themes:** The description of Solomon's throne contributes to several overarching themes in [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings - The Divided Kingdom") and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **divine blessing and wisdom**, as God had promised Solomon unprecedented wisdom and wealth ([1 Kings 3:12-13](/1_kings/3-12-13 "1 Kings 3:12-13 - God's Promise to Solomon")). The throne's grandeur is a tangible manifestation of this divine favor, a visible sign of God's covenant faithfulness. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **royal splendor and earthly glory**, showcasing the zenith of Israel's national power and prestige under Solomon's unified rule. This glory, however, is implicitly contrasted with the later decline of the monarchy and Solomon's own spiritual failures, serving as a high-water mark against which subsequent reigns are measured. Thirdly, the throne, with its symbolic lions, reinforces the theme of **kingship and authority**, particularly the Davidic covenant, which promised an enduring dynasty ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). The throne's design speaks to the king's role as God's representative on earth, upholding justice and maintaining order, echoing the ideal of righteous governance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Throne (Hebrew, _kiççêʼ_):** The Hebrew term כִּסֵּא (_kiççêʼ_, H3678) refers to a seat of authority, whether for a king, judge, or even God Himself. Its usage here emphasizes that this is not merely a piece of furniture but the very locus of royal power, judgment, and governance. The detailed description of its features underscores its unique status and the immense authority it represented for King Solomon, signifying his preeminent position as God's chosen ruler over Israel.
* **Stays (Hebrew, _yâd_):** The word יָד (_yâd_, H3027), literally meaning "hand" (often used in plural as "hands" or "armrests"), refers to the armrests of the throne. This detail highlights the meticulous craftsmanship and the structural integrity of the throne. The "hands" of the throne would have provided support for the king, and their presence, along with the lions, suggests a design that was both functional and highly symbolic, contributing to the overall impression of majesty, stability, and perhaps even a sense of being "held" or supported in his rule.
* **Lions (Hebrew, _ʼărîy_):** The Hebrew term אֲרִי (_ʼărîy_, H738) denotes a lion. In the ancient world, lions were universal symbols of strength, courage, majesty, and royalty. Their placement beside the throne of Solomon was a powerful visual declaration of his kingly power and authority. Furthermore, within the Israelite context, the lion was the tribal emblem of Judah (cf. [Genesis 49:9](/genesis/49-9 "Genesis 49:9 - Jacob's Blessing of Judah")), the tribe from which King David and his lineage, including Solomon, descended. Thus, the lions not only symbolized Solomon's personal might but also his connection to the divinely chosen royal line and the enduring strength of the Davidic covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The throne had six steps,"**: This detail immediately conveys the elevated and imposing position of the throne, signifying the exalted status of the monarch. The ascent of six steps emphasizes the reverence and hierarchical order associated with approaching the king, visually representing the climb to power and authority. It suggests a deliberate design to impress upon observers the king's elevated position above his subjects and the solemnity of his judicial and administrative functions.
* **"and the top of the throne [was] round behind:"**: This describes the backrest of the throne, indicating a sophisticated and perhaps comfortable design that curved around the occupant. This feature speaks to the superior craftsmanship and luxuriousness of the throne, suggesting a high degree of artistic and engineering skill involved in its construction. It adds to the overall majestic and imposing appearance, distinguishing it from simpler, flat-backed seats.
* **"and [there were] stays on either side on the place of the seat,"**: The "stays" refer to the armrests of the throne. Their presence on either side of the seat provided support for the king and were likely elaborately carved, further contributing to the throne's opulence and structural stability. This detail underscores the comprehensive and detailed design, ensuring both the king's comfort and the throne's grandeur, reinforcing its function as a secure and dignified seat of power.
* **"and two lions stood beside the stays."**: This is arguably the most striking symbolic feature of the throne. The presence of two lions, standing as silent, powerful guardians beside the armrests, powerfully symbolizes the king's strength, majesty, and courage. These lions reinforced Solomon's royal authority and power, connecting him to the ancient Near Eastern tradition of kings as powerful, lion-like figures. As mentioned, they also subtly alluded to his lineage from the tribe of Judah, whose emblem was the lion, thereby affirming his legitimate and divinely sanctioned rule.

#### Literary Devices
The description of Solomon's throne in [1 Kings 10:19](/1_kings/10-19 "1 Kings 10:19 - Solomon's Throne") effectively employs several **literary devices** to convey its grandeur and significance. **Imagery** is paramount, as the verse paints a vivid mental picture of the throne's physical attributes—its six steps, rounded back, "stays" (armrests), and flanking lions—allowing the reader to visualize its imposing presence and elaborate design. The detailed enumeration of its parts, from the number of steps to the specific placement of the lions, functions as a form of **merism**, where specific components are listed to evoke the completeness and overwhelming splendor of the whole, emphasizing its unique and unparalleled nature. This detailed description also serves as profound **symbolism**, where each element carries deeper meaning: the six steps denote elevated authority and the king's exalted status; the round back suggests refined luxury and superior craftsmanship; and most significantly, the two lions universally symbolize strength, majesty, and royalty, while also specifically referencing the tribal emblem of Judah, thereby reinforcing Solomon's divinely ordained lineage, power, and role as a protector of his people. The overall effect is to emphasize the unparalleled nature of Solomon's reign and the divine favor bestowed upon him, highlighting a golden age of Israelite monarchy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Solomon's throne, described in such lavish detail, serves as a powerful earthly symbol of divinely ordained authority and the glory that God can bestow upon His chosen king. While magnificent, this earthly throne, built by human hands and adorned with precious materials, ultimately points beyond itself to the eternal, uncreated throne of God. It foreshadows the perfect, righteous, and everlasting kingdom of the true King, whose reign is not dependent on earthly wealth or human craftsmanship. The splendor of Solomon's court, though unparalleled in its time, was temporal and, as the rest of [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings - The Divided Kingdom") shows, eventually faded due to the king's own failures and the subsequent division of the kingdom. This contrast highlights the transient nature of human glory versus the enduring nature of divine majesty. The throne, with its symbolic lions of Judah, also implicitly connects to the Davidic covenant, promising an eternal dynasty, a promise that finds its ultimate fulfillment not in Solomon's earthly successors, but in a greater King.

* [Psalm 45:6](/psalms/45-6 "Psalm 45:6 - God's Throne is Forever")
* [Isaiah 6:1](/isaiah/6-1 "Isaiah 6:1 - Isaiah's Vision of God's Throne")
* [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The description of Solomon's throne invites us to reflect on the nature of true authority and glory. While Solomon's reign represented a pinnacle of earthly splendor, a tangible sign of God's blessing, it also serves as a poignant reminder that even the most magnificent human achievements are temporary and imperfect. Our lives are often consumed by the pursuit of earthly "thrones"—positions of power, wealth, or influence—believing that these will bring ultimate satisfaction and security. However, the Bible consistently redirects our gaze from the transient to the eternal, from human glory to divine glory. For believers, the ultimate "throne" is not one built of ivory and gold, but the throne of God's grace, accessible through Christ. We are called to seek not earthly exaltation, but to humble ourselves before the King of kings, whose kingdom is not of this world. Our true security and honor come from our relationship with Him, and our ultimate hope rests in His eternal reign, where justice and righteousness perfectly prevail, offering a peace and stability that no earthly throne can provide.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the description of Solomon's throne challenge or affirm your understanding of earthly power and wealth?**
* **In what ways might we, in our own lives, seek "thrones" or positions of earthly glory that distract us from God's eternal kingdom?**
* **How does the temporary nature of Solomon's throne contrast with the eternal nature of God's throne, and what comfort or challenge does this bring?**
* **What does it mean to "approach the throne of grace" in our daily lives, and how does this differ from approaching an earthly king's throne?**

### FAQ

**Why did Solomon's throne have six steps, and what is the significance of this number?**

Answer: The text explicitly states the throne had six steps, but it does not provide a theological explanation for the number itself. In the ancient Near East, the number of steps leading to a throne often signified the king's elevated status and the reverence due to him. Each step reinforced the hierarchy and the distance between the monarch and his subjects, visually emphasizing the king's exalted position. While some commentators have speculated about symbolic connections (e.g., six days of creation, or perhaps a contrast to the seven-stepped thrones found in other cultures, subtly indicating Solomon's unique status), the primary significance is likely the visual impact of elevation and the practical aspect of ascending to such a grand seat. It underscores the unparalleled majesty and the king's preeminent position, making the act of approaching the king a solemn and awe-inspiring experience.

**What was the symbolic meaning of the two lions on Solomon's throne?**

Answer: The two lions standing beside the armrests of Solomon's throne carried profound symbolic meaning, drawing on both universal ancient Near Eastern motifs and specific Israelite traditions. Universally, in the ancient world, lions represented strength, majesty, courage, and royalty. Their presence on the throne visually communicated Solomon's immense power and authority as king, serving as silent, formidable guardians of his rule. More specifically, within the Israelite context, the lion was the tribal emblem of Judah, from which King David and his lineage (including Solomon) descended, as prophesied in [Genesis 49:9](/genesis/49-9 "Genesis 49:9 - Jacob's Blessing of Judah"). Thus, these lions not only underscored Solomon's personal might but also his connection to the divinely chosen Davidic dynasty, symbolizing his rightful claim to the throne and his role as a protector and upholder of justice for his people. They were a powerful visual affirmation of his legitimate and divinely sanctioned authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Solomon's throne, with its unparalleled grandeur and symbolic lions, stands as a magnificent, yet ultimately temporary, earthly prefigurement of the eternal and truly glorious throne of Jesus Christ. Solomon, though blessed with immense wisdom and wealth, was a flawed king whose reign eventually saw decline and division. His throne, for all its splendor, was built by human hands and represented a kingdom that would pass away. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ is the true and ultimate King, the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" ([Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - Jesus, the Lion of Judah")), whose throne is not made of ivory and gold, but is established in righteousness and justice from eternity past to eternity future ([Psalm 45:6](/psalms/45-6 "Psalm 45:6 - God's Throne is Forever")). While Solomon's throne required steps to ascend, symbolizing hierarchy and distance, Christ's throne is a "throne of grace" ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")) to which all believers are invited to draw near with confidence, finding mercy and help in time of need. His rule is not merely over a nation, but over all creation ([Ephesians 1:20-22](/ephesians/1-20-22 "Ephesians 1:20-22 - Christ's Authority Over All")), and His kingdom is everlasting, bringing perfect peace, justice, and salvation ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Eternal Kingdom of Jesus")). Thus, Solomon's earthly glory, while impressive, serves as a shadow pointing to the infinitely greater, unfading glory of Christ's heavenly reign, a reign that guarantees eternal security and perfect governance for all who trust in Him.

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.