1 Kings 10:20

KJV

And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon the six steps: there was not the like made in any kingdom.

KJV (with Strong's)

And twelve {H8147}{H6240} lions {H738} stood {H5975} there on the one side and on the other upon the six {H8337} steps {H4609}: there was not the like {H3651} made {H6213} in any kingdom {H4467}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and twelve more lions standing on each side of the six steps. Nothing like it had ever been made in any kingdom.

Berean Standard Bible

Twelve lions stood on the six steps, one at either end of each step. Nothing like this had ever been made for any kingdom.

American Standard Version

And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon the six steps: there was not the like made in any kingdom.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 10:20 provides a vivid snapshot of the unparalleled splendor of King Solomon's reign, specifically detailing his magnificent throne. This verse highlights the throne's unique design, featuring twelve lions positioned on six steps, emphasizing its extraordinary craftsmanship and the immense wealth and wisdom that characterized Solomon's kingdom, a period of unprecedented prosperity and divine favor for Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 1 Kings 10, a chapter primarily dedicated to extolling the unparalleled wealth, wisdom, and international renown of King Solomon. The narrative immediately preceding verse 20 (1 Kings 10:18-19) describes the throne's construction from ivory and its overlay with pure gold, setting the stage for the specific details of the lions and steps. The entire chapter serves as a testament to the fulfillment of God's promises to Solomon regarding wisdom and riches ([1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "1 Kings 3:13 - God's Promise to Solomon")). The Queen of Sheba's visit, which occupies the first half of the chapter, functions as an external validation of Solomon's extraordinary status, with her concluding remarks in [1 Kings 10:7](/1_kings/10-7 "1 Kings 10:7 - Queen of Sheba's Testimony") confirming that "the half was not told me." Verse 20, therefore, acts as a climactic statement regarding the throne's uniqueness, underscoring the exceptional nature of Solomon's reign within the broader biblical narrative.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Solomonic era (circa 970-931 BC) represents the zenith of the united monarchy of Israel, a period characterized by peace, extensive trade, and significant architectural achievements. In the ancient Near East, thrones were not merely seats but potent symbols of royal power, divine authority, and national prestige. Kings often commissioned elaborate thrones to project their might and legitimacy. Lions, in particular, were ubiquitous symbols of strength, majesty, and royalty across various ancient cultures, from Egypt to Mesopotamia. The use of ivory and gold for the throne further signifies immense wealth and access to valuable trade networks, as these materials were highly prized luxury goods. The statement that "there was not the like made in any kingdom" positions Solomon's throne as a unique masterpiece, reflecting not only Israel's prosperity but also the exceptional skill of its artisans, likely facilitated by Solomon's vast resources and international connections.
* **Key Themes:** The description of Solomon's throne in this verse contributes significantly to several key themes within 1 Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Unparalleled Splendor and Wealth** of Solomon's kingdom, a direct manifestation of God's blessing upon him. The explicit declaration that "there was not the like made in any kingdom" emphasizes the unique and extraordinary nature of Israel's prosperity under Solomon. Secondly, the presence of twelve lions powerfully communicates **Royal Authority and Symbolism**. Lions were ancient symbols of strength, majesty, and dominion, and their arrangement on the throne visually reinforced Solomon's formidable regal status. This symbolism also subtly echoes the tribal blessing given to Judah, from whom the Davidic line descended, often depicted as a lion ([Genesis 49:9](/genesis/49-9 "Genesis 49:9 - Judah's Blessing as a Lion")). Lastly, while focusing on human artistry, the throne's magnificence implicitly points to **Divine Blessing and Human Achievement**. The entire account of Solomon's reign consistently attributes his wisdom, wealth, and peace to God's favor ([1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "1 Kings 3:13 - God's Promise of Wealth and Honor to Solomon")), suggesting that this grand throne was a tangible outcome of God's covenant faithfulness to His chosen king and nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lions (Hebrew, _'ărāyôt'_):** The Hebrew word refers to male lions, consistently used in the Old Testament to denote strength, ferocity, majesty, and royal power. Their presence on Solomon's throne is a powerful visual metaphor for his dominion and formidable authority. In ancient Near Eastern iconography, lions often guarded royal entrances or flanked thrones, symbolizing the king's protective and ruling capabilities. The number twelve specifically connects to the twelve tribes of Israel, implying Solomon's complete dominion over God's people.
* **Steps (Hebrew, _maʿălôt'_):** This term denotes an ascent or stairway. The six steps leading up to the throne (with the throne itself presumably being the seventh, climactic level) signify elevation, progression, and the king's exalted status. The ascent to the throne was a ceremonial journey, and the presence of the lions on each step would have amplified the sense of awe and reverence for the one seated above.
* **Not the like made (Hebrew, _lōʾ hāyāh kēn bəḵol mamlāḵāh'_):** This phrase is a superlative declaration, emphasizing the unparalleled nature of Solomon's throne. It asserts its uniqueness and superiority over any other royal seat in any kingdom known at that time. This statement underscores the exceptional wealth, skill, and divine favor that characterized Solomon's reign, marking it as a period of unprecedented glory for Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other":** This clause describes the impressive arrangement of the lions. Six lions were positioned on each side of the steps, creating an imposing guard or honor guard for the king's ascent. The number twelve is highly symbolic, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, thereby signifying Solomon's comprehensive dominion over all of God's people. The lions themselves are potent symbols of strength, majesty, and the king's formidable authority.
* **"upon the six steps":** This specifies the placement of the lions—along the six steps leading up to the throne. This detail indicates a grand, elevated throne, requiring an ascent. The visual effect would have been one of increasing majesty as one approached the king, passing by these powerful leonine figures. The six steps, with the throne itself as the seventh level, might subtly allude to a sense of completeness or divine order in Solomon's reign.
* **"there was not the like made in any kingdom":** This concluding statement is a powerful declaration of uniqueness and superiority. It emphasizes that Solomon's throne was an unparalleled masterpiece, unmatched in its grandeur, craftsmanship, and material value by any other kingdom known to the biblical author. This hyperbole serves to highlight the extraordinary wealth, wisdom, and divine blessing bestowed upon Solomon, positioning his reign as the pinnacle of Israelite glory.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey the extraordinary nature of Solomon's throne. **Hyperbole** is evident in the concluding statement, "there was not the like made in any kingdom," which emphasizes the unparalleled grandeur and uniqueness of the throne, even if not literally true in every minute detail, it conveys the impression of ultimate splendor. **Symbolism** is central to the description: the **lions** symbolize royal power, strength, and the king's dominion, while the number **twelve** often symbolizes the completeness of Israel, reinforcing Solomon's rule over all the tribes. The **throne itself** is a potent symbol of kingship, authority, and the divine endorsement of Solomon's reign. Furthermore, the vivid description creates strong **imagery**, allowing the reader to visualize the awe-inspiring spectacle of the throne, contributing to the overall sense of majesty and opulence that defines Solomon's golden age.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The unparalleled splendor of Solomon's throne, as described in 1 Kings 10:20, serves as a powerful testament to the material blessings and wisdom God bestowed upon His chosen king. It represents the height of Israel's earthly glory, a period of peace and prosperity unmatched in its history. Theologically, this magnificence can be seen as a tangible manifestation of God's covenant faithfulness to David and his lineage, promising an enduring kingdom. However, it also subtly foreshadows the transient nature of even divinely blessed earthly kingdoms. While Solomon's throne was unparalleled among human kingdoms, it ultimately points beyond itself to a greater, eternal throne and a more glorious King whose reign is not bound by earthly limitations or the passage of time.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "The Davidic Covenant and God's Enduring Kingdom")
* [Psalm 45:6](/psalms/45-6 "God's Throne Endures Forever and Ever")
* [Revelation 4:2-3](/revelation/4-2 "The Throne of God in Heaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed description of Solomon's extraordinary throne invites us to reflect on the nature of true glory and lasting value. While Solomon's reign was a period of immense material prosperity and divine favor, his later life, marked by idolatry and moral compromise, demonstrates that even the greatest earthly wealth and power do not guarantee enduring righteousness or ultimate satisfaction. The "not the like made in any kingdom" statement, while awe-inspiring, serves as a reminder that all earthly splendor, even that divinely blessed, is ultimately temporary and fleeting. Our passage encourages us to consider where we place our ultimate trust and allegiance. Is it in the accumulation of wealth, status, or power, or in the eternal kingdom of God? True and enduring splendor, authority, and blessing belong to God alone, and our ultimate allegiance should be to His eternal kingdom, rather than the transient glories of this world. This perspective helps us to appreciate blessings without idolizing them, and to seek a lasting inheritance beyond what human hands can create.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the transient nature of Solomon's earthly glory inform our pursuit of worldly success and possessions today?**
* **In what ways can we recognize and appreciate God's blessings in our lives without allowing them to become idols or distractions from our ultimate purpose?**
* **What does Solomon's throne, with its symbols of power and authority, reveal about the nature of true kingship, both human and divine?**

### FAQ

**Why were there twelve lions on Solomon's throne?**

Answer: The presence of twelve lions on Solomon's throne carried significant symbolic weight. Lions were widely recognized in the ancient Near East as powerful symbols of strength, majesty, and royalty. Their inclusion visually communicated Solomon's formidable authority and regal status. The specific number "twelve" is highly significant in biblical numerology, consistently representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Therefore, the twelve lions symbolized Solomon's comprehensive dominion and authority over all the people of Israel, reinforcing his position as the divinely appointed king over the entire nation.

**What was the significance of the "six steps" leading up to the throne?**

Answer: The six steps leading up to Solomon's throne served both practical and symbolic purposes. Practically, they elevated the throne, making the king visible and emphasizing his exalted position. Symbolically, the ascent to the throne represented a journey to power and authority. While the text specifies six steps, the throne itself would have constituted the seventh level, which is a number often associated with completeness, perfection, or divine order in biblical numerology. This could subtly suggest the divinely ordained and complete nature of Solomon's reign at its peak. The arrangement of the lions on these steps further amplified the sense of awe and reverence for the king seated above.

**How unique was Solomon's throne compared to other ancient thrones, and why is this emphasized?**

Answer: The text explicitly states, "there was not the like made in any kingdom," indicating that Solomon's throne was considered unparalleled in its grandeur and craftsmanship. While other ancient Near Eastern monarchs certainly possessed elaborate thrones, Solomon's combined immense wealth (ivory and pure gold, as mentioned in [1 Kings 10:18](/1_kings/10-18 "1 Kings 10:18 - Solomon's Throne Materials")) with sophisticated artistry (the lions, the steps) to create something truly exceptional. This uniqueness is emphasized to underscore the extraordinary nature of Solomon's reign, which was characterized by unprecedented peace, prosperity, and wisdom, all seen as direct blessings from God ([1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "1 Kings 3:13 - God's Promise of Wealth to Solomon")). It highlights Israel's peak influence and the fulfillment of God's promises during this golden age.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Solomon's magnificent throne, with its unparalleled splendor and symbolic lions, stands as a powerful, albeit imperfect, foreshadowing of the ultimate, eternal throne of Jesus Christ. Solomon's wisdom and wealth were extraordinary gifts from God, making his earthly kingdom the most glorious of its time. Yet, Christ *is* the very [wisdom of God](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God") incarnate, and His kingdom is not of this world, transcending all earthly limitations. The twelve lions on Solomon's throne symbolized earthly power and dominion over the twelve tribes of Israel, but Christ is revealed as the [Lion of the tribe of Judah](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of the Tribe of Judah"), whose authority extends over all creation and whose reign is eternal. Unlike Solomon's temporary glory, which eventually faded due to his unfaithfulness, Christ's reign brings eternal peace, righteousness, and true satisfaction, established not on gold and ivory but on divine justice and love. His kingdom, secured through His sacrificial death and resurrection, is one that will have [no end](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Have No End"), offering a glory that far surpasses any earthly splendor. The ultimate fulfillment of the ideal kingship and a throne "not the like made in any kingdom" is found in the reign of the resurrected Christ, who sits at the right hand of God, interceding for His people and ruling with absolute, everlasting authority.

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

Numbers 24:9

He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed [is] he that blesseth thee, and cursed [is] he that curseth thee.

Genesis 49:9

Judah [is] a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up?

Numbers 23:24

Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion, and lift up himself as a young lion: he shall not lie down until he eat [of] the prey, and drink the blood of the slain.

Revelation 5:5

And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.