2 Chronicles 9:18

And [there were] six steps to the throne, with a footstool of gold, [which were] fastened to the throne, and stays on each side of the sitting place, and two lions standing by the stays:

And there were six {H8337} steps {H4609} to the throne {H3678}, with a footstool {H3534} of gold {H2091}, which were fastened {H270} to the throne {H3678}, and stays {H3027} on each side of the sitting {H3427} place {H4725}, and two {H8147} lions {H738} standing {H5975} by {H681} the stays {H3027}:

The throne had six steps and a gold footstool; these were fastened to the throne. There were arms on either side of the seat, two lions standing beside the arms,

The throne had six steps, and a footstool of gold was attached to it. There were armrests on both sides of the seat, with a lion standing beside each armrest.

And there were six steps to the throne, with a footstool of gold, which were fastened to the throne, and stays on either side by the place of the seat, and two lions standing beside the stays.

Commentary

Context of Solomon's Throne

This verse is part of a detailed description of King Solomon's immense wealth, wisdom, and the unparalleled grandeur of his kingdom, particularly as recorded in 2 Chronicles chapter 9 and parallel accounts in 1 Kings chapter 10. The account highlights the awe and astonishment of the Queen of Sheba upon witnessing Solomon's glory, which far exceeded the reports she had heard. The throne itself was a central symbol of his power, justice, and the divine favor bestowed upon him by God, reflecting his extraordinary wisdom and prosperity.

Key Features and Symbolism

Verse 18 specifically describes the majestic design of Solomon's royal throne, emphasizing its opulence and symbolic elements:

  • Six Steps: The presence of six steps leading up to the throne likely signified its elevated status and the king's supreme authority, requiring a deliberate ascent to approach the monarch.
  • Footstool of Gold: A footstool of solid gold underscores the incredible wealth and luxury. In ancient cultures, placing one's feet on a footstool could symbolize dominion or rest, and here, it points to the king's ultimate sovereignty.
  • Stays (Armrests/Supports): The "stays on each side of the sitting place" refer to the armrests or supports, indicating a substantial, well-crafted, and comfortable throne fit for a king.
  • Two Lions: Two lions standing by the stays are highly significant. Lions were potent symbols of strength, royalty, and justice in the ancient Near East. Their presence reinforced the king's power, courage, and his role as a protector and dispenser of justice within his realm. This imagery is further expanded in 1 Kings 10:20, which mentions a total of twelve lions on the steps and by the stays.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses the term "stays," which in this context (from the Hebrew yad, meaning 'hand' or 'side'), refers to the armrests or supports of the throne. The repeated emphasis on "gold" throughout the descriptions of Solomon's palace and possessions (e.g., 2 Chronicles 9:17) highlights not just material wealth but also the preciousness and purity associated with divine blessing and royal dignity in that era.

Practical Application

Solomon's throne, with its unparalleled splendor, serves as a powerful reminder of earthly glory when God's favor is upon a nation and its leader. However, it also subtly points to a greater reality: the ultimate, eternal throne of God himself. While Solomon's reign eventually faced challenges due to his later disobedience, the description of his throne encourages us to reflect on the nature of true authority and kingship.

For believers, this passage can inspire awe for God's ability to bless and elevate, and it foreshadows the coming of a King, Jesus Christ, whose spiritual throne and kingdom are far more glorious and enduring than any earthly dominion. He is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, whose reign is characterized by perfect justice, righteousness, and eternal peace, far surpassing the temporary grandeur of Solomon's golden throne.

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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

  • Numbers 23:24 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Numbers 24:9 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Revelation 5:5 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Genesis 49:9 (2 votes)

    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?

  • Genesis 49:10 (2 votes)

    The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him [shall] the gathering of the people [be].