Topical Bible: Solomon: Ivory Throne of

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The Ivory Throne of Solomon is a significant symbol of the wealth, wisdom, and grandeur of King Solomon's reign over Israel. This throne is mentioned in the context of Solomon's extensive building projects and his accumulation of wealth, which were unparalleled in the ancient world. The throne is described in the Bible as a masterpiece of craftsmanship and a testament to the prosperity and divine favor that marked Solomon's rule.

Biblical Description

The primary biblical reference to Solomon's ivory throne is found in 1 Kings 10:18-20 : "Moreover, the king made a great throne of ivory and overlaid it with pure gold. 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. Twelve lions stood on the six steps, one at either end of each step. Nothing like this had ever been made for any kingdom."

This passage highlights the throne's construction from ivory, a luxury material, and its overlay of pure gold, indicating the opulence of Solomon's court. The throne's design, with its six steps and twelve lions, symbolizes authority and strength, reflecting the king's dominion and the peace that characterized his reign.

Symbolism and Significance

The use of ivory and gold in the throne's construction signifies not only wealth but also the international trade relationships Solomon established. Ivory was a rare and valuable commodity, likely imported from distant lands, showcasing Solomon's extensive trade networks and diplomatic ties.

The lions, a symbol of power and majesty, further emphasize Solomon's status as a ruler endowed with wisdom and strength. The twelve lions may also represent the twelve tribes of Israel, suggesting that Solomon's rule was comprehensive and unifying.

Historical and Cultural Context

Solomon's reign is often considered the zenith of Israel's united monarchy, marked by peace, prosperity, and cultural development. The construction of the ivory throne fits within the broader narrative of Solomon's achievements, including the building of the First Temple in Jerusalem and his contributions to wisdom literature.

The throne's grandeur is consistent with the accounts of Solomon's wealth and the splendor of his court, as described in 1 Kings 10:23-25 : "So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. The whole world sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart. Year after year, everyone who came brought a gift—articles of silver and gold, garments, weapons, spices, horses, and mules."

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the ivory throne serves as a reminder of the blessings and responsibilities bestowed upon Solomon by God. While Solomon's wisdom and wealth were gifts from God, they also came with the expectation of righteous leadership and adherence to God's commandments. The throne, therefore, stands as a symbol of both divine favor and the potential for human failure, as Solomon's later years were marked by idolatry and disobedience.

In summary, the Ivory Throne of Solomon is a powerful emblem of his reign, reflecting the wealth, wisdom, and divine favor that characterized his rule. It serves as a historical and theological touchstone, illustrating the heights of Israel's monarchy and the enduring legacy of Solomon's kingship.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 7:7
Then he made a porch for the throne where he might judge, even the porch of judgment: and it was covered with cedar from one side of the floor to the other.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 10:18-20
Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with the best gold.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

A Greater than Solomon
... ivory throne, you feel, like the queen of Sheba, utterly astonished, and say, "The
half was not told me." But, oh, when you consider all the wealth of Solomon, ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 27 1881/a greater than solomon.htm

Solomon
... of Solomon's court; of his gilded and jewelled temple, with its pillars of
sandal-wood from Ophir, and its sea of molten brass; of his ivory lion-throne, and ...
/.../kingsley/the water of life and other sermons/sermon xi solomon.htm

The History of Solomon
... Solomon made two hundred shields of the purest gold and set them in the house of
Lebanon; he made him also a throne of ivory which was great and was clad with ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of solomon.htm

How Solomon Built Himself a Royal Palace, Very Costly and Splendid ...
... And, to say all in brief, Solomon made the whole building entirely of ... He also made
himself a throne of prodigious bigness, of ivory, constructed as ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how solomon built.htm

The Building of the Golden House.
... in this way, and as he grew older and from his throne of gold and ivory judged his ...
in a book by the scribes and are now called the "Proverbs of Solomon.". ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxvi the building of.htm

How Solomon Grew Rich, and Fell Desperately in Love with Women and ...
... the king, and a great quantity of ivory, and Ethiopians ... But Solomon was Gllen headlong
into unreasonable pleasures, and ... of lions about his own throne; for these ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how solomon grew.htm

The Poor in Spirit are Enriched with a Kingdom
... What Solomon speaks in another sense I may say of the crown of glory ... of honour, and
there was set for him a chair of ivory in the senate and a throne in the ...
/.../watson/the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/5 the poor in spirit.htm

How Sacred Love Contains the Twelve Fruits of the Holy Ghost ...
... put upon Him, and the throne of His cross, upon which sacred lovers have more content,
joy, glory and felicity than ever Solomon had on his throne of ivory. ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xix how sacred love.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... Thus, therefore, David gave to Solomon his son the pattern of all; and thus Solomon
his son ... took the book out of the hand of him that sat on the throne; and so ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

The Last Judgment. By the Rev. John Welch, AD 1570-1622.
... Solomon's throne was great which he made of ivory, and had six steps, and twelve
lions, two on every step, and the queen of the South was astonished when she ...
/.../knox/the pulpit of the reformation nos 1 2 and 3 /the last judgment by the.htm