Lexical Summary kebesh: Lamb Original Word: כֶּבֶשׁ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance a footstool From kabash; a footstool (as trodden upon): see HEBREW kabash NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kabash Definition footstool NASB Translation footstool (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs כֶּ֫בֶשׁ noun [masculine] footstool (late) (Late Hebrew id., step, stair; Aramaic כִּבְשָׁא, etc., a rude seat (rare)) — הַזָּהָב ׳כ2Chronicles 9:18 (of Solomon's throne). Topical Lexicon Biblical Usage The noun כֶּבֶשׁ appears once in the canon, describing the “footstool of gold” fixed to Solomon’s throne (2 Chronicles 9:18). While rare in Scripture, the term later became the standard Hebrew word for any ramp or raised approach, especially the ramp ascending to the altar in Second Temple practice. Historical Background Two generations after David, Solomon’s reign (Tenth Century BC) embodied Israel’s zenith of prosperity and international influence. The monarch’s throne room in Jerusalem was built with Lebanese cedar, inlaid ivory, and overlaid gold (1 Kings 10:18–20). The gilded כֶּבֶשׁ attached to the throne was not merely ornamental but an engineering feature that elevated the seated king above the court, emphasizing both accessibility (six steps) and exaltation (a golden landing). At state audiences, envoys first ascended those steps, then paused on the כֶּבֶשׁ before the king—a ritual that dramatised submission to Solomon’s wisdom and authority. Architectural Significance 1. Elevation and Visibility – The mini-platform created by the כֶּבֶשׁ positioned Solomon at the focal point of the hall, facilitating public judgment (1 Kings 3:28). Theological Themes • Kingship and Submission The golden כֶּבֶשׁ provided a visual of authority requiring ascent: subjects approached the king only by rising toward him. Scripture later universalizes this picture: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet” (Psalm 110:1); “He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet” (1 Corinthians 15:25). Solomon’s footstool prefigures the cosmic subjection of all powers under Christ. • Heaven’s Throne and Earth’s Footstool Isaiah 66:1 contrasts the infinite majesty of God (“Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool”) with the limitations of human temples. The Chronicles writer, aware of that theology, depicts Solomon’s elevated seat as an earthly echo of the heavenly pattern. The כֶּבֶשׁ functions as a microcosm: the throne above, the footstool below, and worshipers ascending between. • Accessibility Balanced by Holiness Six steps invited approach, but lions flanking the armrests (2 Chronicles 9:18–19) guarded the seat. The footstool stands at the threshold where approach ends and royal presence begins—mirroring the veil that once separated priests from the Holy of Holies (Exodus 26:33). Sinners may draw near, yet only through ordained means, anticipating the one Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5). Ministry Application 1. Worship Posture – Kneeling or bowing at a “footstool” (Psalm 99:5) embodies humility toward God’s sovereignty. Solomon’s כֶּבֶשׁ reminds believers to approach the throne of grace with reverence and awe (Hebrews 4:16; 12:28). Related References for Study 2 Samuel 7:16; 1 Kings 10:18–20; Psalm 110:1; Psalm 99:5; Isaiah 66:1; Zechariah 6:13; Matthew 22:44; Acts 2:34–35; 1 Corinthians 15:25; Hebrews 4:16; Hebrews 10:12–13; Revelation 1:6. Forms and Transliterations וְכֶ֨בֶשׁ וכבש veChevesh wə·ḵe·ḇeš wəḵeḇešLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Chronicles 9:18 HEB: מַעֲל֣וֹת לַ֠כִּסֵּא וְכֶ֨בֶשׁ בַּזָּהָ֤ב לַכִּסֵּא֙ NAS: to the throne and a footstool in gold KJV: to the throne, with a footstool of gold, INT: steps to the throne footstool gold to the throne 1 Occurrence |
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