Why are lions used as symbols on Solomon's throne in 2 Chronicles 9:18? Text and Immediate Context “...and there were six steps to the throne with a footstool of gold attached to it and armrests on either side of the seat; and two lions stood beside the armrests. Twelve lions stood on the six steps, one on either side of each step. Nothing like it had ever been made for any kingdom.” (2 Chronicles 9:18–19) The Chronicler records the throne’s construction during Solomon’s reign (c. 970–930 BC). The description is parallel to 1 Kings 10:18-20, emphasizing the extravagance of the united monarchy at its zenith. Physical Description of the Throne • One main seat of ivory overlaid with gold. • A footstool of gold (unique to the Chronicler’s account). • Two full-sized lions flanking the armrests. • Twelve additional lions—one on each side of six ascending steps. The total of fourteen lions forms a deliberate, symmetrical guard line from ground level to the royal seat. Biblical Lion Symbolism 1. Strength and Dominance: “The lion, mighty among beasts, retreats before nothing.” (Proverbs 30:30) 2. Kingship and Sovereignty: “A king’s anger is like the roar of a lion.” (Proverbs 19:12) 3. YHWH’s Might: “He will roar like a lion; when He roars, His children will come trembling.” (Hosea 11:10) By adorning the throne with lions, Solomon visually connected his rule with these Scriptural concepts of regal power under God’s authority. Connection to the Tribe of Judah Jacob’s prophetic blessing: “Judah is a young lion… the scepter will not depart from Judah.” (Genesis 49:9-10) Solomon, descendant of Judah, sits on a throne literally framed by the emblem of his tribe. The imagery reinforces dynastic legitimacy promised to David (2 Samuel 7:12-16) and anticipated by subjects familiar with tribal symbols. Royal and Judicial Authority Six steps and twelve lions subtly echo Israel’s legal foundation: six = completeness of human labor (Exodus 20:9), twelve = governmental fullness (twelve tribes). Lions flank the ascent where judgment is issued (1 Kings 3:28). They broadcast that justice emanating from Solomon’s seat is strong, fearless, and righteous. Protective and Guardian Motif Ancient Near Eastern palaces frequently placed lion statues at gateways (e.g., bas-reliefs from Ashurnasirpal II, c. 875 BC). Scripture never endorses pagan apotropaic magic, yet the lion’s guardian role is re-purposed: not to invoke other deities, but to proclaim that the Davidic king rules under the protection of the LORD of Hosts (Psalm 91:13). Messianic Foreshadowing Revelation 5:5 titles Jesus “the Lion of the tribe of Judah.” Solomon’s throne becomes typological: a mere shadow of the eschatological throne occupied by Christ. The fourteen lions look backward to tribal identity and forward to ultimate redemption, linking monarchy, Messiah, and salvation history in one visual sermon. Near-Eastern Parallels and Deliberate Contrast • Ivory lion furniture plaques from Megiddo (Stratum VI, 10th cent. BC) show lions beneath armrests of local elites. • Hittite and Egyptian thrones used lion legs or heads to exalt pharaohs as semi-divine. Solomon adapts familiar royal motifs but keeps covenant theology intact: no human or animal worship, no hybrid deities. The lions serve the king; the king serves YHWH (1 Kings 3:7). Archaeological Corroboration 1. Samaria Ivories (9th cent. BC) depict lions in furniture art, supporting the plausibility of gold-overlaid ivory craftsmanship in Solomon’s era. 2. The Tel Dan inscription (c. 840 BC) confirms a “House of David,” anchoring the historical reality of the dynasty whose symbol is the lion. 3. The Timna copper mines and Ezion-Geber slag mounds demonstrate the industrial capacity required for large-scale metal overlay described by the Chronicler. Numerical Symbolism: Fourteen Lions Fourteen = 2 × 7, emphasizing covenant perfection doubled. Matthew’s Gospel arranges Jesus’ genealogy into three sets of fourteen to spotlight Messianic fulfillment (Matthew 1:17). Solomon’s throne quietly prefigures that numerical theology: perfected strength anticipating the perfected King. Theological Implications • Royal authority originates with God; symbols must serve revelation, not superstition. • The throne teaches the populace visually: fear the LORD, honor His anointed, expect the promised Messiah. • The Chronicler, writing to post-exilic readers, reminds them that though the earthly throne is gone, the Lion-King promise stands unbroken. Practical Application Believers today are called “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). The lion imagery encourages confidence in God’s strength while reminding leaders that authority is derivative and accountable. Worship centers on Christ—the true Lion—whose throne of grace invites bold yet reverent approach (Hebrews 4:16). Summary Lions appeared on Solomon’s throne to declare tribal legitimacy, royal strength, covenantal guardianship, and Messianic hope. Archaeology, textual fidelity, and theological coherence converge to validate the Chronicler’s report and to point worshipers from Solomon’s golden seat to the everlasting throne of the risen Christ. |
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