Twelve lions stood on the six steps, one at either end of each step. Nothing like this had ever been made for any kingdom. Twelve lionsThe number twelve often symbolizes completeness or divine authority in the Bible, reflecting the twelve tribes of Israel. Lions, as symbols of strength and majesty, represent the power and authority of King Solomon's reign. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, lions were frequently associated with royalty and divine protection, underscoring Solomon's God-given wisdom and strength. stood on the six steps
The six steps leading to Solomon's throne signify a structured approach to his rule, with each step representing a level of wisdom and discernment. The number six, often associated with human effort, contrasts with the divine completeness of twelve, suggesting that Solomon's wisdom, though great, is still a human endeavor under divine guidance. one at either end of each step
This phrase emphasizes balance and symmetry, reflecting the order and justice that characterized Solomon's reign. The placement of the lions at each end of the steps symbolizes protection and the upholding of justice, ensuring that Solomon's judgments were fair and balanced. Nothing like this had ever been made
This statement highlights the unparalleled nature of Solomon's kingdom, a testament to the wisdom and favor bestowed upon him by God. It underscores the uniqueness of Israel's monarchy under Solomon, setting a standard of excellence and divine blessing that was unmatched in the ancient world. for any kingdom
The phrase underscores the supremacy of Solomon's reign over all other kingdoms, reflecting the fulfillment of God's promise to David that his son would have a kingdom of peace and prosperity. It serves as a reminder of the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, with Solomon's throne as a symbol of divine favor and the ultimate realization of God's promises to His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the temple and his palace. 2. JerusalemThe capital city of Israel where Solomon's throne was located. 3. The Throne of SolomonA magnificent throne made of ivory and overlaid with gold, symbolizing Solomon's wealth and the splendor of his reign. 4. LionsSymbolic creatures representing strength and majesty, used as decorative elements on Solomon's throne. 5. The Kingdom of IsraelUnder Solomon's rule, it was a powerful and prosperous kingdom, attracting visitors from all over the world. Teaching Points Symbolism of Strength and MajestyThe lions on Solomon's throne symbolize strength and majesty. As Christians, we are called to reflect the strength and majesty of Christ in our lives. The Uniqueness of God's KingdomJust as Solomon's throne was unparalleled, the kingdom of God is unique and unmatched. We are invited to be part of this kingdom through faith in Christ. Wisdom and WealthSolomon's wealth and wisdom were gifts from God. We should seek wisdom from God and use our resources to honor Him and serve others. The Temporary Nature of Earthly SplendorWhile Solomon's throne was magnificent, it was temporary. We should focus on building treasures in heaven, which are eternal. Christ as the True KingSolomon's reign points to the greater reign of Christ, the true King whose kingdom will never end. We should submit to His authority and follow His example. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the description of Solomon's throne in 1 Kings 10:20 reflect the glory and majesty of his reign, and how can this be a reminder of the glory of God's kingdom? 2. In what ways can the symbolism of lions on Solomon's throne inspire us to live boldly and righteously in our daily lives? 3. How does the wealth and wisdom of Solomon challenge us to use our own resources and talents for God's purposes? 4. What lessons can we learn from the temporary nature of Solomon's earthly splendor about where we should invest our time and energy? 5. How does the imagery of Solomon's throne and the lions connect to the portrayal of Jesus as the Lion of the tribe of Judah, and what does this mean for our understanding of His kingship? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Chronicles 9:17-19This passage parallels 1 Kings 10:20, describing the grandeur of Solomon's throne and the lions, emphasizing the unmatched splendor of his kingdom. Proverbs 28:1This verse speaks of the righteous being as bold as a lion, connecting the symbolism of lions to strength and righteousness. Revelation 5:5Refers to Jesus as the Lion of the tribe of Judah, drawing a connection between the symbolism of lions and the messianic lineage from David through Solomon. People Arabians, Aram, Hiram, Hittites, Ophir, Solomon, Tarshish, TharshishPlaces Egypt, House of the Forest of Lebanon, Jerusalem, Kue, Ophir, Sheba, Shephelah, Syria, TarshishTopics Either, Kingdom, Lions, Nothing, Placed, Six, Standing, Step, Steps, Stood, TwelveDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 10:20 4666 lion 1 Kings 10:14-21 5211 art 1 Kings 10:14-22 4303 metals 1 Kings 10:16-21 5437 palaces 1 Kings 10:18-21 5399 luxury 1 Kings 10:19-20 5553 stairways Library Coming to the King.
"And King Solomon gave unto the Queen of Sheba all her desire, whatsoever she asked, beside that which Solomon gave her of his royal bounty."--1 Kings x. 13. The beautiful history recorded in the chapter from which the above words are quoted is deeply instructive to those who have learned to recognise CHRIST in the Scriptures. The reference to this narrative by our LORD Himself was surely designed to draw our attention to it, and gives it an added interest. The blessings, too, received by the Queen …
J. Hudson Taylor—A Ribband of BlueA Royal Seeker after Wisdom
'And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to prove him with hard questions. 2. And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart. 3. And Solomon told her all her questions: there was not any thing hid from the king, which he told her not. 4. And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon's …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Gift
"There came no more such abundance of spices as those which the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon."--1 Kings x. 10. Mechthild of Hellfde, 1277. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 "What dost thou bring me, O my Queen? Love maketh thy steps to fly." Lord, to Thee my jewel I bring, Greater than mountains high; Broader than all the earth's broad lands, Heavier than the ocean sands, And higher it is than the sky: Deeper it is than the depths of the sea, And fairer than the sun, Unreckoned, as if the stars …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series) Of the Weight of Government; and that all Manner of Adversity is to be Despised, and Prosperity Feared.
So much, then, have we briefly said, to shew how great is the weight of government, lest whosoever is unequal to sacred offices of government should dare to profane them, and through lust of pre-eminence undertake a leadership of perdition. For hence it is that James affectionately deters us, saying, Be not made many masters, my brethren (James iii. 1). Hence the Mediator between God and man Himself--He who, transcending the knowledge and understanding even of supernal spirits, reigns in heaven …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Meditations of the Blessed State of the Regenerate Man after Death.
This estate has three degrees:--1st, From the day of death to the resurrection; 2d, From the resurrection to the pronouncing of the sentence; 3d, After the sentence, which lasts eternally. As soon as ever the regenerate man hath yielded up his soul to Christ, the holy angels take her into their custody, and immediately carry her into heaven (Luke xvi. 22), and there present her before Christ, where she is crowned with a crown of righteousness and glory; not which she hath deserved by her good works, …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety There is a Blessedness in Reversion
Blessed are the poor in spirit. Matthew 5:3 Having done with the occasion, I come now to the sermon itself. Blessed are the poor in spirit'. Christ does not begin his Sermon on the Mount as the Law was delivered on the mount, with commands and threatenings, the trumpet sounding, the fire flaming, the earth quaking, and the hearts of the Israelites too for fear; but our Saviour (whose lips dropped as the honeycomb') begins with promises and blessings. So sweet and ravishing was the doctrine of this …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Commerce
The remarkable change which we have noticed in the views of Jewish authorities, from contempt to almost affectation of manual labour, could certainly not have been arbitrary. But as we fail to discover here any religious motive, we can only account for it on the score of altered political and social circumstances. So long as the people were, at least nominally, independent, and in possession of their own land, constant engagement in a trade would probably mark an inferior social stage, and imply …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Typified in the Lives of Joseph and Solomon.
In the Old Testament there are numerous references to the Second Coming of Christ, references both direct and typical, but in every instance it was His return to the earth which was in view. The secret coming of Christ into the air, to catch up the saints to Himself, was an event quite unknown to the Old Testament prophets, an event kept secret until revealed by God to the apostle Paul who, when writing to the Corinthians upon this particular aspect of our subject, said, "Behold, I show you a mystery …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return "Let any Man Come. "
[7] "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."--John 7:37-38. THE text which heads this paper contains one of those mighty sayings of Christ which deserve to be printed in letters of gold. All the stars in heaven are bright and beautiful; yet even a child can see that "one star differeth from another in glory" …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 10:20 NIV1 Kings 10:20 NLT1 Kings 10:20 ESV1 Kings 10:20 NASB1 Kings 10:20 KJV
1 Kings 10:20 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
