2 Chronicles 9:19
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 lions stood on the six steps,

Lions represented royal strength, vigilance, and authority. Their number may recall the twelve tribes of Israel, portraying Solomon’s throne as connected to the covenant people over whom God had appointed him king. The ascent of six steps toward the throne heightened the sense of majesty and set the king’s seat apart as a place of judgment and rule.

1Ki 10:20 Twelve lions stood on the six steps, one at either end…
1Ki 10:19 The throne had six steps, and its back had a rounded top.…
1Ki 10:18 Additionally, the king made a great throne of ivory…

one at either end of each step.

The paired lions formed a guarded and symmetrical approach, reflecting the order, security, and splendor of Solomon’s kingdom. Those approaching the throne would have been reminded that Israel’s king bore a weighty responsibility under God, who is the true King and Judge of His people.

Exo 25:19 one cherub on one end and one on the other…
Exo 37:8 one cherub on one end and one on the other…
1Ki 7:36 He engraved cherubim, lions, and palm trees…

Nothing like this had ever been made for any kingdom.

Solomon’s throne displayed the extraordinary prosperity God granted during the period of his faithfulness and wisdom. Its unmatched magnificence testified to the prominence of Israel among the nations and anticipated a greater royal glory. Jesus Christ, the Lion of Judah, reigns with an authority and majesty that no earthly throne can equal.

1Ch 29:25 The LORD highly exalted Solomon in the sight of all Israel…
2Ch 1:12 Therefore wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you.…
1Ki 10:23 So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
The king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the temple and his palace.

2. Jerusalem
The capital city of Israel, where Solomon's throne and the temple were located.

3. The Throne of Solomon
A magnificent throne made of ivory and overlaid with gold, symbolizing Solomon's wealth and the glory of his reign.

4. The Twelve Lions
Statues that adorned the steps leading to Solomon's throne, representing strength, majesty, and the unique splendor of his kingdom.

5. The Kingdom of Israel
Under Solomon's rule, it reached its peak in terms of wealth, influence, and architectural achievements.
Teaching Points
Symbolism of Strength and Authority
The lions on Solomon's throne symbolize strength and authority. As believers, we are called to reflect the strength and authority of Christ in our lives.

Unique Craftsmanship
The uniqueness of Solomon's throne reflects God's creativity and excellence. We are encouraged to pursue excellence in our work and service to God.

Temporal vs. Eternal Glory
Solomon's kingdom, though magnificent, was temporary. This reminds us to focus on the eternal kingdom of God, which surpasses all earthly glory.

Wisdom and Wealth
Solomon's wealth and wisdom were gifts from God. We should seek wisdom from God and use our resources to honor Him and serve others.

Legacy of Faith
Solomon's reign is a reminder of the impact of leadership. We should strive to leave a legacy of faith and righteousness for future generations.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the description of Solomon's throne and the twelve lions reflect the glory and majesty of his reign?

2. In what ways can the symbolism of lions in Scripture inspire us to live boldly and righteously?

3. How can we apply the principle of pursuing excellence in our daily lives and service to God?

4. What lessons can we learn from the temporary nature of Solomon's kingdom about where to place our ultimate hope and trust?

5. How can we use the wisdom and resources God has given us to impact others and further His kingdom?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Kings 10:18-20
This passage provides a parallel account of Solomon's throne, emphasizing its grandeur and the lions as symbols of power.

Proverbs 28:1
This verse speaks of the righteous being bold as a lion, connecting the symbolism of lions to strength and righteousness.

Revelation 5:5
Refers to Jesus as the Lion of the tribe of Judah, drawing a connection between the lion imagery and Christ's authority and kingship.
Gold and SilverW. Clarkson 2 Chronicles 9:13-20, 27
The Glory of SolomonT. Whitelaw 2 Chronicles 9:13-31
People
Ahijah, David, Huram, Iddo, Jeroboam, Nathan, Nebat, Nehemiah, Ophir, Rehoboam, Solomon, Tarshish
Places
Arabia, Egypt, Euphrates River, House of the Forest of Lebanon, Jerusalem, Ophir, Sheba, Shephelah, Tarshish
Topics
Either, Kingdom, Lions, Nothing, Placed, Six, Standing, Step, Steps, Stood, Twelve
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Chronicles 9:13-20

     5211   art

2 Chronicles 9:13-21

     4333   gold

2 Chronicles 9:15-20

     5437   palaces

2 Chronicles 9:17-20

     5399   luxury

2 Chronicles 9:18-19

     5553   stairways

Library
The Great Gain of Godliness
'And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beer-sheba, all the days of Solomon. 26. And Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen. 27. And those officers provided victual for king Solomon, and for all that came unto king Solomon's table, every man in his month: they lacked nothing. 28. Barley also and straw for the horses and dromedaries brought they unto the place where the officers were,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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