Scripture states that Solomon’s throne was unique:
“Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with the best gold. The throne had six steps, and the top of the throne was round behind: and there were stays on either side on the place of the seat, and two lions stood beside the stays. And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon the six steps: there was not the like made in any kingdom” (1 Kings 10:18-20).
Scripture later adds another detailed record about his throne, including the same explicit statement of its uniqueness:
“Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with pure gold. And there were six steps to the throne, with a footstool of gold, which were fastened to the throne, and stays on each side of the sitting place, and two lions standing by the stays: And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon the six steps. There was not the like made in any kingdom” (2 Chron. 9:17-19).
By giving us a second detailed account of Solomon’s throne that repeats the explicit statement of its uniqueness, Scripture highlights its uniqueness further.
Both passages also speak of the lions that were beside his throne and in front of it. Why did Solomon have these lions by his throne and why does the Spirit of God give us this information twice?
Seated on his throne, Solomon would be in the middle of two lions and would have twelve lions in front of him. Does this information suggest that Solomon viewed himself as the “Lion” on the throne of the kingdom of the Lord (see the previous three posts for an explanation of how he was seated on that throne)?
If so, is he in that respect a type of “the Lion of the tribe of Judah” seen in the throne-room of heaven (Rev. 5:5)?
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