Keraia
1 Kings 10

1 Kings 10:19

Solomon’s Wealth and Splendor · 1 Kings 10:14–29
Read 1 Kings 10

Translations

Modern
The throne had six steps, and its back had a rounded top. There were armrests on both sides of the seat, with a lion standing beside each armrest.
Traditional
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.
Literal
Six steps were to the throne, and the round top of the throne was at the back, and were armrests on this side and on this side of the place of the seat, and two lions stood beside the armrests.
Latin
…qui habebat sex gradus: et summitas throni rotunda erat in parte posteriori: et duæ manus hinc atque inde tenentes sedile: et duo leones stabant juxta manus singulas.

Original

Hebrew
English
The throne had six steps, and its back had a rounded top. There were armrests on both sides of the seat, with a lion standing beside each armrest.

Notes

1 Kings 10:18–21

Solomon got ivory by trading with Hiram. Kings in the Ancient Near East often used lion figures to show royal power and to symbolize divine protection of the throne.

1 Kings 10:14–29

To show more of Solomon’s greatness, the writer adds to the story of the queen’s visit (1 Kings 10:1–13). The writer describes Solomon’s wise use of wealth in building his palace complex (10:14–21). The writer then tells how Solomon’s wisdom also brought wide influence through his trade and commercial dealings (10:22–29).

Theme notes and profiles

Solomon Solomon’s Wisdom

Events

Parallels

2 Chronicles 1:14–17 2 Chronicles 9:13–28

Glossary

Banker, Banking Cattle Jerusalem Kings, Books of First and Second Lebanon Lion Palace Solomon (Person) Throne

Topics

King: Tariff on Imports, and Internal Revenue on Merchandise Lion: Twelve Statues of, on the Stairs Leading to Solomon's Throne Solomon: Ivory Throne of Throne of Ivory