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Throne
The throne, as a symbol of authority, was portable. Two kings, of Israel and Judah, sat on their thrones at the threshing floor at the entrance of the gate of Samaria (
Ancient thrones were of opulent magnificence. The remains of a throne of rock crystal were found in the ruins of Sennacherib’s palace. Solomon’s throne was made of ivory overlaid with gold, with six steps leading up to it, with a lion on either side of each step. The back was carved with the figure of a bull’s head, the symbol of strength, and two lions stood beside the arm rests (
Messianic passages suggest that one called the Branch will build the Temple and sit on the throne (
Warning is given that the one who would exalt his throne on high with God’s will be cast into Sheol (
The ascension of the king was accompanied by an enthronement festival and rite. The main elements of it can be reconstructed from the detailed accounts of Solomon’s enthronement (
Divine kingship was widely accepted in the ancient Near E, but the belief was not universal. It is unlikely that the kings of Israel were considered divine but only that they were God’s unique instruments.
Bibliography
S. H. Hooke, ed., The Labyrinth (1935); A. Richardson, A Theological Word Book of the Bible (1950), 105, 106; A. R. Johnson, Sacral Kingship in Ancient Israel (1955); &--;—, “Throne,” EBr, XXII (1957), 163.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (1915)
thron. (kicce’, a "seat" in
(2) The majesty and power of Yahweh as the true king of Israel; He "is enthroned above the cherubim" (
(5) Heavenly kingdoms or rulers (angels:
See KING, KINGDOM.