Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(seat). The seat of one in authority, as high priest (1 Sam. 1:9); military chief (Jer. 1:15); but especially of a king (2 Sam. 3:10; 1 Kings 2:12; 7:7; 10:18-20; 22:10; Acts 12:21).
Concise Bible Dictionary:
Throne of Charles III in Spain (1770s).
Seat of honor for judges, priests, and especially for kings. The same word, kisse, is translated “seat” (Judg. 3:20; 1 Sam. 1:9; 1 Sam. 4:13,18; Esther 3:1). The throne for kings is at times distinguished by being called the “royal throne,” and “kingly throne,” “throne of the king,” etc. The throne of David is often referred to in the sense of his reigning, and God promised that his throne should be established forever, which will be fulfilled in Christ Himself (2 Sam. 7:16; Acts 2:30).
God is often represented as sitting on His throne: “Jehovah hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all” (Psa. 103:19). The Lord Jesus is now sitting on His Father’s throne, but He will have a throne of His own, and will be hailed as King of kings and Lord of lords (Heb. 1:8; Rev. 3:21; Rev. 17:14; Rev. 19:16).
The same word in the New Testament, θρόνος, is translated “seat” (Luke 1:52; Rev. 2:13; Rev. 4:4; Rev. 11:16; Rev. 13:2; Rev. 16:10). The passages in Revelation 4:4 and Revelation 11:16 represent the twenty-four elders in heaven—the redeemed—as sitting on thrones around the throne, in contrast to others who are before the throne. Satan also has his throne on earth (Rev. 2:13), and will have his agents in kingly power in a future day.
From Manners and Customs of the Bible:
1 Kings 10:18. Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with the best gold.
The body of the throne was probably of wood, entirely covered with ivory and gold, both being visible and relieving each other. Judging from the description given of this throne it must have been one of extraordinary magnificence. It had, by the two arms, lions such as are represented on the monumental pictures of ancient Egyptian and Assyrian thrones. Six steps reached to the platform on which it was placed, and on either side of each step was an image of a standing lion: Thus the upward passage to the throne was guarded by twelve lions, six on either side. Oriental monarchs have always been noted for the splendor of their thrones. Gold and precious stones of every kind, and wrought by the most elaborate workmanship into forms of rarest beauty, are described by travelers as dazzling the eye by the brilliancy of their appearance. We are told of thrones that are covered with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and pearls, of almost fabulous size, and fashioned in the semblance of birds, beasts, trees, and vines with leaves and fruit. See also 2 Chronicles 9:17.
Related Books and Articles: