Throne

Lore & Background

The throne first appears in the context of Joseph's elevation in Egypt, where Pharaoh declares that only his own throne will be greater than Joseph's authority (Genesis 41:40). Later, the throne of Pharaoh is the starting point for the plague of the firstborn, which strikes from the highest ruler to the lowest servant (Exodus 11:5; Exodus 12:29). In Deuteronomy, the king who sits on the throne of his kingdom is commanded to write a copy of the law (Deuteronomy 17:18). The throne becomes central to the Davidic covenant. God promises David that his throne will be established forever (2 Samuel 7:13; 2 Samuel 7:16). This promise is invoked repeatedly during the succession of Solomon, as David swears that Solomon shall sit on his throne (1 Kings 1:13, 1:17, 1:30) and Solomon is declared to sit on the throne of the kingdom (1 Kings 1:46). The throne is also a place of judgment and blessing, as when Bathsheba approaches Solomon and he sits on his throne to receive her (1 Kings 2:19).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray the throne as both a literal seat of power and a symbol of God's enduring promise. In Genesis, the throne is the ultimate authority from which Joseph's rule is derived (Genesis 41:40). In Exodus, the throne marks the highest point of Egyptian society, from which the plague descends to the lowest (Exodus 11:5; Exodus 12:29). Deuteronomy instructs the king to write the law when he sits on his throne, linking kingship to obedience (Deuteronomy 17:18). The throne of David is repeatedly emphasized as eternal (2 Samuel 7:13, 7:16), and the narrative of Solomon's accession is filled with references to sitting on David's throne (1 Kings 1:13, 1:17, 1:20, 1:24, 1:27, 1:30, 1:35, 1:46, 1:48; 1 Kings 2:12, 2:24). The throne is also a place of intercession and judgment, as seen when the woman of Tekoah pleads for the king and his throne to be guiltless (2 Samuel 14:9). The throne of glory is a metaphor for God raising the poor to princely status (1 Samuel 2:8).

Did You Know?

• Pharaoh's throne is mentioned as the highest point from which the plague of firstborns begins (Exodus 11:5; Exodus 12:29).
• David's throne is promised to be established forever, not just for his lifetime (2 Samuel 7:13; 2 Samuel 7:16).
• Solomon's throne is said to be greater than David's throne by the king's servants (1 Kings 1:37; 1 Kings 1:47).
• The king who sits on the throne of his kingdom is commanded to write a copy of the law (Deuteronomy 17:18).

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"If we allow the consideration of heathen morality and heathen religion to absolve us from the duty of preaching the gospel we are really deposing Christ from His throne in our own souls." — Throne "Roland Allen in: The Ministry of the Spirit: Selected Writings of Roland Allen, The Lutterworth Press, 1 June 2012, p. 37." — Throne "Annie Besant in:"Annie Besant The Life And Teachings Of Muhammad ( The Prophet Of Islam)", Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar, Chennai [Madras] India." — Throne "A throne is only a bench covered with velvet." — Throne