International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: Throne

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International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: Throne


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thrōn. (כּסּא, kiṣṣē', a “seat” in ; a “royal seat” in ; θρόνος, thrónos): Usually the symbol of kingly power and dignity. Solomon's throne was noted for its splendor and magnificence (-20; compare -19). It symbolizes:

(1) The exalted position of earthly kings, rulers, judges, etc., their majesty and power (of kings: ; ; , etc.; denoting governing or judicial power: ; ; , etc.; often equivalent to kingdom or reign: ; , , etc.; in this connection we note the expressions: “a man on the throne of Israel,” , etc.; “to sit upon a throne” , , etc.; , etc.; “to set a person on a throne,” ; “the throne of Israel,” , etc.; “the throne of David” , etc.; of Solomon, , etc.; of Joash, , etc.). In it is equivalent to “temple” (“A glorious throne ... is the place of our sanctuary”); it symbolizes the power of the Gentiles being hostile to the people of Yahweh (), and is used metaphorically in (“He (i.e. Eliakim) shall be for a throne of glory to his father's house”).

(2) The majesty and power of Yahweh as the true king of Israel; He “is enthroned above the cherubim” ( the Revised Version margin; compare ; ; Solomon's throne is really Yahweh's throne (), and there shall come a time when Jerusalem shall be called “the throne of Yahweh” () and the enemies of Yahweh shall be judged by him (“I will set my throne in Elam,” ). According to , the Lord said of the future temple: “This is the place of my throne.”

(3) The rule of the promised theocratic king (the Messiah), its everlasting glory and righteousness. He, too, is Yahweh's representative, inasmuch as He “shall rule upon his throne” (). Thus, the permanence of the throne of David is warranted (); eternal peace (), loving-kindness and justice () characterize his reign. The New Testament points to Jesus as this promised king (; compare ; ); Christ Himself refers to His future state of glory () and guarantees His faithful disciples a similar distinction (; compare ; ).

(4) The matchless glory, the transcendent power and absolute sovereignty of God (and Christ); Micaiah “saw Yahweh sitting on his throne,” etc. (; compare ); Isaiah and Ezekiel had similar visions (; ); compare also and (and often); in trying to depict the incomparable greatness of the King of kings, the Bible tells us that His throne is in heaven (, etc.) and, moreover, that heaven itself is His throne (; , etc.); His reign is founded on righteousness and justice (; compare ) and of eternal duration (; compare ; ); He acts justly and kindly ( and ); He defends His glory (); He manifests His holiness () and His grace (), and yet His dealings with us are not always fully understood by us ().

(5) Heavenly kingdoms or rulers (angels: ). See KING, KINGDOM.