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Near Eastern Thrones and the Ark of the Covenant
Comments and Notes by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson, July 30, 1997
![]() Solomon on his throne meeting the Queen of Sheba, by Henry J. Soulen appears in Everyday Life in Bible Times (National Geographical Society, 1967) pp. 230-231. |
When I saw Soulen's picture in the light of the cherubim on either side of the ark of the covenant, something clicked. Though it is difficult to absolutely prove from Bible data, I believe it is very likely that the ark of the covenant is the portable throne of God, the place the High Priest met God, between the cherubim over the "mercy seat".
![]() Canaanite nobleman or prince sitting in sphinx-chair. This scene is drawn from an ivory carving found at the Canaanite stronghold of Megiddo. It appears in Readers'Digest Great People of the Bible and How They Lives (Readers'Digest Association, 1974), p. 100. |
A number of texts praise the Lord of Hosts who is "enthroned upon the cherubim"(1 Sam 4:4; 2 Sam 6:2; 2 Kings 19:15; etc.) Lotz, Kyle, and Amerding, "Ark of the Covenant,"in ISBE 1:293-294 discuss various theories of the significance of the ark, and conclude that while the throne idea may be present in some texts, clearly the ark was built to embody the presence of God among His people.
From my own standpoint, I see the ark as the figurative throne of God in the midst of his people, placed in the inner chamber, etc.
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Throne of Tutankhamen found in his tomb (1361-1352 BC). Made of wood, it is overlaid with sheet gold, inlaid with precious stones, and ornamented with animal shapes such as winged cobras wearing the crowns of Upper and Lower Egypt. It is fround in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, photo by Egyptian Expedition. In ISBE 4:845. | Ahiram, king of Byblos, seated on a cherub throne, before an offering table, from the National Museum, Beirut. ANEP 458. Appears as plate 126 in James B. Pritchard (ed.), The Ancient Near East: An Anthology of Texts and Pictures (Princeton University Press, 1958). |
Copyright © 2023, Ralph F. Wilson. <pastorjoyfulheart.com> All rights reserved. A single copy of this article is free. Do not put this on a website. See legal, copyright, and reprint information.
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In-depth Bible study books
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- 28 Advent Scriptures
- 1, 2, and 3 John
- 1 Peter
- 2 Peter & Jude
- 1 & 2 Thessalonians
- 1 & 2 Timothy
- 1 Corinthians
- 2 Corinthians
- Apostle Paul
- Abraham, Faith of
- Christ Powered Life (Romans 5-8)
- Christmas Incarnation
- Colossians and Philemon
- Conquering Lamb of Revelation
- Daniel
- David, Life of
- Early Church: Acts 1-12
- Elijah
- Ephesians
- Galatians
- Gideon
- Glorious Kingdom, The
- Grace: Favor for the Undeserving
- Great Prayers of the Bible
- Hebrews
- Holy Spirit, Disciple's Guide
- Isaiah
- Jacob, Life of
- James
- Jesus and the Kingdom of God
- JesusWalk: Beginning the Journey
- John's Gospel
- Joshua
- Lamb of God
- Listening for God's Voice
- Lord's Supper
- Luke's Gospel
- Moses the Reluctant Leader
- Names and Titles of God
- Names and Titles of Jesus
- Philippians
- Rebuild & Renew: Post-Exilic Books
- Resurrection and Easter Faith
- Sermon on the Mount
- Psalms
- Seven Last Words of Christ
- Songs of Ascent (Ps 120-134)
- Revelation
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