Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898)
THRONE, the seat of a king on state occasions. In the East the usual position is squatting or reclining; hence a chair is a seat of some dignity. 2 Kgs 4:10. The word "chair," with the notion of royalty, is the Hebrew word for "throne," the chair of the king, such as David, 2 Sam 3:10, and Solomon sat upon, 1 Kgs 2:12; 1 Kgs 7:7, when they dispensed judgment. The throne of Solomon was quite unique. 1 Kgs 10:20. It was made of wood inlaid with
ivory and covered with gold, except where the ivory showed. It was approached by six steps, each step having upon it two lions; thus the twelve lions symbolized the twelve tribes. The chair had arms, upon which were lions. (See cut.) The back was rounded. When the king sat upon his throne he was clad in royal robes. 1 Kgs 22:10; Acts 12:21. Naturally, the throne being the sign A Chair of State or Throne. (From Assyrian Monuments at Khorsabad.
After Layard.) of royalty, the word is applied to the centre of divine authority and used in other figurative ways.