In the ancient world thrones served the same purpose they serve today: they were the elevated, often ornate seats upon which a person of authority-usually a king-would sit to rule and utter judgments. Thrones served as the symbol for the monarchy itself (Gen 41:40 NIV; 2 Sam 3:10; 1 Kings 1:46). The only throne with a detailed description in the Bible is Solomon’s throne (2 Chron 9:17-19; 1 Kings 10:18-20), a carved chair made of ivory overlaid with gold and situated on a platform six steps up from the ground. On