Today we’re discussing the subject of thrones. Some people may think that the only discussion on thrones is in relation to God’s throne. Some people might remember the Great White Throne in the book of Revelation and shutter at God’s judgment.

But the conversation about thrones in the Bible is both fascinating and informative. It’s also more robust than I think most people realize.

The very first mention of the word “throne” in the Old Testament is during the promotion of Joseph by Pharaoh King of Egypt. This what Pharaoh says in Genesis 41:

“‘You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.’ And Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.’” Genesis 41:40-41 (ESV)

This is a great picture of what a throne is. It’s authority over a house, over a people, over a geography or region. In fact, the Hebrew word, Kisse (kis-say), means “seat of honor, throne, royal dignity, power, authority.”

In the spiritual realm, thrones signify much the same thing. They are seats of honor in the spirit, royal dignity, power and authority in the spiritual realm. They give a spiritual being authority over a particular realm/sphere of influence, sometimes called a “metron.”

Thrones are also spiritual, so again, one of the core verses of this entire series of Mysteries of the Bible applies to this topic of thrones:

“The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14 (ESV)

Remember, the things of the Spirit are discerned through the Spirit. The word ‘discerned’ means a ‘forensic investigation,’ so we are to thoroughly investigate spiritual things by the power of the Holy Spirit within the guardrails of Jesus Christ, who is the Living Word.

The Throne of God

We’re going to start out talking about God’s throne and what I’m calling “The Atmosphere” surrounding His throne. There’s A LOT going on around God’s throne.

To start, we’ll go broad and then work our way in.

Authority Over Heaven and Earth

The first verse we’ll look at is Acts 7:49. One of the things that makes this verse special, is that it is a direct quote of Isaiah 66:1. So both Old Testament and New Testament are in agreement with this fact about God’s throne:

“Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord, or what is the place of my rest?”  Acts 7:49 (ESV)

God’s throne encompasses all of Heaven! His authority, power, and seat of honor is over all of Third Heaven, which has authority over second heaven and first heaven (aka earth).

An interesting note about the footstool. When Solomon made his royal throne, and overlaid it with gold, he had a footstool of gold attached to the throne itself. The word for footstool has its root in the word meaning dominion or to subdue by force. 

So when it says the earth is God’s footstool, it’s making it clear that He has the dominion and authority over this realm and can enforce it by His power.

When God sits on His throne and uses His footstool, He is in the seat of authority over every realm.

“The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.” Psalm 103:19 (ESV)

Spiritual Qualities that God’s Throne Stands For

God has certain standards or qualities, things that He stands for. Concerning His throne, there are two that really stand out:

“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.” Psalm 89:14 (ESV)

“Clouds and thick darkness are all around him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.” Psalm 97:2 (ESV)

I like to think of righteousness and justice as huge stone pillars that God’s throne sits upon. Whenever God sits upon His throne, I will guarantee you that righteousness, God’s right ways, and His perfect justice, are in operation. 

Sometimes I’ll pray, “Lord, will you bring down your throne upon this place or this thing, and may Your righteousness and justice be done in this situation.”

Other qualities include holiness:

 “God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne.” Psalm 47:8 (ESV)

“In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!”” Isaiah 6:1-3 (ESV)

Another Godly quality that exists from God’s throne is (righteous) judgment:

“For you have maintained my just cause; you have sat on the throne, giving righteous judgment.” Psalm 9:4 (ESV)

“A king who sits on the throne of judgment winnows all evil with his eyes.” Proverbs 20:8 (ESV)

As a reminder, God’s judgments are for us and not against us. They are sent forth on our behalf, for our blessing, salvation, and deliverance.

When Solomon in all his wisdom was designing a place of judgment, I believe he was setting up an earthly example of how things work in Heaven. We ready in 1 Kings:

“And he [Solomon] made the Hall of the Throne where he was to pronounce judgment, even the Hall of Judgment. It was finished with cedar from floor to rafters.” 1 Kings 7:7 (ESV)

The Lord also has one of these Halls in Heaven, where He sits on a Throne of Judgment and declares His word. And remember what Isaiah 55 says about His word going out:

“So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 (ESV)

OK, so we talked about righteousness and justice being the foundation of God’s throne. And that his righteous judgment goes out from His throne, and that it is a very holy place.

Next week we’ll see what the environment is like around God’s throne. Let me just say that the environment is active! I hope you will join me as we dive further into this fascinating topic.