The throne of God is described in the Bible as the seat of authority and power of God, who is the supreme ruler and creator of the universe. It represents God’s kingship, sovereignty, and dominion over all creation. Though no one passage fully describes the throne, there are many references to it throughout Scripture that give us glimpses into its significance, nature, location and purpose.
The throne of God is first mentioned in 1 Kings 22:19, where the prophet Micaiah says, “I saw the Lord sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing beside him on his right hand and on his left.” This establishes God’s throne in heaven, surrounded by angelic beings who serve and worship Him. The book of Isaiah later confirms this: “I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple” (Isaiah 6:1). God’s throne is not just a physical seat, but speaks to His glory, majesty and authority over all things.
The throne is described as high and exalted (Isaiah 6:1), everlasting (Lamentations 5:19), glorious (Jeremiah 17:12), and established in the heavens (Psalm 103:19). God himself is referred to as the one “who sits enthroned above the circle of the earth” (Isaiah 40:22). So the throne transcends earthly realms and represents God’s unlimited power and sovereignty over the whole universe.
However, though the throne is primarily associated with heaven, there are hints that God’s throne, glory and presence also dwelt among His people on earth. In the Old Testament, the Ark of the Covenant was seen as God’s footstool (1 Chronicles 28:2, Psalm 99:5) and the place where He manifested His glory. The temple was also viewed as the earthly dwelling place of God’s throne and presence (Jeremiah 17:12). But these were just shadows of the true, heavenly throne.
The Bible speaks of both God the Father and Jesus Christ as being seated on the throne. Jesus promised His disciples that He would sit on His glorious throne when He comes again to judge the world (Matthew 25:31). He is currently exalted at the right hand of God on His throne (Hebrews 12:2). And one day “The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in [the New Jerusalem]” (Revelation 22:3). So the throne speaks to Jesus’ deity, authority and reign with the Father.
A few key purposes and activities associated with God’s throne in Scripture include:
- It is the symbol of God’s authority and kingship over all things (Psalm 47:8, 93:2)
- The origin of righteous judgments and justice (Psalm 9:4,7)
- The place where God’s holiness and glory dwell and are revealed (Psalm 97:2, Hebrews 1:3)
- Where God hears prayers and petitions (1 Kings 8:49, Psalm 11:4)
- A place of praise and worship (Psalm 99:1,9)
- The origin of lightning, thunder, voices and earthquakes (Revelation 4:5, 8:5, 11:19)
However, while Scripture refers to it as a “place” with angels surrounding it, the throne is not to be thought of in purely physical terms. The throne represents God’s divine attributes such as sovereignty, glory, holiness and power. It visually conveys spiritual realities about who God is and how He reigns. So in essence, wherever God’s authority rules and His glory dwells, there is His throne.
God’s throne is meant to evoke awe, fear and worship in all created beings. As Hebrews 4:16 exhorts, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” And as citizens of God’s Kingdom, we have the amazing privilege to come before the Ruler of the universe. The throne symbolizes the access believers have to the very presence and authority of God through Christ.
The throne reminds believers of God’s sovereign control amidst life’s uncertainties and trials. No matter how chaotic things on earth appear, God is seated on His throne, governing the universe according to His perfect will. As Psalm 11:4 declares, “The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD’s throne is in heaven; his eyes behold, his eyelids test the children of man.” This provides great comfort and hope to the people of God.
The Bible warns repeatedly against speaking against or defying the authority of the One who sits on heaven’s throne (Matthew 23:22). To go against God’s will is to essentially place oneself in competition with the Divine King. But those who bow to His lordship will one day stand before the throne, worshiping God and declaring “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (Revelation 7:10). May our posture now be one of reverence, obedience and awe before our King.
In summary, the throne of God is the central symbol of His supremacy and right to rule as Sovereign over all creation. It speaks to His unmatched glory, infinite power and holiness. The throne is a picture of His divine majesty and absolute authority to judge the world. Yet astoundingly, as believers we can approach the throne with boldness because of Christ, obtaining grace and mercy from the Almighty. When we envision God reigning from heaven’s throne, it should evoke worship of our great God and a life lived in glad surrender to His benevolent rule.
