18-20 The king built a massive throne of ivory accented with a veneer of gold. The throne had six steps leading up to it, its back shaped like an arch. The armrests on each side were flanked by lions. Lions, twelve of them, were placed at either end of the six steps. There was no throne like it in any of the surrounding kingdoms.

21 King Solomon’s chalices and tankards were made of gold and all the dinnerware and serving utensils in the House of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold—nothing was made of silver; silver was considered common and cheap.

22 The king had a fleet of ocean-going ships at sea with Hiram’s ships. Every three years the fleet would bring in a cargo of gold, silver, and ivory, and apes and peacocks.

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

The Message Deluxe Gift Bible, Black/Slate Leather-Look
The Message Deluxe Gift Bible, Black/Slate Leather-Look
Retail: $19.99
Our Price: $15.99
Save: $4.00 (20%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message Bible--soft leather-look, sky blue
The Message Bible--soft leather-look, sky blue
Retail: $49.99
Our Price: $39.99
Save: $10.00 (20%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message Large-Print Devotional Bible, hardcover
The Message Large-Print Devotional Bible, hardcover
Retail: $39.99
Our Price: $32.99
Save: $7.00 (18%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
The Message Compact, Leather-Look
The Message Compact, Leather-Look
Retail: $29.99
Our Price: $7.99
Save: $22.00 (73%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message // REMIX 2.0, Softcover, Case of 24
The Message // REMIX 2.0, Softcover, Case of 24
Retail: $479.76
Our Price: $379.99
Save: $99.77 (21%)