20 Twelve lions stood on the six steps, one at either end of each step. Nothing like it had ever been made for any other kingdom.
20 while twelve lions stood there, one on each end of a step on the six steps. The like of it was never made in any kingdom.
20 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.
20 Twelve lions stood there, one on each side of the six steps; nothing like this had been made for any other kingdom.
20 There were also twelve other lions, one standing on each end of the six steps. No other throne in all the world could be compared with it!
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Kings 10:20
Commentary on 1 Kings 10:14-29
(Read 1 Kings 10:14-29)
Solomon increased his wealth. Silver was nothing accounted of. Such is the nature of worldly wealth, plenty of it makes it the less valuable; much more should the enjoyment of spiritual riches lessen our esteem of all earthly possessions. If gold in abundance makes silver to be despised, shall not wisdom, and grace, and the foretastes of heaven, which are far better than gold, make gold to be lightly esteemed? See in Solomon's greatness the performance of God's promise, and let it encourage us to seek first the righteousness of God's kingdom. This was he, who, having tasted all earthly enjoyments, wrote a book, to show the vanity of all worldly things, the vexation of spirit that attends them, and the folly of setting our hearts upon them: and to recommend serious godliness, as that which will do unspeakably more to make us happy, that all the wealth and power he was master of; and, through the grace of God, it is within our reach.