The Jerusalem Lion’s Gate

The king made a great throne covered with ivory and overlaid with fine gold. The throne had six steps, and its back had a rounded top. On both sides of the seat were armrests, with a lion standing beside each of them. Twelve lions stood on the six steps, one at either end of each step. (1 Kings 10:18-20)

Lions on the Stephen's Gate

Solomon’s throne was magnificent. The Bible says no other king had a throne so rich, elaborate or protecting. While history records the Babylonian and Egyptian kings had lions by their thrones (sometimes winged), King Solomon went further, employing twelve lions (one for each tribe) to stand before his elaborate throne. All who entered his palace were amazed by the beauty of the building and his wealth.

Stephen's Gate in Jerusalem

The lion became a symbol of royalty from ancient times. Jacob predicted, “You are a lion’s cub, Judah; you return from the prey, my son. Like a lion he crouches and lies down, like a lioness—who dares to rouse him?” (Ge 49:9). Lions decorate the thrones of the King of England, China, Tibet, Burma and many other nations. Lions also decorate one of the gates into the city of Jerusalem, also known as the Stephen Gate.

Lion's Gate in Jerusalem

The lions on this gate, it is said, were placed on the facade because King Suleiman the Magnificent of the Ottoman Empire had a dream about 600 years ago in which he was attacked by four lions at the Jordan River. When he asked his wise men to discern the meaning of his vision, he was told it was to protect Jerusalem from his taxation (more can be found in my book Israel: Stories for Your Journey). The lions were emblazoned on an eastern gate which faces the Jordan River.

Stories Your Guide won't Tell Y

This gate is the entry point for pilgrims today who journey down the Mount of Olives to traverse the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem. It is believed by some that the King of Kings, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah entered this gate, and he probably did, at some point, but not on Palm Sunday. The lions are still appropriate and the gate is a great entryway into Jerusalem for pilgrims who come to visit the holy sites such as Saint Anne’s Chapel, the pool of Bethesda, or the The Ecce Homo church.

Details of our trip to Israel. Sign up Today!

Jerusalem with its gates and holy sites is worth a visit. Please join me on my next trip May 5-18, 2018 (click this link for more details). If you can not go, please order my $2 book, Israel: Stories for Your Journey.