1 Chronicles 18:7

KJV

And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadarezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} took {H3947} the shields {H7982} of gold {H2091} that were on the servants {H5650} of Hadarezer {H1928}, and brought {H935} them to Jerusalem {H3389}.

Complete Jewish Bible

David took the gold shields which Hadar'ezer's servants were wearing and brought them to Yerushalayim.

Berean Standard Bible

And David took the gold shields that belonged to the officers of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadarezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse details a significant aspect of King David's decisive military triumph over Hadarezer, the powerful King of Zobah. David's act of taking the "shields of gold" from Hadarezer's elite servants and bringing them to Jerusalem signifies not only a comprehensive victory and the subjugation of a formidable foe but also the substantial accumulation of valuable spoils of war, which would contribute immensely to the wealth, security, and future strategic projects of the burgeoning Israelite kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 18 is a pivotal chapter in the Chronicler's account of David's reign, focusing on his extensive military campaigns and the establishment of his dominion over surrounding nations. This chapter serves to highlight God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to David, particularly concerning the expansion and security of his kingdom. Following a major defeat of Hadarezer, King of Zobah, near Hamath (as detailed in [1 Chronicles 18:3-6](/1_chronicles/18-3 "1 Chronicles 18:3-6 - David's Victory Over Hadarezer")), David proceeds to take substantial plunder. Verse 7 specifically notes the capture of "shields of gold," a detail that underscores the immense value of the spoils and the completeness of Hadarezer's defeat, setting the stage for the dedication of these and other treasures to the Lord in [1 Chronicles 18:11](/1_chronicles/18-11 "1 Chronicles 18:11 - David Dedicates Spoils to the Lord").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hadarezer, King of Zobah, was a significant regional power in ancient Syria, controlling a vast territory and commanding considerable military strength. His defeat by David marked a major shift in the geopolitical landscape of the Near East, solidifying Israel's emerging dominance. In ancient warfare, the taking of spoils was a customary and crucial aspect of victory, serving not only as a reward for the conquering army but also as a means to enrich the victor's kingdom. The "shields of gold" were likely not standard battle equipment but rather ceremonial, ornamental, or symbolic items, perhaps belonging to Hadarezer's royal guard or high-ranking officials. Their composition of gold signifies their immense value and prestige, making their capture a profound symbol of the enemy's complete subjugation and the transfer of power. Bringing these treasures to Jerusalem further emphasized the city's role as the central hub of David's expanding kingdom, the repository of its wealth, and the seat of its political and religious authority.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Victory and Blessing**, as David's consistent military success against formidable foes like Hadarezer is consistently presented as a direct result of God's favor and presence with him, as explicitly stated in [1 Chronicles 18:6](/1_chronicles/18-6 "1 Chronicles 18:6 - The Lord Preserved David"). Secondly, it underscores the **Acquisition of Wealth and Resources**, with the "shields of gold" representing significant material gain from military conquest, crucial for strengthening the kingdom's economy and supporting its infrastructure. Thirdly, it reinforces the **Centralization in Jerusalem**, as David's act of bringing these valuable items to the capital solidified its status as the political, economic, and eventually, the spiritual heart of Israel. Finally, and perhaps most importantly in the Chronicler's theological agenda, this accumulation of vast wealth from these campaigns, including items like these gold shields, was instrumental in David's **Preparation for Temple Building**. Although not explicitly stated in this verse, the Chronicler consistently links David's conquests and the resulting wealth to his extensive preparations for the building of God's Temple, a task later completed by his son Solomon (see [1 Chronicles 22:14](/1_chronicles/22-14 "1 Chronicles 22:14 - David's Extensive Temple Preparations")). These treasures, along with other spoils, were later consecrated by David to the Lord, as seen in [1 Chronicles 18:11](/1_chronicles/18-11 "1 Chronicles 18:11 - David Dedicates Spoils to the Lord"), demonstrating a theological purpose for the material gains.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shields (Hebrew, _shelet'_):** The Hebrew word `שֶׁלֶט` (shelet), plural `שְׁלָטִים` (shlatim), refers specifically to a shield or buckler. While the KJV sometimes translates `שָׁלִיט` (shalit) as "shield," which can also mean "ruler" or "quiver," the context and parallel passages (e.g., [2 Samuel 8:7](/2_samuel/8-7 "2 Samuel 8:7 - David Takes Gold Shields")) strongly indicate actual shields. These were likely not ordinary battle shields but rather highly valuable, possibly ceremonial or ornamental pieces, indicative of the wealth and status of Hadarezer's elite guard or royal retinue. Their capture signifies a complete and humiliating defeat for Hadarezer.
* **Gold (Hebrew, _zahav'_):** The Hebrew word `זָהָב` (zahav) denotes gold, a precious metal highly prized in the ancient world for its beauty, durability, and intrinsic value. The mention of "gold" emphasizes the immense wealth and prestige associated with these shields, making them a significant acquisition. Gold was also a key material used in the construction and adornment of sacred objects and structures, foreshadowing its later use in the Temple.
* **Hadarezer (Hebrew, _Hadad'ezer'_):** `הֲדַדְעֶזֶר` (Hadad'ezer) means "Hadad is help" or "Hadad is my help," referring to the Syrian storm god Hadad. He was the powerful king of Zobah, a significant Aramean kingdom north of Damascus. His defeat by David was a major military and political achievement, expanding Israel's influence and securing its northern borders. The capture of his prized possessions further underscores his subjugation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David took the shields of gold":** This opening clause immediately establishes David's agency and the nature of his victory. The act of "taking" signifies conquest, seizure of property, and the transfer of power from the defeated enemy to the victor. The specific mention of "shields of gold" highlights the valuable nature of the spoils, indicating not just a military victory but also a significant economic gain.
* **"that were on the servants of Hadarezer":** This phrase identifies the origin and previous ownership of the gold shields. They belonged to the "servants" of Hadarezer, likely referring to his high-ranking officials, elite guard, or perhaps even his personal retinue. This detail emphasizes the humiliation of Hadarezer, as his most prestigious possessions, carried by his most trusted men, were seized, further underscoring the completeness of David's triumph over a formidable foe.
* **"and brought them to Jerusalem":** This concluding clause specifies the destination of the captured treasures. Bringing them to Jerusalem was a deliberate act that served multiple purposes: it centralized the wealth within the capital, reinforcing Jerusalem's growing importance as the political and economic heart of the kingdom; it publicly displayed the fruits of David's victories, enhancing his prestige; and, from the Chronicler's perspective, it accumulated resources that would ultimately be dedicated to the Lord and used for the future building of the Temple.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several **literary devices** in this concise verse to convey significant meaning. **Metonymy** or **synecdoche** is evident, as the "shields of gold" stand in for the broader wealth, power, and prestige of Hadarezer's kingdom. Their capture symbolizes the complete subjugation of a formidable enemy. **Symbolism** is also at play: gold itself symbolizes immense wealth, divine favor, and the potential for sacred use, particularly in the context of the future Temple. Jerusalem, as the destination, symbolizes the centralized power and spiritual heart of David's kingdom. The act of bringing the spoils to Jerusalem also represents David's consolidation of power and the establishment of Israel's dominion. The Chronicler's **narrative economy** is notable; with just a few words, he effectively communicates the magnitude of David's victory, the value of the spoils, and their ultimate destination, contributing to the overarching theme of God's blessing on David and the preparation for the Temple.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
David's capture of Hadarezer's gold shields and their transport to Jerusalem is a testament to God's faithfulness in empowering His chosen king and establishing His kingdom. This act underscores the biblical principle that divine blessing often manifests in material prosperity and military success, not for selfish gain, but for the advancement of God's purposes. The accumulation of such wealth, explicitly consecrated to the Lord in [1 Chronicles 18:11](/1_chronicles/18-11 "1 Chronicles 18:11 - David Dedicates Spoils to the Lord"), serves as a tangible resource for the future construction of the Temple, God's dwelling place among His people. This demonstrates a theological pattern where the spoils of earthly victories are consecrated for heavenly purposes, transforming the material into something sacred and purposeful for God's glory. It highlights God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to use the wealth of the world to build His kingdom.

* [2 Samuel 8:7](/2_samuel/8-7 "2 Samuel 8:7 - David Takes Gold Shields from Hadadezer")
* [1 Kings 10:16-17](/1_kings/10-16 "1 Kings 10:16-17 - Solomon's Gold Shields")
* [Isaiah 60:11](/isaiah/60-11 "Isaiah 60:11 - Nations Bring Wealth to Zion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This account of David's victory and the acquisition of valuable gold shields offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Just as God empowered David for military success and provided him with resources, so too does He equip and bless us in our various endeavors—be they personal, professional, or spiritual. Our "victories" might not involve literal gold shields, but they encompass our talents, resources, opportunities, and achievements. The critical application lies in how we respond to these blessings. Like David, who brought the spoils to Jerusalem and consecrated them to the Lord, we are called to acknowledge God's hand in our successes and to dedicate our "spoils"—our time, finances, abilities, and influence—for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom. This verse challenges us to consider whether our successes are merely for personal gain or if they are channeled towards God's greater purposes, contributing to the "building" of His spiritual temple, the Church, and the spread of His truth in the world. It encourages a stewardship mindset, recognizing that all we have is ultimately from God and should be used to honor Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I acknowledge God's hand in my successes and victories, both large and small?**
* **In what specific ways can I "bring my spoils" (my talents, resources, time, and achievements) to God's service and for the advancement of His kingdom?**
* **What does it mean for Jerusalem to be the "center" of David's kingdom, and how does that parallel the centrality of Christ or God's kingdom in my own life and priorities?**

### FAQ
**What were these "shields of gold" used for?**

Answer: These "shields of gold" were likely not primarily functional battle shields but rather ceremonial, ornamental, or symbolic items. In the ancient Near East, such precious objects indicated immense wealth, high status, and the prestige of a king or his elite guard. They might have been used in parades, royal ceremonies, or displayed as symbols of power. Their capture by David signified not only the complete military defeat of Hadarezer but also the transfer of his kingdom's wealth and prestige to David's growing empire. This act was a profound public declaration of Hadarezer's subjugation.

**Why is it significant that David "brought them to Jerusalem"?**

Answer: The act of bringing the gold shields to Jerusalem was highly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it reinforced Jerusalem's rapidly growing importance as the political, economic, and future spiritual capital of Israel. By centralizing the spoils of war in the capital, David solidified the city's status as the heart of his expanding dominion. Secondly, it served as a public display of David's military prowess and God's favor, enhancing his prestige and consolidating his rule. Thirdly, and most importantly from the Chronicler's perspective, these valuable spoils, along with other treasures, were consecrated to the Lord (as seen in [1 Chronicles 18:11](/1_chronicles/18-11 "1 Chronicles 18:11 - David Dedicates Spoils to the Lord")) and would later contribute to the vast resources David amassed for the construction of the Temple, a project ultimately completed by his son Solomon ([1 Chronicles 22:14](/1_chronicles/22-14 "1 Chronicles 22:14 - David's Extensive Temple Preparations")). This act demonstrated that the wealth gained through God's blessing was ultimately for God's purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of David's triumph over Hadarezer and the capture of the gold shields finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David, as a type of the Messiah, achieved earthly victories and accumulated material wealth for the building of a physical temple in Jerusalem. Christ, the true and greater Son of David, achieved the ultimate spiritual victory over the forces of sin, death, and the devil through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). He stripped the spiritual adversaries of their power, taking their "spoils" – the souls redeemed from their dominion – and bringing them into His eternal kingdom. The gold shields, destined for the earthly temple, foreshadow the spiritual riches and the redeemed people who become living stones in the true Temple, which is the Church, the body of Christ ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")). All the wealth and glory of the nations, prophesied to flow into Zion ([Isaiah 60:11](/isaiah/60-11 "Isaiah 60:11 - Nations Bring Wealth to Zion")), are ultimately gathered into Christ, who is the true King of Kings ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")) and the ultimate repository of all spiritual blessings ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed with Every Spiritual Blessing")). His victory ensures that all true treasures, both spiritual and material, are ultimately consecrated to God and serve His eternal purposes in the New Jerusalem ([Revelation 21:24](/revelation/21-24 "Revelation 21:24 - Nations Walk by Its Light")), where He reigns supreme.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 10:16

And king Solomon made two hundred targets [of] beaten gold: six hundred [shekels] of gold went to one target.

1 Kings 10:17

And [he made] three hundred shields [of] beaten gold; three pound of gold went to one shield: and the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon.

1 Kings 14:26

And he took away the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house; he even took away all: and he took away all the shields of gold which Solomon had made.

1 Kings 14:28

And it was [so], when the king went into the house of the LORD, that the guard bare them, and brought them back into the guard chamber.

2 Chronicles 9:15

And king Solomon made two hundred targets [of] beaten gold: six hundred [shekels] of beaten gold went to one target.

2 Chronicles 9:16

And three hundred shields [made he of] beaten gold: three hundred [shekels] of gold went to one shield. And the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon.

2 Chronicles 12:9

So Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, and took away the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house; he took all: he carried away also the shields of gold which Solomon had made.