2 Chronicles 12:10

Instead of which king Rehoboam made shields of brass, and committed [them] to the hands of the chief of the guard, that kept the entrance of the king's house.

Instead of which king {H4428} Rehoboam {H7346} made {H6213} shields {H4043} of brass {H5178}, and committed {H6485} them to the hands {H3027} of the chief {H8269} of the guard {H7323}, that kept {H8104} the entrance {H6607} of the king's {H4428} house {H1004}.

To replace them, King Rechav'am made shields of bronze, which he entrusted to the commanders of the contingent guarding the gate to the royal palace.

Then King Rehoboam made bronze shields in their place and committed them to the care of the captains of the guard on duty at the entrance to the royal palace.

And king Rehoboam made in their stead shields of brass, and committed them to the hands of the captains of the guard, that kept the door of the king’s house.

Commentary

Context of 2 Chronicles 12:10

This verse describes King Rehoboam's actions following the devastating invasion by Shishak, king of Egypt. Earlier in the chapter, we learn that Shishak attacked Jerusalem and seized the treasures of the Lord's house and the king's house, including the magnificent gold shields that King Solomon had made (2 Chronicles 12:9). These gold shields were not merely decorative; they symbolized the wealth, power, and divine favor enjoyed during Solomon's reign (1 Kings 10:16-17; 2 Chronicles 9:15-16). Rehoboam's decision to replace them with brass shields highlights the kingdom of Judah's diminished status and material loss, a direct consequence of their turning away from the Lord (2 Chronicles 12:1).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Loss of Glory and Decline: The replacement of gold with brass is a stark visual metaphor for the decline of Judah's power and prosperity after the glorious reign of Solomon. It signifies a tangible loss of national prestige and divine blessing.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: This material downgrade is presented as a direct result of Rehoboam and the people's unfaithfulness to God. The loss of precious items serves as a visible reminder of the spiritual decay that preceded it.
  • Human Substitutions: Rehoboam attempts to maintain the outward appearance of the royal guard and the king's house, but with an inferior material. This illustrates the futility of trying to replace true divine favor or spiritual richness with human-made, lesser substitutes.
  • Symbolism of Shields: Shields represent protection and defense. The shift from gold to brass suggests a weakening of Judah's spiritual and physical defenses, reflecting their vulnerability without God's full favor.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses "brass," which in Hebrew (nechoshet - נְחֹשֶׁת) generally refers to copper or bronze, a common and less valuable metal. This stands in sharp contrast to "gold" (zahav - זָהָב), which consistently denotes preciousness and divine glory throughout Scripture. The deliberate choice of words emphasizes the significant depreciation in value and symbolism from Solomon's era to Rehoboam's.

Practical Application

The account of Rehoboam's brass shields serves as a powerful cautionary tale for believers today:

  • Guard Against Spiritual Decline: Just as Judah's physical wealth diminished with its spiritual decline, so too can our spiritual vitality and blessings wane if we drift from God. We are called to consistently pursue genuine faith and obedience, not just outward appearances.
  • Value True Riches: This verse reminds us that true security and glory come from God's favor and presence, not from material possessions or outward displays of wealth or power. Superficial substitutes can never replace genuine spiritual substance.
  • Consequences of Compromise: Compromising on faith or spiritual principles can lead to tangible losses in our lives, even if we try to cover them up with lesser alternatives.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 23:23 (2 votes)

    He was more honourable than the thirty, but he attained not to the [first] three. And David set him over his guard.

  • 1 Chronicles 11:25 (2 votes)

    Behold, he was honourable among the thirty, but attained not to the [first] three: and David set him over his guard.

  • 1 Kings 14:27 (2 votes)

    And king Rehoboam made in their stead brasen shields, and committed [them] unto the hands of the chief of the guard, which kept the door of the king's house.

  • Song Of Solomon 3:7 (2 votes)

    ¶ Behold his bed, which [is] Solomon's; threescore valiant men [are] about it, of the valiant of Israel.

  • Song Of Solomon 3:8 (2 votes)

    They all hold swords, [being] expert in war: every man [hath] his sword upon his thigh because of fear in the night.

  • Lamentations 4:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ How is the gold become dim! [how] is the most fine gold changed! the stones of the sanctuary are poured out in the top of every street.

  • 2 Samuel 8:18 (2 votes)

    And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada [was over] both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief rulers.