2 Chronicles 9:15

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And king {H4428} Solomon {H8010} made {H6213} two hundred {H3967} targets {H6793} of beaten {H7820} gold {H2091}: six {H8337} hundred {H3967} shekels of beaten {H7820} gold {H2091} went {H5927} to one {H259} target {H6793}.

Complete Jewish Bible

King Shlomo made 200 large shields of hammered gold; fifteen pounds of hammered gold went into one shield.

Berean Standard Bible

King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold; six hundred shekels of hammered gold went into each shield.

American Standard Version

And king Solomon made two hundred bucklers of beaten gold; six hundred shekels of beaten gold went to one buckler.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 9:15 details King Solomon's extraordinary opulence, specifically highlighting the creation of two hundred large ceremonial shields, each crafted from an immense six hundred shekels of beaten gold. This verse serves as a vivid illustration of the unparalleled wealth and splendor that characterized Solomon's reign, a direct manifestation of God's abundant blessing upon him, yet it also subtly introduces a theme of the transient nature of earthly glory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a lengthy account of King Solomon's reign, specifically detailing his immense wealth and wisdom following the visit of the Queen of Sheba in [2 Chronicles 9:1-12](/2_chronicles/9-1 "2 Chronicles 9:1-12 - Queen of Sheba's Visit to Solomon"). The Chronicler meticulously records the sources of Solomon's riches—from tribute and trade to his own extensive building projects—emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promise to grant him wealth and honor in [2 Chronicles 1:12](/2_chronicles/1-12 "2 Chronicles 1:12 - God's Promise to Solomon"). The mention of these golden shields is immediately followed by a similar description of three hundred smaller bucklers in [2 Chronicles 9:16](/2_chronicles/9-16 "2 Chronicles 9:16 - Solomon's Golden Bucklers"), both serving to underscore the sheer scale of his material possessions. This section of [2 Chronicles 9](/2_chronicles/9 "2 Chronicles 9 - Solomon's Wealth and Wisdom") culminates in the declaration that Solomon "excelled all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom" ([2 Chronicles 9:22](/2_chronicles/9-22 "2 Chronicles 9:22 - Solomon's Unparalleled Riches and Wisdom")). The parallel account in [1 Kings 10:16-17](/1_kings/10-16 "1 Kings 10:16-17 - Solomon's Golden Shields in 1 Kings") confirms the historical detail, reinforcing its significance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the display of immense wealth was a primary means for monarchs to project power, prestige, and divine favor. Gold, being a rare and valuable metal, was particularly prized for its beauty, durability, and resistance to tarnish, making it an ideal material for royal regalia and ceremonial objects. Solomon's access to such vast quantities of gold, likely through extensive trade networks (including Ophir, as mentioned in [2 Chronicles 9:10](/2_chronicles/9-10 "2 Chronicles 9:10 - Gold from Ophir")), positioned him as an unparalleled ruler. These "targets" or large shields, along with the smaller bucklers, were not intended for active combat but rather for ceremonial display, perhaps adorning the Hall of the Forest of Lebanon or carried by royal guards during processions. Their purpose was to awe visitors and subjects, reinforcing the king's divinely ordained authority and the prosperity of his kingdom, a common practice among powerful empires of the era.

* **Key Themes:** The primary theme highlighted by this verse is the **unparalleled wealth and splendor** of Solomon's reign. The astronomical quantity of gold dedicated to these shields vividly illustrates the economic zenith of Israel under Solomon, a period of unprecedented prosperity directly attributed to God's blessing. This display also speaks to the theme of **royal display and prestige**, as these golden artifacts served to enhance the grandeur of Solomon's court and visually communicate his power and divine favor. However, a subtle but crucial theme also emerges: the **fleeting nature of earthly glory**. While showcasing Solomon's magnificence, the Chronicler, writing with hindsight, knows that these very shields were later plundered by Shishak, king of Egypt, during the reign of Solomon's son Rehoboam, as recorded in [2 Chronicles 12:9-10](/2_chronicles/12-9 "2 Chronicles 12:9-10 - Shishak Takes the Golden Shields"). This historical event transforms the golden shields from symbols of enduring power into poignant reminders of the transient nature of material possessions and even national strength.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **targets (Hebrew, _tsinnah'_):** This term (צִנָּה) refers to a large, full-body shield, designed to protect the entire person. It was typically used by heavy infantry and was distinct from the smaller, lighter shield (מָגֵן, _magen_) mentioned in the following verse. The use of such a large shield, even for ceremonial purposes, emphasizes the scale and grandeur of Solomon's armory and display.
* **beaten gold (Hebrew, _miqshah'_):** The Hebrew word (מִקְשָׁה) denotes something that has been hammered out or wrought from a single piece of metal. This technique indicates a high degree of craftsmanship and purity, suggesting that the gold was not merely plated but solid or at least formed from substantial pieces. This detail underscores the immense value and labor invested in each shield, further highlighting the extravagance of Solomon's court.
* **shekels (Hebrew, _sheqel'_):** A shekel (שֶׁקֶל) was a unit of weight in ancient Israel, often used for precious metals. While its precise modern equivalent varies, 600 shekels of gold represents an enormous weight and value. This quantity per shield emphasizes the incredible cost and luxury of these items, far beyond what would be practical for combat, reinforcing their ceremonial purpose.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And king Solomon made two hundred targets [of] beaten gold:"** This clause immediately establishes the subject (King Solomon) and his action (making), followed by the quantity (two hundred) and the material (beaten gold). The sheer number of these large, valuable shields signals an unprecedented level of wealth and a deliberate, grand-scale project of royal display.
* **"six hundred [shekels] of beaten gold went to one target."** This second clause provides the astonishing detail of the individual cost and material content of each shield. The specification of 600 shekels of pure, hammered gold per target quantifies the immense value, weight, and labor involved, solidifying the impression of Solomon's unparalleled riches and the lavishness of his court.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the sheer scale of the gold used; while literally true, the description of 200 large shields, each requiring 600 shekels of beaten gold, creates an impression of almost unbelievable extravagance, emphasizing Solomon's immense wealth. **Symbolism** is central, as the golden shields are not merely objects but powerful symbols of Solomon's power, prestige, divine favor, and the peak of Israel's national glory. They represent the visible manifestation of God's blessing. Furthermore, for the Chronicler's original audience, there is an element of **foreshadowing**, as they would have been aware of the subsequent historical events where these very shields were plundered by the Egyptians ([2 Chronicles 12:9](/2_chronicles/12-9 "2 Chronicles 12:9 - Shishak Plunders Jerusalem")). This subtle foreshadowing imbues the description of Solomon's splendor with a poignant reminder of the transient nature of earthly possessions and glory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while a testament to Solomon's extraordinary wealth, serves a deeper theological purpose within the Chronicler's narrative. It showcases the peak of God's blessing upon the Davidic line and the nation of Israel, demonstrating the fulfillment of God's promise to grant Solomon riches and honor beyond any king before or after him ([2 Chronicles 1:12](/2_chronicles/1-12 "2 Chronicles 1:12 - God's Promise of Riches to Solomon")). The abundance of gold symbolizes divine favor and the prosperity that comes from wisdom and obedience. However, the subsequent loss of these very shields to Shishak ([2 Chronicles 12:9](/2_chronicles/12-9 "2 Chronicles 12:9 - Shishak Takes the Shields")) serves as a powerful theological commentary on the impermanence of earthly glory and the dangers of placing ultimate trust in material possessions. It highlights that even divinely bestowed blessings, when not stewarded with continued faithfulness, can be fleeting.

* [Matthew 6:19](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19 - Do Not Lay Up Treasures on Earth")
* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")
* [Proverbs 23:5](/proverbs/23-5 "Proverbs 23:5 - Riches Take Wing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
King Solomon's golden shields stand as a magnificent, albeit temporary, monument to the peak of Israel's material prosperity under divine blessing. For us today, they serve as a profound reminder that while God can bless abundantly, true and lasting security, significance, and joy are not found in the accumulation or display of material possessions. The eventual loss of these shields underscores the transient nature of all earthly glory and wealth, which can be lost, decay, or be stolen. This narrative compels us to critically evaluate where we place our ultimate trust and what we truly value. Are we building up treasures on earth, which are inherently vulnerable, or are we investing in spiritual riches and an eternal inheritance that cannot be plundered or diminished? This verse encourages us to shift our focus from the fleeting allure of worldly splendor to the enduring kingdom of God, seeking His righteousness above all else, knowing that His provisions are eternal and His glory never fades.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What do these golden shields symbolize in our own lives today, and how might we be tempted to place our trust in them?**
* **How does the eventual loss of Solomon's golden shields challenge our modern pursuit of material wealth and status?**
* **In what ways can focusing on earthly treasures distract us from seeking God's kingdom and His righteousness first?**
* **What "treasures" do we possess that are truly eternal and secure, and how can we invest more in them?**

### FAQ
**Were these golden shields used for actual combat?**

Answer: No, it is highly improbable that these shields were used for actual combat. The immense weight (600 shekels of gold per shield) and the preciousness of the material would have made them impractical and far too valuable for the battlefield. Ancient Near Eastern monarchs often commissioned such elaborate items for ceremonial display, parading them during processions, adorning palace walls, or equipping royal guards for show rather than for war. Their primary purpose was to symbolize the king's unparalleled wealth, power, and the divine favor bestowed upon him, serving as a visual testament to the grandeur of his reign.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Solomon's golden shields, magnificent as they were, represent the zenith of an earthly kingdom's glory—a glory that was ultimately temporary and subject to decay and plunder. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ embodies a glory that is eternal, incorruptible, and infinitely richer. While Solomon's wealth was displayed in material gold, Christ's true riches are found in His divine nature, His perfect righteousness, and the spiritual blessings He bestows upon His people. The transient nature of Solomon's kingdom, where even his most prized possessions were taken ([2 Chronicles 12:9](/2_chronicles/12-9 "2 Chronicles 12:9 - Shishak Takes the Shields")), foreshadows the ultimate inadequacy of any earthly kingdom or human achievement to provide lasting security or fulfillment. Christ's kingdom, however, is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")), yet it is an everlasting kingdom that "shall never be destroyed" ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom")). He is the true King, whose glory is not dependent on perishable gold but on His inherent deity, His sacrificial love, and His victory over sin and death, offering an inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). Solomon's golden shields pointed to an earthly king's splendor; Christ reveals the eternal, spiritual splendor of the King of kings, whose reign and riches are forever.

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

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.

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.

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.