He also made three hundred small shields of hammered gold; three minas of gold went into each shield. And the king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon. He also madeThis phrase indicates the continuation of King Solomon's grand projects, emphasizing his role as a builder and a ruler who sought to display the wealth and splendor of his kingdom. The Hebrew root for "made" is "עָשָׂה" (asah), which often implies not just creation but also the act of establishing or instituting something significant. Solomon's actions here are not merely about crafting objects but about establishing a legacy of opulence and divine favor. three hundred small shields
The number "three hundred" is significant in biblical numerology, often symbolizing completeness or divine perfection. The shields, though small, are numerous, indicating the vast resources and wealth at Solomon's disposal. Shields in ancient times were not only defensive weapons but also symbols of protection and strength. These shields, however, are not for battle but for display, highlighting the peace and prosperity of Solomon's reign. of hammered gold
The use of "hammered gold" suggests a process of careful crafting and artistry. Gold, in biblical symbolism, often represents purity, divinity, and kingship. The Hebrew word for "gold" is "זָהָב" (zahav), which is frequently associated with the divine presence and the glory of God. The meticulous work of hammering the gold reflects the dedication to excellence and the desire to reflect God's glory in the kingdom. with three minas of gold in each shield
A mina was a unit of weight, and having "three minas" of gold in each shield indicates substantial value and weight. This detail underscores the immense wealth of Solomon's kingdom. The number three often signifies completeness and divine perfection, suggesting that these shields were not only valuable but also symbolically complete in their representation of Solomon's God-given wisdom and prosperity. and the king put them
The act of placing the shields is deliberate and purposeful. The Hebrew root "נָתַן" (natan) means to give, set, or appoint, indicating that Solomon's actions were intentional, with a specific purpose in mind. This placement is an act of stewardship, reflecting Solomon's responsibility to manage the blessings and resources God had entrusted to him. in the House of the Forest of Lebanon
This location was a part of Solomon's palace complex, known for its grandeur and beauty. The "House of the Forest of Lebanon" was named for its extensive use of cedar wood from Lebanon, a symbol of strength and durability. This setting for the shields further emphasizes the opulence and majesty of Solomon's reign. It serves as a reminder of the peace and prosperity that characterized his kingdom, a peace that allowed for such displays of wealth without fear of invasion or theft. Persons / Places / Events 1. King SolomonThe son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. His reign is marked by prosperity and peace. 2. House of the Forest of LebanonA significant building constructed by Solomon, used as an armory and a place for storing treasures. It was named for its cedar pillars, which resembled a forest. 3. Small Shields of Hammered GoldThese shields were ornamental and symbolized the wealth and splendor of Solomon's reign. They were not intended for battle but for display. 4. GoldA symbol of wealth and divine blessing in the Bible, gold in Solomon's time was a sign of God's favor and the prosperity of Israel under his rule. 5. MinasAn ancient unit of weight used to measure precious metals, indicating the substantial amount of gold used in crafting these shields. Teaching Points The Symbolism of WealthSolomon's shields represent the prosperity and divine favor during his reign. However, they also serve as a reminder of the potential for material wealth to distract from spiritual priorities. The Temporary Nature of Earthly TreasuresThe shields, though magnificent, were eventually taken by enemies ( 1 Kings 14:25-26). This illustrates the transient nature of earthly wealth and the importance of investing in eternal treasures. Wisdom Over WealthSolomon's writings in Proverbs emphasize the superiority of wisdom over material riches. Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom and understanding as their primary pursuit. The Role of StewardshipSolomon's use of wealth for the glory of God and the benefit of his kingdom challenges Christians to consider how they steward their resources for God's purposes. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the construction of the shields reflect the priorities and values of Solomon's reign? 2. In what ways can the account of Solomon's wealth serve as a warning against the dangers of materialism in our own lives? 3. How does the eventual loss of these shields to enemies illustrate the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 6:19-21 about storing treasures in heaven? 4. What lessons can we learn from Solomon's life about balancing the pursuit of wisdom and wealth? 5. How can we apply the concept of stewardship in our own lives, using our resources for God's glory and the benefit of others? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Chronicles 9:16This verse parallels 1 Kings 10:17, providing additional details about Solomon's wealth and the shields. 1 Kings 7:2-5Describes the construction of the House of the Forest of Lebanon, giving context to its significance and grandeur. Matthew 6:19-21Jesus teaches about storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth, which can be contrasted with Solomon's accumulation of wealth. Proverbs 3:13-14Written by Solomon, these verses highlight the value of wisdom over material wealth, offering a deeper understanding of Solomon's priorities. People Arabians, Aram, Hiram, Hittites, Ophir, Solomon, Tarshish, TharshishPlaces Egypt, House of the Forest of Lebanon, Jerusalem, Kue, Ophir, Sheba, Shephelah, Syria, TarshishTopics Alloyed, Applied, Beaten, Body-covers, Cover, Forest, Gold, Hammered, Hundred, Lebanon, Minas, Palace, Pound, Pounds, Putteth, Shield, Shields, Smaller, Using, WoodsDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 10:17 4448 forests 1 Kings 10:14-21 5211 art 1 Kings 10:14-22 4303 metals 1 Kings 10:16-17 5527 shield 1 Kings 10:16-21 5437 palaces Library Coming to the King.
"And King Solomon gave unto the Queen of Sheba all her desire, whatsoever she asked, beside that which Solomon gave her of his royal bounty."--1 Kings x. 13. The beautiful history recorded in the chapter from which the above words are quoted is deeply instructive to those who have learned to recognise CHRIST in the Scriptures. The reference to this narrative by our LORD Himself was surely designed to draw our attention to it, and gives it an added interest. The blessings, too, received by the Queen …
J. Hudson Taylor—A Ribband of BlueA Royal Seeker after Wisdom
'And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to prove him with hard questions. 2. And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart. 3. And Solomon told her all her questions: there was not any thing hid from the king, which he told her not. 4. And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon's …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Gift
"There came no more such abundance of spices as those which the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon."--1 Kings x. 10. Mechthild of Hellfde, 1277. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 "What dost thou bring me, O my Queen? Love maketh thy steps to fly." Lord, to Thee my jewel I bring, Greater than mountains high; Broader than all the earth's broad lands, Heavier than the ocean sands, And higher it is than the sky: Deeper it is than the depths of the sea, And fairer than the sun, Unreckoned, as if the stars …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series) Of the Weight of Government; and that all Manner of Adversity is to be Despised, and Prosperity Feared.
So much, then, have we briefly said, to shew how great is the weight of government, lest whosoever is unequal to sacred offices of government should dare to profane them, and through lust of pre-eminence undertake a leadership of perdition. For hence it is that James affectionately deters us, saying, Be not made many masters, my brethren (James iii. 1). Hence the Mediator between God and man Himself--He who, transcending the knowledge and understanding even of supernal spirits, reigns in heaven …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Meditations of the Blessed State of the Regenerate Man after Death.
This estate has three degrees:--1st, From the day of death to the resurrection; 2d, From the resurrection to the pronouncing of the sentence; 3d, After the sentence, which lasts eternally. As soon as ever the regenerate man hath yielded up his soul to Christ, the holy angels take her into their custody, and immediately carry her into heaven (Luke xvi. 22), and there present her before Christ, where she is crowned with a crown of righteousness and glory; not which she hath deserved by her good works, …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety There is a Blessedness in Reversion
Blessed are the poor in spirit. Matthew 5:3 Having done with the occasion, I come now to the sermon itself. Blessed are the poor in spirit'. Christ does not begin his Sermon on the Mount as the Law was delivered on the mount, with commands and threatenings, the trumpet sounding, the fire flaming, the earth quaking, and the hearts of the Israelites too for fear; but our Saviour (whose lips dropped as the honeycomb') begins with promises and blessings. So sweet and ravishing was the doctrine of this …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Commerce
The remarkable change which we have noticed in the views of Jewish authorities, from contempt to almost affectation of manual labour, could certainly not have been arbitrary. But as we fail to discover here any religious motive, we can only account for it on the score of altered political and social circumstances. So long as the people were, at least nominally, independent, and in possession of their own land, constant engagement in a trade would probably mark an inferior social stage, and imply …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Typified in the Lives of Joseph and Solomon.
In the Old Testament there are numerous references to the Second Coming of Christ, references both direct and typical, but in every instance it was His return to the earth which was in view. The secret coming of Christ into the air, to catch up the saints to Himself, was an event quite unknown to the Old Testament prophets, an event kept secret until revealed by God to the apostle Paul who, when writing to the Corinthians upon this particular aspect of our subject, said, "Behold, I show you a mystery …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return "Let any Man Come. "
[7] "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."--John 7:37-38. THE text which heads this paper contains one of those mighty sayings of Christ which deserve to be printed in letters of gold. All the stars in heaven are bright and beautiful; yet even a child can see that "one star differeth from another in glory" …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 10:17 NIV1 Kings 10:17 NLT1 Kings 10:17 ESV1 Kings 10:17 NASB1 Kings 10:17 KJV
1 Kings 10:17 Commentaries
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