Golden Shields

Solomon, the son of David and king of Israel, is renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and extensive building projects, including the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. Among his many accomplishments, Solomon's creation of golden shields stands out as a symbol of his immense wealth and the splendor of his reign.

The Bible records that Solomon made two types of golden shields: large shields and smaller bucklers. According to 1 Kings 10:16-17 , "King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold; six hundred shekels of gold went into each shield. 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."

These shields were not intended for battle but served as ceremonial objects, reflecting the prosperity and glory of Solomon's kingdom. The House of the Forest of Lebanon, where the shields were stored, was a significant building in Solomon's palace complex, used for official functions and as an armory. The shields' presence in this location underscored the king's power and the divine favor upon Israel during his reign.

The golden shields also played a role in royal processions and ceremonies, further enhancing the majesty of Solomon's court. However, their fate was tied to the political and spiritual decline of Israel. During the reign of Solomon's son, Rehoboam, Shishak, the king of Egypt, invaded Jerusalem and took away the treasures of the temple and the royal palace, including the golden shields (1 Kings 14:25-26).

Throne of Solomon

Solomon's throne is another testament to his wealth and the grandeur of his kingdom. The throne is described in detail in 1 Kings 10:18-20 : "Additionally, the king made a great throne of ivory and overlaid it with pure gold. The throne had six steps, and its back had a rounded top. There were armrests on both sides of the seat, with a lion standing beside each armrest. Twelve lions stood on the six steps, one at either end of each step. Nothing like this had ever been made for any kingdom."

The throne's construction from ivory and gold signifies the opulence of Solomon's reign. The use of lions, symbols of strength and royalty, further emphasized the king's authority and the divine wisdom granted to him by God. The six steps leading up to the throne may symbolize the ascent to wisdom and justice, qualities for which Solomon was renowned.

The throne was not merely a seat of power but also a representation of the ideal kingship under God's covenant with Israel. It served as a visual reminder of the king's duty to rule with justice and righteousness, as Solomon himself prayed for wisdom to govern the people (1 Kings 3:9).

Solomon's throne and golden shields are emblematic of the zenith of Israel's united monarchy, reflecting both the blessings and responsibilities of leadership under God's guidance. These artifacts, while material in nature, point to the spiritual and moral dimensions of Solomon's reign, which were intended to align with the divine order established by God for His chosen people.