Keraia
1 Kings 10

1 Kings 10:16

Solomon’s Wealth and Splendor · 1 Kings 10:14–29
Read 1 Kings 10

Translations

Modern
King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold; six hundred shekels of gold went into each shield.
Traditional
And king Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold: six hundred shekels of gold went to one target.
Literal
And King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold; six hundred shekels of gold went into one shield.
Latin
Fecit quoque rex Salomon ducenta scuta de auro purissimo: sexcentos auri siclos dedit in laminas scuti unius.

Original

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

Notes

1 Kings 10:16–17

Normally, large shields were made for foot soldiers and small shields for archers. But these shields were probably used for ceremonies instead of battle.

1 Kings 10:14–29

To show more of Solomon’s greatness, the writer adds to the story of the queen’s visit (1 Kings 10:1–13). The writer describes Solomon’s wise use of wealth in building his palace complex (10:14–21). The writer then tells how Solomon’s wisdom also brought wide influence through his trade and commercial dealings (10:22–29).

Theme notes and profiles

Solomon Solomon’s Wisdom

Events

Measurements

  • six hundred shekels of gold: About 15.1 lb (6.8 kg)

Parallels

2 Chronicles 1:14–17 2 Chronicles 9:13–28

People

Solomon: Son of David, king of Israel, known for his wisdom

Glossary

Banker, Banking Jerusalem Kings, Books of First and Second Minerals and Metals Solomon (Person)

Topics

Gold used in the Arts: Shields of Gold was Used for Shields Gold: Malleable King: Tariff on Imports, and Internal Revenue on Merchandise Military Arms: Defensive: Shield Shekel used to Weigh: Gold Shield: Made of Gold Solomon: Military Equipment of Solomon: Provides an Armory Target: Made of Gold