King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 10:17 Mean?

1 Kings 10:17 in the King James Version says “And he made three hundred shields of beaten gold; three pound of gold went to one shield: and the king put them in the h... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Kings 10:17 · KJV


Context

15

Beside that he had of the merchantmen , and of the traffick of the spice merchants, and of all the kings of Arabia, and of the governors of the country. governors: or, captains

16

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

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.

18

Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with the best gold.

19

The throne had six steps, and the top of the throne was round behind: and there were stays on either side on the place of the seat, and two lions stood beside the stays. behind: Heb. on the hinder part thereof stays: Heb. hands


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us').

The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.

Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How did Solomon's disobedience to God's clear commands lead to his downfall, and what warnings does this provide?
  2. What role do relationships and alliances play in either strengthening or compromising our faith?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
שְׁלֹ֤שֶׁת1 of 17

And he made three

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

מֵא֤וֹת2 of 17

hundred

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

הַמָּגֵ֣ן3 of 17

shield

H4043

a shield (i.e., the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile

זָהָ֔ב4 of 17

gold

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

שָׁח֔וּט5 of 17

of beaten

H7820

to hammer out

שְׁלֹ֤שֶׁת6 of 17

And he made three

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

מָנִים֙7 of 17

pound

H4488

properly, a fixed weight or measured amount, i.e., (technically) a maneh or mina

זָהָ֔ב8 of 17

gold

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

יַֽעֲלֶ֖ה9 of 17

went

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

עַל10 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַמָּגֵ֣ן11 of 17

shield

H4043

a shield (i.e., the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile

הָֽאֶחָ֑ת12 of 17

to one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

וַיִּתְּנֵ֣ם13 of 17

put

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ14 of 17

and the king

H4428

a king

בֵּ֖ית15 of 17

them in the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יַ֥עַר16 of 17

of the forest

H3293

a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)

הַלְּבָנֽוֹן׃17 of 17

of Lebanon

H3844

lebanon, a mountain range in palestine


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Kings 10:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Kings 10:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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