King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 9:15 Mean?

2 Chronicles 9:15 in the King James Version says “And king Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold: six hundred shekels of beaten gold went to one target. — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Chronicles 9:15 · KJV


Context

13

Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred and threescore and six talents of gold;

14

Beside that which chapmen and merchants brought. And all the kings of Arabia and governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon. governors: or, captains

15

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

16

And three hundred shields made he of beaten gold: three hundred shekels of gold went to one shield. And the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon.

17

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


Commentary

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

This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on International recognition of God's blessing. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and worship as paradigmatic for post-exilic Israel. Unlike the Kings account which includes Solomon's failures, Chronicles emphasizes his positive example during his faithful years.

Theologically, the passage demonstrates that wholehearted seeking of God results in His manifest blessing and presence. The temple construction and dedication represent the climax of God's dwelling with Israel, foreshadowing the incarnation when God would dwell among humanity in Christ. The elaborate preparations and careful adherence to divine pattern emphasize that worship must occur on God's terms.

Cross-references to the tabernacle (Exodus 25-40), Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7, 1 Chronicles 17), and Messianic prophecies illuminate how Solomon's temple points toward Christ as the true meeting place between God and humanity. The material glory of Solomon's kingdom anticipates the greater glory of the Messianic age.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The reign of Solomon (970-930 BCE) represents Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity. The temple construction began in Solomon's fourth year (966 BCE), exactly 480 years after the Exodus according to 1 Kings 6:1. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective (450-400 BCE), emphasizing themes relevant to the restored community: temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Archaeological evidence confirms Solomon's extensive building projects and international trade relationships. The temple's design incorporated Phoenician architectural elements, evidenced by parallel structures discovered in Syria and Lebanon. Solomon's alliance with Hiram of Tyre provided both materials (Lebanese cedar) and craftsmen for the construction.

The post-exilic audience, having returned from Babylonian captivity to rebuild the temple, needed encouragement that God's presence and blessing could be restored through faithful worship. The Chronicler presents Solomon's reign as paradigmatic—when leaders and people seek God wholeheartedly, He dwells among them and prospers them.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen understanding of God's presence as the source of true blessing and success?
  2. What does this passage teach about the importance of following God's prescribed patterns in worship and service?
  3. How does Solomon's example in Queen of Sheba and Solomon's Wealth point forward to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיַּ֨עַשׂ1 of 15

made

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הַמֶּ֧לֶךְ2 of 15

And king

H4428

a king

שְׁלֹמֹ֛ה3 of 15

Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

מֵאוֹת֙4 of 15

hundred

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

הַצִּנָּ֥ה5 of 15

target

H6793

a (large) shield (as if guarding by prickliness)

זָהָ֣ב6 of 15

gold

H2091

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

שָׁח֔וּט7 of 15

of beaten

H7820

to hammer out

שֵׁ֤שׁ8 of 15

six

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

מֵאוֹת֙9 of 15

hundred

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

זָהָ֣ב10 of 15

gold

H2091

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

שָׁח֔וּט11 of 15

of beaten

H7820

to hammer out

יַֽעֲלֶ֖ה12 of 15

went

H5927

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

עַל13 of 15
H5921

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

הַצִּנָּ֥ה14 of 15

target

H6793

a (large) shield (as if guarding by prickliness)

הָֽאֶחָֽת׃15 of 15

to one

H259

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


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 9:15 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 2 Chronicles 9:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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