2 Chronicles 9:15 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 9:15 mean?

2 Chronicles 9:15 describes how King Solomon made two hundred large shields, or "targets," using hammered gold, with each shield containing six hundred shekels of gold. The verse highlights the extraordinary wealth and craftsmanship present during Solomon’s reign.

This verse is part of a passage listing the luxurious items Solomon commissioned for his palace. The writer is recounting the splendor and resources of Solomon’s kingdom to the people of Israel, emphasizing the king’s prosperity and the impressive display of gold in his court.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 9:15

• The word for "targets" is צִנָּה (tsinnah), often understood as a large shield. This detail shows these were not small decorative pieces but substantial defensive items, making the amount of gold even more impressive.
• The phrase "beaten gold" uses the word שָׁחוּט (shachut), meaning gold that has been hammered or worked by hand, emphasizing the skill and labor involved, not just the raw material.
• The word for "shekels" is not directly tagged here, but "six hundred" (שֵׁשׁ מֵאוֹת, shesh me’ot) is, indicating a significant weight—each shield contained a large amount of gold, underlining the extravagance.

Why 2 Chronicles 9:15 matters

• This verse helps clarify just how wealthy and powerful Solomon’s kingdom was, as the use of so much gold for shields was far beyond what was typical for kings of that era.
• The detail about "beaten gold" points to both the resources and the skilled artisans available to Solomon, showing that his reign was marked by both abundance and craftsmanship.
• In the wider context, this verse sets up a contrast with later events in Israel’s history, when such treasures would be lost or taken by enemies, highlighting the peak of Israel’s glory under Solomon.