Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the concept of a "target" made of gold is primarily associated with the armament and wealth of ancient kings, particularly in the Old Testament. The term "target" in this context refers to a type of shield or protective gear used in warfare. Gold, being a symbol of wealth, purity, and divine glory, signifies the opulence and grandeur of the monarchs who possessed such items.Biblical References: 1. Solomon's Wealth and Armory: King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom and wealth, is noted for his extensive collection of gold shields. In 1 Kings 10:16-17 , it is recorded: "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, while functional, also served as a display of Solomon's immense wealth and the prosperity of his reign. 2. Symbolism of Gold: Gold in the Bible often symbolizes divine presence and holiness. The use of gold in the construction of the tabernacle and the temple, as seen in Exodus 25:10-11 , where the Ark of the Covenant is overlaid with pure gold, underscores its sacred significance. Similarly, the golden shields of Solomon can be seen as a reflection of the divine favor and blessing upon his kingdom. 3. Contrast with Later Events: The golden shields of Solomon also serve as a poignant contrast to later events in the history of Israel. In 1 Kings 14:25-27 , during the reign of Rehoboam, Solomon's son, the shields were taken by Shishak, king of Egypt, as a result of Israel's disobedience and decline. Rehoboam replaced them with bronze shields, symbolizing the loss of glory and divine favor: "So King Rehoboam made bronze shields to replace them and assigned these to the commanders of the guard on duty at the entrance to the royal palace." Theological Implications: The presence of gold in biblical narratives often points to themes of divine blessing, human stewardship, and the transient nature of earthly wealth. The golden shields of Solomon highlight the peak of Israel's material prosperity and the divine wisdom granted to Solomon. However, the subsequent loss of these treasures under Rehoboam serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments. In a broader theological sense, the use of gold in the Bible can be seen as a metaphor for the purity and incorruptibility that believers are called to pursue. As gold is refined by fire, so too are the faithful refined through trials and obedience to God's word, as reflected in passages like 1 Peter 1:7 : "so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." Cultural and Historical Context: In the ancient Near East, gold was a highly prized commodity, often associated with royalty and the divine. The crafting of golden shields and other items of warfare was not only a demonstration of wealth but also a strategic display of power intended to intimidate adversaries and inspire confidence among allies. The biblical accounts of gold targets and shields reflect the historical realities of the time, where wealth and military might were closely intertwined. The biblical narrative, while historical, also serves as a moral and spiritual lesson for readers, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness to God over reliance on material wealth and human strength. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 10:16And king Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold: six hundred shekels of gold went to one target. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 9:15 Library Israel's Hope; Or, the Centre of the Target A Discourse The Empress Eudoxia from the Story of Christian Womanhood in Old ... The Nations of the North-East Your Own Salvation Our Knocking Praises and Vows Accepted in Zion The Way to God Separating the Precious from the Vile All Joy in all Trials Resources What does the Bible say about terrorism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the relationship between David and Jonathan? | GotQuestions.org Is faith in God religulous? | GotQuestions.org Target: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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