In biblical times, copper and its alloy, brass, were materials of significant utility and value. These metals were used in various applications, including the crafting of shields, which were essential for protection in warfare. The use of copper and brass for making shields is mentioned in several passages of the Bible, highlighting their importance in ancient military contexts.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Kings 14:25-27 : "In the fifth year of King Rehoboam, Shishak king of Egypt came up and attacked Jerusalem. He seized the treasures of the house of the LORD and the treasures of the royal palace. He took everything, including all the gold shields that Solomon had made. So King Rehoboam made bronze shields in their place and committed them to the care of the captains of the guard who protected the entrance to the royal palace."

This passage describes a significant event where King Rehoboam, after losing the gold shields made by Solomon to the Egyptian king Shishak, replaced them with shields made of bronze. This substitution underscores the value and availability of bronze as a practical alternative to gold, maintaining the defensive capabilities of the kingdom despite the loss.

2. 2 Chronicles 12:9-10 : "So Shishak king of Egypt came up and attacked Jerusalem. He seized the treasures of the house of the LORD and the treasures of the royal palace. He took everything, including the gold shields that Solomon had made. Then King Rehoboam made bronze shields in their place and committed them to the care of the captains of the guard who protected the entrance to the royal palace."

This parallel account in 2 Chronicles reiterates the narrative found in 1 Kings, emphasizing the transition from gold to bronze shields. The use of bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, was a practical choice due to its durability and relative abundance compared to gold.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near East, metals such as copper and bronze were highly prized for their strength and versatility. The process of alloying copper with tin to produce bronze resulted in a material that was harder and more durable than pure copper, making it ideal for crafting weapons and armor, including shields. The biblical accounts of Rehoboam's bronze shields reflect the broader historical practice of using these metals in military equipment.

The crafting of shields from copper and bronze also had symbolic significance. Shields were not only functional but also represented the strength and protection of a nation. The replacement of gold shields with bronze ones, while a downgrade in terms of material value, still conveyed a sense of resilience and continuity in the face of adversity.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the narrative of the bronze shields can be seen as a reflection of God's providence and the adaptability of His people. Despite the loss of wealth and splendor symbolized by the gold shields, the kingdom of Judah continued to stand, protected by the more humble yet effective bronze shields. This adaptability and reliance on available resources can be viewed as an expression of faith and trust in God's provision, even in times of loss and challenge.

In summary, the use of copper and brass in the making of shields in biblical times highlights the practical and symbolic roles these metals played in the life of ancient Israel. The accounts of Rehoboam's bronze shields serve as a testament to the enduring strength and resilience of God's people, even when faced with significant challenges.1 Kings 14:27
And king Rehoboam made in their stead brazen shields, and committed them to the hands of the chief of the guard, which kept the door of the king's house.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 12:10
Instead of which king Rehoboam made shields of brass, and committed them to the hands of the chief of the guard, that kept the entrance of the king's house.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

That the Inventors of Other Arts were Mostly Barbarians.
... Id??an discovered the tempering of brass; according to ... are now called the Norici)
worked copper, and were ... The correction is made from Eusebius, who extracts ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xvi that the inventors of.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... the Achaean coast itself, Tamassos near the copper-mines, and ... while the rest either
fell gradually into the hands ... for the good fortune which had made them see ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... on each leg eighteen rings of solid brass as thick ... the finger, and three rings of
copper above the ... have seized Megiddo." The Egyptians had made little progress ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... The mountains contained copper, iron, lead, some gold and silver ... by side on behalf
of the king into a single ... curve, and a quiver full of arrows made from reeds ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... should be transposed, to bring the verse into harmony with ... whom were added a body
of charioteers made up of ... scale mail and the helmet of brass; their weapons ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

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