“I love You, O LORD, my strength.” The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalm 18:1–2)

At the peak of Solomon’s reign as Israel’s most illustrious king, 22.17 tons of gold flowed into his coffers as gifts of other nations, not including the proceeds from lucrative international trade deals. There was more gold than he knew what to do with (and we are not even talking about silver, which he had in far more abundance). There was no limit to the lavishness: among other things, there were utensils and goblets made of gold and temple furnishings overlaid with gold. He made 200 shields using 15 pounds of hammered gold for each and another 300 shields with up to half that amount of gold each (2 Chron 9:15). Though the exact weights are debated by scholars, the amount of gold used for these shields was nonetheless considerable.

Gold is not known for its hardness, so the shields were most likely ornamental. Solomon of all people knew that shields, gold or otherwise, were not enough to protect him and Israel from defeat and destruction. Just as he understood the “house” he had built for God could not contain the infinite God of the universe, neither could a shield protect Israel from any enemy should God cause defeat.

“Now the LORD has fulfilled His word which He spoke; for I have risen in the place of my father David and sit on the throne of Israel, as the LORD promised, and have built the house for the name of the LORD, the God of Israel. (2 Chron 6:10).

Solomon’s reign was characterized as being one of peace—thus he did not actually need battle-ready shields for his army. They were more symbolic, for indeed he knew that God, and God alone, would be their shield.

Solomon learned well the example of David, for in battle the war-hardened veteran had learned that though “He trains my hands for battle” (Ps 18:34), it was the Lord who is “My shield.” How often do we find ourselves in the onslaught of the world’s attacks against us, or Satan’s prowling around ready to pounce on us with temptations of every kind? Like David, we have a shield, and that is the Lord. We can trust in the shield of faith (Eph 6:16) that He will defend us, for He is our advocate on high (Job 16:19). No other defense or shield can do what He can do for us.

Lord, only You know of the many times You have shielded me against dangers of which I am unaware. Thanks that You see everything and defend me.