1 Kings Chapter 10 · Verse 16
And king Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold: six hundred shekels of gold went to one target.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֨עַשׂ
made
H6213
וַיַּ֨עַשׂ
made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
זָהָ֔ב
gold
H2091
זָהָ֔ב
gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
6 of 14
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
שֵֽׁשׁ
six
H8337
שֵֽׁשׁ
six
Strong's:
H8337
Word #:
8 of 14
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
זָהָ֔ב
gold
H2091
זָהָ֔ב
gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
10 of 14
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
יַֽעֲלֶ֖ה
went
H5927
יַֽעֲלֶ֖ה
went
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
11 of 14
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
12 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How did Solomon's disobedience to God's clear commands lead to his downfall, and what warnings does this provide?
- What role do relationships and alliances play in either strengthening or compromising our faith?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
And king Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold: six hundred shekels of gold went to one target.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy.
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.