דברי הימים ב, פרק ט׳, פסוק ט״ז

King Solomon displayed his vast wealth and military power through the creation of grand, ceremonial weapons. These golden shields served as a striking symbol of his kingdom's glory, blending practical defense with royal majesty. A shield is traditionally a handheld weapon used for gripping and protection during battle [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. While these specific items were coated in gold, the amount applied was carefully measured so that they remained functional and effective for actual use rather than being merely decorative [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

A significant amount of wealth was invested in their creation, with three hundred units of gold dedicated to each shield. By comparing this account to a parallel historical record which describes the weight as three maneh, the primary approach among commentators is that a biblical maneh is equivalent to one hundred standard weights of gold.

Once completed, the king stored these magnificent weapons in a royal palace known as the House of the Forest of Lebanon [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The exact nature and location of this structure are a matter of debate. One perspective suggests it was a massive building located in Jerusalem, earning its name because it was constructed from a vast quantity of large cedar trees imported from Lebanon. These golden shields were eventually taken as loot by Shishak, the king of Egypt, and this specific building is later referenced by the prophet Isaiah as an armory [רש״י]. Conversely, a more literal approach maintains that Solomon actually constructed this grand building directly within the physical Forest of Lebanon itself [מצודת דוד].