מלכים ב, פרק י״א, פסוק י׳

Arming military commanders with weapons stored deep within the Temple treasuries is a profound act that goes far beyond practical security. By handing over these ancient weapons, the priest emphasizes that the legacy and authority of the House of David are now entrusted directly into the hands of these leaders, and they operate under its historical power [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The armory distributed to the men includes a vast collection of spears, as well as protective gear generally understood to be shield-like weapons [מצודת דוד, רד״ק]. These specific items hold deep historical significance because of their direct connection to King David. Some suggest that David personally crafted these weapons and placed them in the House of God for safekeeping [מצודת דוד]. Alternatively, these were spoils of war, such as the golden shields captured from enemies like Hadadezer, which David subsequently dedicated to the Temple treasuries [רלב״ג, רד״ק].

Expanding on this historical background, another perspective suggests that King Solomon actually crafted the golden shields, yet they remain attributed to David because they were forged from the gold David had amassed and left behind. Over time, the original golden shields were taken away by Shishak, the king of Egypt, and were replaced with copper replicas. It is these copper replicas, alongside the other historic weapons, that are now distributed to the commanders [מלבי״ם].