1 Kings 10:17

Shields of beaten gold. These were smaller shields than the “targets” of v. 16, and were probably round. Since there were 200 targets and 300 shields, the total would be 500 in all. David’s bodyguard numbered 600 men (2 Sam. 15:1). It may be that Solomon’s personal bodyguard numbered 500 men, and that the golden shields were used by them on state occasions, at other times to adorn the walls of the imposing “house of the forest of Lebanon.” A body of troops thus equipped with shields of glittering gold, marching before their king, would make a magnificent display.