Definition: And king Solomon made two hundred targets [of] beaten gold: six hundred [shekels] of gold went to one target.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 10:16. It's a really significant and fascinating passage about how God chose to build the Temple in Jerusalem! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God decided that the most important thing to build was a huge, incredibly valuable temple – a place for worship and offering to himself. He wanted to make it so magnificent that it would be worth more than all the gold in the world! Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And King Solomon made two hundred targets [of] beaten gold…” : This means God instructed Solomon to create a huge pile of gold, and he tasked his craftsmen to make 200 separate piles. Think of it like building a really big mosaic – each pile represents a different piece of the temple. “Six hundred shekels [of] gold went to one target.” : This is where it gets interesting! “Shekel” was the Old Testament word for a small amount of money, roughly equivalent to 20 cents today. God said that six hundred of these smaller piles were dedicated – given as a gift – to one single, massive pile within the temple. So, what’s the big takeaway? This verse shows how incredibly important God considered this project. It wasn't just about building a beautiful structure; it was about demonstrating God’s power and establishing his presence in Jerusalem. It signifies that God chose to prioritize this one thing over everything else. Why is this important? This story highlights several key themes: God’s Prioritization: He wanted to be incredibly clear about what was most important – building the temple. Sacrifice and Worship: The gold wasn't just a physical treasure; it was a symbol of God’s sacrifice and his covenant with His people. Divine Authority: It shows that God held absolute authority over his chosen project, and he wouldn’t compromise. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Talk about the context of the story? Explain the significance of "shekel"? Discuss what it might have meant for the people of Israel at the time?