Topical Encyclopedia The invasion of the land of Israel by the Egyptians under Pharaoh Shishak is a significant event recorded in the biblical narrative, highlighting the geopolitical dynamics of the ancient Near East and the spiritual consequences of Israel's disobedience to God. This event is primarily documented in 1 Kings 14:25-28 and 2 Chronicles 12:1-12.Historical Context Following the death of King Solomon, the united monarchy of Israel was divided into two kingdoms: the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Rehoboam, Solomon's son, ascended to the throne of Judah. His reign was marked by a departure from the ways of the LORD, as the people of Judah engaged in practices that were detestable in the sight of God (1 Kings 14:22-24). The Invasion In the fifth year of King Rehoboam's reign, Shishak, the king of Egypt, launched a military campaign against Jerusalem. This invasion is seen as a direct consequence of Judah's unfaithfulness to God. The biblical account in 1 Kings 14:25-26 states: "In the fifth year of Rehoboam’s reign, Shishak king of Egypt came up and attacked Jerusalem. He seized the treasures of the house of the LORD and the treasures of the royal palace. He took everything, including all the gold shields that Solomon had made." The parallel account in 2 Chronicles 12:2-4 provides additional details: "Because they had been unfaithful to the LORD, in the fifth year of Rehoboam’s reign, Shishak king of Egypt came up and attacked Jerusalem with 1,200 chariots, 60,000 horsemen, and countless troops who came with him out of Egypt—Libyans, Sukkites, and Cushites. He captured the fortified cities of Judah and came as far as Jerusalem." Spiritual Implications The invasion by Shishak served as a divine chastisement for Judah's apostasy. The prophet Shemaiah delivered a message from the LORD to Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah, declaring, "You have abandoned Me; therefore, I now abandon you to Shishak" (2 Chronicles 12:5). This pronouncement led to a humbling of the leaders, who acknowledged the righteousness of the LORD (2 Chronicles 12:6). In response to their humility, God showed mercy, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 12:7-8 : "When the LORD saw that they had humbled themselves, the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah: 'They have humbled themselves; I will not destroy them, but will soon give them deliverance. My wrath will not be poured out on Jerusalem through Shishak. Nevertheless, they will become his servants, so that they may learn the difference between serving Me and serving the kings of other lands.'" Aftermath The invasion resulted in the loss of significant wealth and prestige for Judah. The gold shields made by Solomon were replaced with bronze ones by Rehoboam, symbolizing the diminished glory of the kingdom (1 Kings 14:27-28). Despite the material losses, the event served as a pivotal moment for Judah to recognize the importance of faithfulness to God. The incursion of Shishak is also corroborated by extra-biblical sources, such as the Bubastite Portal at Karnak in Egypt, which lists the conquests of Shishak, providing archaeological evidence of this historical event. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 14:25,26And it came to pass in the fifth year of king Rehoboam, that Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem: Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 12:2-9 Library The Israelites Appendices Resources What does it mean that God is Jehovah-Rapha? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the purpose of the biblical sign gifts? | GotQuestions.org What is Passover? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Egyptians: Aid the Israelites Against the Chaldeans Egyptians: Alliances With, Forbidden to the Israelites Egyptians: An Enthusiastic Egyptian Instigated Rebellion Against Roman Government Egyptians: Conversion of, Foretold Egyptians: Descendants of the Mizraim Egyptians: Eligible to Membership in Israelite Congregation in the Third Generation Egyptians: Firstborn of Destroyed Egyptians: Hospitality of, to Abraham Egyptians: Intermarry With the Jews Egyptians: Invade the Land of Israel: Under Pharaoh-Necho Egyptians: Invade the Land of Israel: Under Shishak Egyptians: Oppress the Israelites Egyptians: Prophecies of Dispersion and Restoration of Egyptians: Pursue Israelites, and the Army of, Destroyed Egyptians: Refuse to Release the Israelites Egyptians: Refused to Eat With Hebrews Egyptians: Send the Israelites Away Egyptians: The Art of Embalming the Dead Practiced By Related Terms |