Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical narrative, Egypt plays a significant role during the reign of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon and king of Judah. This period is marked by a pivotal event where the Egyptian forces, led by Pharaoh Shishak, besieged and plundered Jerusalem. This episode is recorded in the historical books of the Old Testament, specifically in 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles.
Historical ContextRehoboam ascended to the throne of Judah following the death of his father, Solomon. His reign was characterized by a division in the united monarchy of Israel, resulting in the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. This division weakened the once powerful and prosperous nation, making it vulnerable to external threats.
The Egyptian InvasionThe 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."
Similarly,
2 Chronicles 12:2-4 provides further details: "In the fifth year of Rehoboam’s reign, because they had been unfaithful to the LORD, 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."
Theological ImplicationsThe invasion by Shishak is portrayed as a divine judgment against Judah for their unfaithfulness to God. The Chronicler emphasizes that Rehoboam and the people of Judah had abandoned the law of the LORD, leading to their vulnerability to foreign powers. This event serves as a reminder of the covenantal relationship between God and His people, where obedience brings blessing and disobedience invites discipline.
2 Chronicles 12:5-6 records the response of Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah: "Then Shemaiah the prophet came to Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah who had gathered at Jerusalem because of Shishak, and he said to them, 'This is what the LORD says: You have abandoned Me; therefore, I now abandon you to Shishak.' So the leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, 'The LORD is righteous.'"
Outcome and LegacyThe humility and repentance of Rehoboam and the leaders led to a partial deliverance.
2 Chronicles 12:7-8 notes, "When the LORD saw that they had humbled themselves, the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah, saying, 'They have humbled themselves; I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some 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.'"
The invasion by Shishak resulted in the loss of wealth and prestige for Judah, as the treasures accumulated by Solomon were taken to Egypt. This event marked a significant decline in the power and influence of the Davidic kingdom, serving as a cautionary tale of the consequences of turning away from God.
Archaeological and Historical CorroborationThe historical existence of Shishak, identified with Pharaoh Shoshenq I, is corroborated by Egyptian records and archaeological findings. The Bubastite Portal at Karnak in Egypt contains a relief depicting Shoshenq's campaign in Palestine, listing several conquered cities, which aligns with the biblical account of his invasion.
In summary, the Egyptian invasion during Rehoboam's reign is a critical event in the biblical history of Judah, illustrating the themes of divine judgment, repentance, and the enduring consequences of covenant unfaithfulness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
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:
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Resources
What is the significance of Egypt in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the meaning and purpose of the ten plagues of Egypt? | GotQuestions.orgHow many Israelites left Egypt in the exodus? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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