2 Chronicles 12:9

So King Shishak of Egypt attacked Jerusalem and seized the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the royal palace. He took everything, including the gold shields that Solomon had made.

Study Bible

So Shishak king of Egypt
Shishak, known historically as Sheshonq I, was the founder of the 22nd Dynasty of Egypt. His reign is well-documented in Egyptian records, and his campaign against Jerusalem is corroborated by archaeological findings, such as the Bubastite Portal at Karnak, which lists the cities he conquered. This historical context underscores the reality of biblical events and the geopolitical dynamics of the ancient Near East. Shishak's invasion serves as a divine instrument of judgment against Judah for their unfaithfulness, reminding us of God's sovereignty over nations.

came up and attacked Jerusalem
The phrase "came up" is significant, as it reflects the geographical ascent to Jerusalem, which is situated on a high plateau. This ascent is not only physical but also symbolic of the spiritual confrontation between the pagan king and the city of God. The attack on Jerusalem, the heart of Judah, represents a direct challenge to the covenant community, highlighting the consequences of turning away from God. Historically, this event marks a period of vulnerability for Judah, emphasizing the need for reliance on divine protection rather than human alliances.

He seized the treasures of the house of the LORD
The treasures of the house of the LORD refer to the sacred items dedicated to God, including gold and silver vessels used in worship. The loss of these treasures signifies a profound spiritual and national humiliation for Judah. It serves as a tangible reminder of the nation's failure to uphold their covenant with God. Theologically, this act of desecration points to the seriousness of idolatry and the resultant loss of divine favor and protection.

and the treasures of the royal palace
The royal palace treasures symbolize the wealth and splendor of Solomon's reign, which had been a gift from God. Their seizure by Shishak illustrates the fleeting nature of earthly riches and the futility of relying on material wealth for security. This event calls believers to place their trust in God rather than in temporal possessions, echoing the biblical principle that true treasure is found in a relationship with the Lord.

He took everything
The phrase "He took everything" emphasizes the totality of the plunder. It reflects the complete stripping away of Judah's material and spiritual defenses, leaving the nation exposed and vulnerable. This total loss serves as a wake-up call for repentance and a return to faithfulness. It is a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the need for wholehearted devotion to God.

including the gold shields that Solomon had made
The gold shields were symbols of Solomon's wealth and the glory of his kingdom. Their loss is particularly poignant, as they represent the decline from the zenith of Israel's power and prosperity under Solomon to the weakened state of Rehoboam's reign. This decline serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the importance of maintaining a humble and obedient heart before God. Theologically, it points to the need for spiritual vigilance and the recognition that true strength and security come from the Lord alone.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Shishak, King of Egypt
Shishak was the Pharaoh of Egypt who invaded Judah during the reign of Rehoboam. His attack was a significant event that demonstrated the vulnerability of Judah when it strayed from God's commandments.

2. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, Jerusalem was the spiritual and political center of the kingdom. The attack on Jerusalem symbolized a direct challenge to the heart of God's chosen people.

3. Rehoboam
The son of Solomon and king of Judah, Rehoboam's reign was marked by a division of the kingdom and spiritual decline, which led to the invasion by Shishak.

4. The House of the LORD
This refers to the temple in Jerusalem, which was the center of worship for the Israelites. The plundering of its treasures was a significant loss and a sign of God's displeasure.

5. The Gold Shields
These were ornate shields made by Solomon, symbolizing the wealth and splendor of his reign. Their loss represented the decline from Solomon's prosperous era to Rehoboam's troubled reign.

Teaching Points

Consequences of Disobedience
Rehoboam's failure to follow God's commandments led to the loss of protection and blessings. This serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God.

The Fleeting Nature of Earthly Wealth
The loss of the gold shields and treasures illustrates that material wealth is temporary and can be easily taken away. Our focus should be on eternal treasures.

God's Sovereignty in Discipline
The invasion by Shishak was allowed by God as a form of discipline for Judah's unfaithfulness. It reminds us that God uses circumstances to draw us back to Him.

The Importance of Spiritual Leadership
Rehoboam's failure as a leader had dire consequences for the nation. This underscores the need for leaders to seek God's wisdom and guidance.

Bible Study Questions

1. What lessons can we learn from Rehoboam's leadership that apply to our roles in leadership today?

2. How does the loss of the gold shields reflect the spiritual state of Judah at the time, and what does it teach us about the relationship between spiritual and material prosperity?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our focus remains on eternal treasures rather than temporary, earthly wealth?

4. How does God's use of Shishak's invasion as discipline for Judah demonstrate His sovereignty and love for His people?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced consequences due to disobedience. How did that situation help you grow in your faith and understanding of God's will?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 14:25-26
This passage parallels the account in 2 Chronicles 12:9, providing additional context about Shishak's invasion and the consequences of Rehoboam's unfaithfulness.

Exodus 20:3-5
The first and second commandments highlight the importance of faithfulness to God, which Rehoboam neglected, leading to the invasion by Shishak.

Proverbs 16:18
This verse speaks to the theme of pride leading to downfall, which is evident in Rehoboam's reign and the subsequent invasion.