The invasion by Shishak, also known as Sheshonk I, is a significant event recorded in the Old Testament, marking a period of divine judgment and political upheaval in the history of the divided kingdom of Israel. Shishak was the first Pharaoh of the Twenty-second Dynasty of Egypt, reigning from approximately 945 to 924 BC. His campaign against the Kingdom of Judah is 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 split into two separate 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 religious and moral standards established by his father, leading to spiritual decline and vulnerability to external threats.

Biblical Account

The biblical narrative 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."

2 Chronicles 12:1-4 provides additional details: "After Rehoboam had established his sovereignty and royal power, he and all Israel with him forsook the law of the LORD. 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."

Theological Significance

The invasion by Shishak is portrayed as a direct consequence of Judah's unfaithfulness to God. The Chronicler emphasizes that Rehoboam and the people of Judah "forsook the law of the LORD," leading to divine retribution through the Egyptian invasion. This event serves as a reminder of the covenantal relationship between God and His people, where obedience brings blessing and disobedience invites judgment.

2 Chronicles 12:5-7 records the intervention of the prophet Shemaiah, who conveyed God's message to Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah: "Thus says the LORD: ‘You have abandoned Me; therefore, I have abandoned you to Shishak.’” The leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, “The LORD is righteous.” 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."

Aftermath and Legacy

Although Shishak's invasion resulted in the plundering of Jerusalem's treasures, the humility and repentance of Rehoboam and the leaders led to a measure of divine mercy. 2 Chronicles 12:12 notes, "Because Rehoboam humbled himself, the anger of the LORD turned away from him, and He did not destroy him completely. Moreover, conditions were good in Judah."

The invasion by Shishak is also corroborated by archaeological evidence, including the Bubastite Portal at Karnak in Egypt, which lists the cities conquered by Shishak during his campaign. This event underscores the historical reliability of the biblical narrative and serves as a testament to the consequences of turning away from God's commandments.