The invasion by Shishak, also known as Sheshonk I, Pharaoh of Egypt, is a significant event recorded in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the divided monarchy of Israel and Judah. This event is documented in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles, providing insight into the geopolitical and spiritual climate of the time.

Biblical Account

The primary biblical accounts of Shishak's invasion are found in 1 Kings 14:25-26 and 2 Chronicles 12:1-12. According to these passages, Shishak's campaign occurred during the reign of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon and king of Judah. The Berean Standard Bible provides the following account:

"In the fifth year of King Rehoboam, 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." (1 Kings 14:25-26)

The chronicler adds further detail, noting that Shishak's forces included "1,200 chariots, 60,000 horsemen, and countless troops who came with him out of Egypt—Libyans, Sukkites, and Cushites." (2 Chronicles 12:3). This formidable army underscores the severity of the threat posed by Shishak to the kingdom of Judah.

Historical Context

Shishak's invasion is historically placed around 925 BC, shortly after the death of Solomon and the subsequent division of the united monarchy into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. This period was marked by political instability and spiritual decline, as Rehoboam and his people "abandoned the law of the LORD" (2 Chronicles 12:1), leading to divine judgment through foreign invasion.

Theological Significance

Theologically, Shishak's invasion is seen as a direct consequence of Judah's unfaithfulness to God. The chronicler emphasizes that Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah humbled themselves in response to the prophetic warning delivered by Shemaiah, acknowledging the LORD's righteousness. As a result, God granted them a measure of deliverance, allowing Jerusalem to avoid complete destruction, though they became subjects to Shishak, serving as a reminder of their subjugation due to disobedience (2 Chronicles 12:6-8).

Archaeological Corroboration

Archaeological evidence supports the biblical account of Shishak's campaign. The Bubastite Portal at Karnak in Egypt contains a relief depicting Shishak's military exploits, listing numerous cities in Judah and Israel that he claimed to have conquered. This extrabiblical evidence corroborates the biblical narrative, providing a tangible link to the historical reality of Shishak's invasion.

Impact on Judah

The invasion had significant repercussions for Judah. The loss of the treasures of the temple and the royal palace symbolized a profound spiritual and material decline from the heights of Solomon's reign. Rehoboam's subsequent actions, such as replacing the gold shields with bronze ones (1 Kings 14:27), illustrate the diminished glory and resources of the kingdom.

The invasion by Shishak serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments and the importance of humility and repentance in the face of divine discipline.