1 Kings 14:25

And it came to pass in the fifth year of king Rehoboam, that Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem:

1 Kings 14:25 (KJV)

Context

This verse records a turning point in the history of the divided kingdom. Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, ruled only Judah and Benjamin after ten tribes broke away. In the fifth year of his reign, Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem. The timing is significant: the people had turned from God, and judgment followed quickly.

Shishak was the first Pharaoh of the Twenty-Second Dynasty of Egypt. His campaign is confirmed by historical records, including the “Shishak Relief” at the Temple of Amun in Karnak. That carving shows the Pharaoh holding a rope tied to captive leaders of various Judahite cities, symbolizing his victory. The invasion took place around 925 BCE.

Meaning

The verse says simply that Shishak came up against Jerusalem. This was not a random attack. The parallel account in 2 Chronicles 12:2 states that Shishak attacked because the people “had transgressed against the Lord” (KJV). Rehoboam and Judah had fallen into idolatry, following the sinful ways of Solomon’s later years. God allowed this enemy to rise against them as discipline.

The invasion stripped away the glory of Solomon’s era. The treasures of the temple and the royal palace were taken. This loss was a visible sign of God’s judgment upon the nation for their unfaithfulness. It showed that prosperity and security could be lost when the people abandoned their covenant with God.

Biblical connections

Shishak was already known in the biblical account. Jeroboam, who later became king of the northern tribes, had fled to Egypt during Solomon’s reign and found refuge with Shishak (1 Kings 11:40). Now that same Egyptian king turned against the southern kingdom. This connection shows how God can use foreign powers to accomplish His purposes, even those once friendly to Israel’s enemies.

Application

This event reminds readers that turning away from God brings serious consequences. National and personal prosperity can be lost through unfaithfulness. Yet the purpose of divine discipline is not to destroy but to call people back to repentance. God’s judgment is timely and purposeful, meant to restore His people to obedience.

Reflection

For the Christian, this passage underscores the seriousness of sin and the certainty of divine discipline. It also points to God’s mercy. Even after judgment, the broader biblical narrative shows that God’s plan of redemption continued. Ultimately, Christ bore the judgment for sin and offers restoration to all who repent and believe. This verse calls readers to examine their own faithfulness and to rely on God’s grace.