1 Kings 14:25
And it came to passe in the fift yeere of king Rehoboam, that Shishak king of Egypt came vp against Ierusalem: 1 Kings 14:25 (KJV)
that
Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem: 1 Kings 14:25 (KJV)
1 Kings 14:25 is a brief verse that describes an event that took place during the reign of King Rehoboam, the son of Solomon. It mentions the invasion of Jerusalem by King Shishak of Egypt in the fifth year of Rehoboam’s reign.
During Solomon’s reign Israel experienced great prosperity and prominence. However, because of Solomon’s idolatry and unfaithfulness to God in his later years, God decided to divide the kingdom. As a result, ten tribes broke away from Solomon’s son and formed the northern kingdom of Israel, while Rehoboam retained only the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, known as the kingdom of Judah.
Kings 14:21‑24 explains that Rehoboam was not a righteous king but followed in the sinful ways of his father. Because of their disobedience and idolatry, God allowed their enemies to rise against them. In this case King Shishak of Egypt invaded Judah and captured many of the fortified cities.
The invasion of Shishak marked a significant event in the history of Judah. Shishak was the first Pharaoh of the Twenty‑Second Dynasty of Egypt, and his campaign is confirmed by other historical records. The invasion took place around 925 BCE and is illustrated by the “Shishak Relief” at the Temple of Amun in Karnak, which shows the Pharaoh holding a rope tied to the captive leaders of various Judahite cities, symbolizing his victory and domination.
The subsequent looting of the treasures from the temple and the royal palace was seen as a judgment from God upon the people of Judah for their unfaithfulness. The event serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and embracing idolatry.
In summary, 1 Kings 14:25 records the historical event of King Shishak of Egypt invading Jerusalem during the reign of King Rehoboam. It signifies God’s judgment upon the kingdom of Judah for their disobedience and idolatry, and it underscores the lasting lesson that straying from God’s commands brings serious repercussions.
