2 Chronicles 12:9

“So Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, and took away the treasures of the house of the Lord, and the treasures of the king’s house; he took all: he carried away also the shields of gold which Solomon had made.”

Historical Context:2 Chronicles 12:9 describes a significant event in the history of the kingdom of Judah. It occurred during the reign of King Rehoboam, the son of Solomon. This event took place around 925 BC, approximately five years after the division of the kingdom into Israel (northern kingdom) and Judah (southern kingdom). The Egyptian king Shishak invaded Judah and seized many valuable treasures, including those from the temple and the royal palace.

• Shishak’s Invasion:

Shishak, or Shoshenq I, was the Pharaoh of Egypt during that time. His invasion of Judah was a consequence of King Rehoboam’s unfaithfulness to God. Rehoboam and the people of Judah had abandoned the laws and commandments of God, and as a result, they faced the consequences of their actions. Shishak’s invasion served as a means of divine punishment for their disobedience.

The Treasures of the House of the Lord:The passage mentions that Shishak took away the treasures of the house of the Lord. These treasures consisted of the dedicated gifts, gold, silver, and precious items that had been accumulated in the temple of Jerusalem. These treasures symbolized the wealth and prosperity of the nation. The fact that they were taken away signified the loss of divine favor and protection due to the people’s disobedience.

The Treasures of the King’s House:In addition to the treasures of the temple, Shishak also plundered the treasures of the king’s house. These were the royal treasures accumulated by King Solomon, Rehoboam’s father. The loss of these treasures was a blow to the prestige and power of the king. It highlighted the consequences of turning away from God’s guidance and relying on earthly wealth and power.

The Shields of Gold:The verse specifically mentions that Shishak carried away the shields of gold that Solomon had made. These golden shields were part of the royal armory and symbolized the strength and protection provided by God. They were a visual representation of the nation’s trust in God’s defense. Their removal further emphasized the loss of divine protection due to the people’s disobedience.

Lessons to Learn:

• Obedience to God’s commandments is crucial for His favour and protection. When we turn away from God and His ways, we open ourselves up to consequences.
• Material wealth and earthly power are temporary and can be easily lost. It is important to place our trust in God rather than relying on worldly possessions.
• The loss of spiritual treasures is far more significant than the loss of material possessions. We should prioritise our relationship with God and the treasures of His kingdom over earthly treasures.