1 Kings 14:25

In the fifth year of Rehoboam's reign, Shishak king of Egypt came up and attacked Jerusalem.

Study Bible

In the fifth year of Rehoboam’s reign
Rehoboam was the son of Solomon and the first king of the southern kingdom of Judah after the united monarchy of Israel split. His reign began around 930 BC. The division of the kingdom occurred due to Rehoboam's harsh policies, which led to the northern tribes rebelling and forming their own kingdom under Jeroboam. The fifth year of Rehoboam's reign would be approximately 925 BC. This period was marked by political instability and spiritual decline, as Rehoboam and the people of Judah turned away from the Lord, leading to divine judgment.

Shishak king of Egypt
Shishak, also known as Sheshonq I, was the founder of the 22nd Dynasty of Egypt. He reigned from around 945 to 924 BC. Shishak is historically significant as he is one of the few Egyptian pharaohs mentioned in the Bible. His campaign against Jerusalem is corroborated by Egyptian records, including a relief at the Karnak Temple in Thebes, which lists the cities he conquered. Shishak's invasion is seen as a fulfillment of divine judgment against Judah for their unfaithfulness.

attacked Jerusalem
The attack on Jerusalem by Shishak was a significant event, as it marked the first major foreign invasion of the city since the time of David and Solomon. This attack resulted in the plundering of the temple and the royal palace, including the loss of the gold shields Solomon had made. This event is a turning point, illustrating the consequences of turning away from God. It also serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of God's people when they forsake His commandments. The invasion is a precursor to later invasions by other foreign powers, such as the Babylonians, and highlights the theme of divine retribution throughout the biblical narrative.

Persons / Places / Events

1. King Rehoboam
The son of Solomon and king of Judah, whose reign was marked by division and conflict. His failure to heed wise counsel led to the split of the united kingdom of Israel.

2. Shishak, King of Egypt
The Pharaoh who invaded Judah during Rehoboam's reign. His attack is seen as a divine judgment against Judah for their unfaithfulness.

3. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, which held the temple built by Solomon. It was the spiritual and political center of the kingdom.

4. The Fifth Year of Rehoboam's Reign
This marks a significant point in Rehoboam's rule, highlighting the consequences of his and the nation's actions.

5. Attack on Jerusalem
This event signifies a turning point and a divine warning to the people of Judah about their spiritual state.

Teaching Points

Consequences of Disobedience
Rehoboam's failure to follow God's commandments led to national calamity. Disobedience to God often results in negative consequences, both personally and collectively.

Divine Judgment and Mercy
Shishak's invasion serves as a reminder of God's judgment but also His mercy, as He allows challenges to bring His people back to Him.

Leadership and Responsibility
Leaders have a significant impact on the spiritual and moral direction of their people. Rehoboam's poor leadership choices had dire consequences for Judah.

The Importance of Spiritual Vigilance
The attack on Jerusalem underscores the need for constant spiritual vigilance and faithfulness to God to avoid falling into sin and its repercussions.

Historical Context and Spiritual Lessons
Understanding the historical context of biblical events can provide deeper spiritual insights and lessons applicable to our lives today.

Bible Study Questions

1. What were the spiritual and political conditions in Judah that led to Shishak's invasion, and how can we apply these lessons to our personal lives today?

2. How does the account of Shishak's attack on Jerusalem illustrate the principle of sowing and reaping found throughout Scripture?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our leadership, whether in family, church, or community, aligns with God's principles to avoid the pitfalls seen in Rehoboam's reign?

4. How can we remain spiritually vigilant in our daily lives to prevent the kind of spiritual decline that led to Judah's vulnerability?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "wake-up call" from God. How did it change your relationship with Him, and what steps did you take to realign with His will?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Chronicles 12:2-9
This passage provides a parallel account of Shishak's invasion, offering more details about the circumstances and the spiritual reasons behind the attack.

Exodus 20:3-5
The commandments against idolatry and the consequences of turning away from God, which Judah violated, leading to their vulnerability to foreign powers.

Proverbs 1:29-31
These verses speak to the consequences of rejecting wisdom and the fear of the Lord, which can be seen in Rehoboam's leadership and the resulting invasion.