2 Chronicles 12:9

So King Shishak of Egypt attacked Jerusalem and seized the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the royal palace. He took everything, including the gold shields that Solomon had made.

Study Bible

So King Shishak of Egypt attacked Jerusalem
King Shishak, also known as Sheshonk I, was the first ruler of the 22nd Dynasty of Egypt. His attack on Jerusalem occurred around 926 BC, during the reign of Rehoboam, Solomon's son. This event is significant as it marks the first time Jerusalem was invaded since the establishment of the united monarchy under David and Solomon. The attack is a fulfillment of the prophecy given by the prophet Shemaiah, who warned Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah that their abandonment of God's law would lead to their subjugation (2 Chronicles 12:5). Shishak's campaign is also recorded in Egyptian records, notably on the Bubastite Portal at Karnak, which lists the cities he conquered.

and seized the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the royal palace.
The treasures of the house of the LORD refer to the wealth accumulated in the Temple built by Solomon, which was renowned for its opulence and splendor. The royal palace, similarly, was a symbol of the Davidic dynasty's prosperity and God's blessing. The loss of these treasures signifies a divine judgment on Judah for their unfaithfulness. This event serves as a reminder of the conditional nature of God's covenant with Israel, where blessings were contingent upon obedience (Deuteronomy 28:1-14).

He took everything,
The phrase "He took everything" underscores the totality of the plunder. It indicates not only a physical loss but also a spiritual and moral defeat for Judah. The comprehensive nature of the plundering reflects the severity of God's judgment and the vulnerability of a nation that has turned away from Him. This act of taking everything can be seen as a reversal of the prosperity and peace that characterized Solomon's reign, highlighting the consequences of forsaking God's commandments.

including the gold shields that Solomon had made.
The gold shields were part of the extensive wealth and military splendor of Solomon's reign (1 Kings 10:16-17). They symbolized strength, protection, and divine favor. Their loss is particularly poignant, as it represents the stripping away of the glory and security that once defined the kingdom. The shields' removal can be seen as a type of Christ, who is our shield and protector (Psalm 3:3). The absence of these shields foreshadows the need for a greater, more enduring protection found in Jesus Christ, who offers spiritual security and eternal salvation.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Shishak, King of Egypt
Shishak was the Pharaoh of Egypt who invaded Judah during the reign of Rehoboam. His attack was a significant event that demonstrated the vulnerability of Judah when it strayed from God's commandments.

2. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, Jerusalem was the spiritual and political center of the kingdom. The attack on Jerusalem symbolized a direct challenge to the heart of God's chosen people.

3. Rehoboam
The son of Solomon and king of Judah, Rehoboam's reign was marked by a division of the kingdom and spiritual decline, which led to the invasion by Shishak.

4. The House of the LORD
This refers to the temple in Jerusalem, which was the center of worship for the Israelites. The plundering of its treasures was a significant loss and a sign of God's displeasure.

5. The Gold Shields
These were ornate shields made by Solomon, symbolizing the wealth and splendor of his reign. Their loss represented the decline from Solomon's prosperous era to Rehoboam's troubled reign.

Teaching Points

Consequences of Disobedience
Rehoboam's failure to follow God's commandments led to the loss of protection and blessings. This serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God.

The Fleeting Nature of Earthly Wealth
The loss of the gold shields and treasures illustrates that material wealth is temporary and can be easily taken away. Our focus should be on eternal treasures.

God's Sovereignty in Discipline
The invasion by Shishak was allowed by God as a form of discipline for Judah's unfaithfulness. It reminds us that God uses circumstances to draw us back to Him.

The Importance of Spiritual Leadership
Rehoboam's failure as a leader had dire consequences for the nation. This underscores the need for leaders to seek God's wisdom and guidance.

Bible Study Questions

1. What lessons can we learn from Rehoboam's leadership that apply to our roles in leadership today?

2. How does the loss of the gold shields reflect the spiritual state of Judah at the time, and what does it teach us about the relationship between spiritual and material prosperity?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our focus remains on eternal treasures rather than temporary, earthly wealth?

4. How does God's use of Shishak's invasion as discipline for Judah demonstrate His sovereignty and love for His people?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced consequences due to disobedience. How did that situation help you grow in your faith and understanding of God's will?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 14:25-26
This passage parallels the account in 2 Chronicles 12:9, providing additional context about Shishak's invasion and the consequences of Rehoboam's unfaithfulness.

Exodus 20:3-5
The first and second commandments highlight the importance of faithfulness to God, which Rehoboam neglected, leading to the invasion by Shishak.

Proverbs 16:18
This verse speaks to the theme of pride leading to downfall, which is evident in Rehoboam's reign and the subsequent invasion.