Topical Bible: Shishak: Gives Asylum to Jeroboam

◄ Shishak: Gives Asylum to Jeroboam ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Shishak, also known as Sheshonk I, was the first king of the 22nd Dynasty of Egypt, reigning from approximately 945 to 924 BC. He is a significant figure in biblical history, particularly in relation to the divided monarchy of Israel and Judah. Shishak's interactions with the Israelites are primarily recorded in the context of his relationship with Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel.

Jeroboam's Asylum in Egypt

Jeroboam, an Ephraimite and a servant of King Solomon, rose to prominence due to his industrious nature and leadership skills. Solomon appointed him as the overseer of the labor force of the house of Joseph (1 Kings 11:28). However, after the prophet Ahijah foretold that Jeroboam would rule over ten tribes of Israel (1 Kings 11:29-31), Solomon sought to kill him. In response, Jeroboam fled to Egypt for refuge.

The Bible records that Jeroboam found asylum under the protection of King Shishak. "So Jeroboam fled to Egypt, to Shishak king of Egypt, and he remained there until Solomon’s death" (1 Kings 11:40). This period of asylum was crucial for Jeroboam, as it allowed him to escape Solomon's wrath and prepare for his future role as king.

Shishak's Political Motives

Shishak's decision to harbor Jeroboam likely had political motivations. By providing asylum to Jeroboam, Shishak could have been seeking to weaken Solomon's kingdom and increase Egyptian influence in the region. The political landscape of the time was marked by shifting alliances and power struggles, and Shishak's support of Jeroboam could be seen as a strategic move to destabilize Israel and assert Egyptian dominance.

Shishak's Later Campaign Against Judah

After Solomon's death, Jeroboam returned to Israel and became king over the northern tribes, fulfilling Ahijah's prophecy. Meanwhile, Rehoboam, Solomon's son, reigned over the southern kingdom of Judah. The division of the kingdom presented an opportunity for Shishak to assert his power further.

In the fifth year of Rehoboam's reign, Shishak launched a military campaign against Judah. The biblical account in 1 Kings 14:25-26 states, "In the fifth year of King Rehoboam, Shishak king of Egypt came up and attacked Jerusalem. He seized the treasures of the house of the LORD and the royal palace. He took everything, including all the gold shields that Solomon had made." This invasion was a significant event, as it demonstrated the vulnerability of the divided kingdom and the consequences of turning away from God's commandments.

Archaeological Corroboration

The historical existence of Shishak and his campaign against Judah is corroborated by archaeological evidence. The Bubastite Portal at Karnak in Egypt contains a relief depicting Shishak's military conquests, listing numerous cities in Israel and Judah. This aligns with the biblical narrative and provides external validation of the events described in the Scriptures.

Conclusion

Shishak's role in providing asylum to Jeroboam and his subsequent campaign against Judah highlight the complex interplay of political and divine factors in the history of Israel and Judah. His actions had lasting implications for the divided kingdom, illustrating the broader theme of God's sovereignty and the consequences of disobedience.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 11:40
Solomon sought therefore to kill Jeroboam. And Jeroboam arose, and fled into Egypt, to Shishak king of Egypt, and was in Egypt until the death of Solomon.
Nave's Topical Index