Topical Encyclopedia
The Temple of Solomon, a magnificent edifice constructed under the reign of King Solomon, served as the central place of worship for the Israelites and the dwelling place of the Ark of the Covenant. This sacred structure, located in Jerusalem, was renowned for its grandeur and the wealth of materials used in its construction, including gold, silver, and precious stones. The Temple symbolized the spiritual and political heart of the nation of Israel.
The pillaging of Solomon's Temple by Shishak, the Pharaoh of Egypt, is a significant event recorded in the biblical narrative. This event occurred during the reign of Rehoboam, Solomon's son, and is detailed in the historical books of the Old Testament. The account is found in
1 Kings 14:25-26 and
2 Chronicles 12:1-9.
According to the Berean Standard Bible,
1 Kings 14:25-26 states: "In the fifth year of Rehoboam’s reign, Shishak king of Egypt came up and attacked Jerusalem. He seized the treasures of the house of the LORD and the treasures of the royal palace. He took everything, including all the gold shields that Solomon had made."
This invasion by Shishak is understood as a divine judgment upon Rehoboam and the people of Judah for their unfaithfulness to the covenant with God. The biblical text in
2 Chronicles 12:1-2 explains that after Rehoboam had established his kingdom and become strong, he and all Israel with him abandoned the law of the LORD. Consequently, Shishak's campaign against Jerusalem was permitted by God as a chastisement for their apostasy.
The narrative in
2 Chronicles 12:5-7 further elaborates on the spiritual dynamics at play. The prophet Shemaiah conveyed God's message to Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah, declaring that because they had forsaken the LORD, He had also forsaken them to Shishak. Upon hearing this, the leaders and the king humbled themselves, acknowledging the righteousness of the LORD. In response to their humility, God relented from allowing complete destruction, but He allowed them to become subjects to Shishak so that they might learn the difference between serving God and serving the kings of other lands.
The pillaging of the Temple by Shishak had profound implications for the kingdom of Judah. It marked a significant loss of wealth and prestige, as the treasures of the Temple and the royal palace were carried off to Egypt. This event served as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments and the importance of faithfulness to the covenant relationship with Him.
The historical context of Shishak's invasion is corroborated by Egyptian records, which mention a campaign into Canaan during the reign of Pharaoh Shoshenq I, identified with Shishak. This external evidence supports the biblical account and provides a broader understanding of the geopolitical dynamics of the region during this period.
In summary, the pillaging of Solomon's Temple by Shishak is a pivotal moment in the history of Israel and Judah, illustrating the themes of divine judgment, repentance, and the enduring call to covenant faithfulness. The event underscores the vulnerability of even the most splendid earthly structures when the people of God stray from His ways.
Nave's Topical Index
1 Kings 14:25,26And it came to pass in the fifth year of king Rehoboam, that Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem:
Nave's Topical Index
Library
The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Tarshish"The palace at Jerusalem, the temple and its ... and the Hebrew kingdom"Saul,
David, Solomon, the defection ... who wished to escape being pillaged had to ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm
Resources
What was Herod's temple? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was Zerubbabel's temple/the second temple? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was Solomon's temple / the first temple? How many temples were there? | GotQuestions.orgTemple: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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