Biblical Context:
Shishak, also known as Sheshonk I, was the first Pharaoh of the Twenty-second Dynasty of Egypt. His reign is noted in the Bible for his military campaign against the Kingdom of Judah during the reign of King Rehoboam, Solomon's son. This event is recorded in 1 Kings 14:25-26 and 2 Chronicles 12:1-12.

Historical Background:
Shishak's campaign is dated to approximately 925 BC. He is recognized as a powerful ruler who sought to reassert Egyptian influence over the territories of the Levant, which had waned during the latter part of the New Kingdom period. His incursion into Judah is one of the earliest events in the Bible that can be corroborated with Egyptian records, notably the Bubastite Portal at Karnak, which lists the cities he conquered.

Biblical Account:
The Bible records that Shishak's invasion occurred in the fifth year of King Rehoboam's reign. According to 1 Kings 14:25-26 , "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."

2 Chronicles 12:1-12 provides additional details, explaining that Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah had abandoned the law of the LORD, leading to their vulnerability. The text states, "Because they had been unfaithful to the LORD, Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem with 1,200 chariots, 60,000 horsemen, and countless troops who came with him out of Egypt—Libyans, Sukkites, and Cushites." (2 Chronicles 12:2-3).

Theological Significance:
The plundering of Jerusalem by Shishak is seen as a divine judgment against Rehoboam and the people of Judah for their unfaithfulness. The loss of the treasures, particularly the gold shields made by Solomon, symbolizes the decline from the glory and prosperity of Solomon's reign. The event serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments and the importance of covenant faithfulness.

Archaeological Correlation:
The campaign of Shishak is one of the few events from the United Monarchy period that is supported by external archaeological evidence. The Bubastite Portal at Karnak lists over 150 cities and settlements that Shishak claims to have conquered, including many in the region of Judah and Israel. This corroborates the biblical narrative of his extensive campaign.

Legacy:
Shishak's plunder of Jerusalem marked a significant moment in the history of the divided kingdom. It demonstrated the vulnerability of Judah without divine protection and foreshadowed future invasions and exiles. The event is a pivotal point in the biblical narrative, illustrating the shift from the united monarchy under David and Solomon to the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah, each facing their own challenges and judgments.