The First Temple, also known as Solomon's Temple, was a central place of worship for the Israelites, constructed under the reign of King Solomon. This magnificent edifice, located in Jerusalem, served as the dwelling place of the Ark of the Covenant and was the focal point of Jewish religious life. However, its sanctity and treasures were not immune to the political and military upheavals of the ancient Near East.

Historical Context

The First Temple was completed in the mid-10th century BC, during a period of relative peace and prosperity in Israel. Solomon's reign was marked by extensive building projects, wealth, and wisdom, as described in 1 Kings 6-7. However, following Solomon's death, the kingdom was divided into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. This division weakened the once-unified nation, making it vulnerable to external threats.

Shishak's Campaign

Shishak, also known as Sheshonq I, was the first Pharaoh of the Twenty-second Dynasty of Egypt. His reign is dated to the late 10th century BC. Shishak is noted for his military campaigns in the Levant, which are recorded both in the Bible and in Egyptian inscriptions. The biblical account of Shishak's invasion is found in 1 Kings 14:25-26 and 2 Chronicles 12:2-9.

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."

Theological Implications

The pillaging of the First Temple by Shishak is seen as a divine judgment upon the kingdom of Judah. Rehoboam, Solomon's son, had led the people into idolatry and forsaken the covenant with the LORD. As a result, God allowed Shishak to invade and plunder the Temple as a form of chastisement. This event serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments and the importance of faithfulness to the covenant.

2 Chronicles 12:2-5 further elaborates on this theme: "Because they had been unfaithful to the LORD, Shishak king of Egypt came up and attacked Jerusalem in the fifth year of Rehoboam’s reign, with 1,200 chariots, 60,000 horsemen, and countless troops who came with him out of Egypt—Libyans, Sukkites, and Cushites. He captured the fortified cities of Judah and came as far as Jerusalem. Then Shemaiah the prophet came to Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah who had gathered at Jerusalem because of Shishak, and he said to them, 'This is what the LORD says: You have abandoned Me; therefore, I now abandon you to Shishak.'"

Archaeological and Historical Evidence

The historical veracity of Shishak's campaign is supported by archaeological findings and Egyptian records. The Bubastite Portal at Karnak in Egypt contains a relief depicting Shishak's conquests in the region, listing numerous cities he claimed to have subdued. While Jerusalem is not explicitly mentioned, the biblical narrative aligns with the broader historical context of Egyptian incursions into Canaan during this period.

Legacy

The plundering of the First Temple by Shishak marked a significant moment in the history of Israel and Judah. It underscored the vulnerability of the divided kingdom and foreshadowed future invasions and exiles. The event is a poignant illustration of the biblical principle that national security and prosperity are contingent upon spiritual fidelity to God.2 Kings 21:4-7
And he built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD said, In Jerusalem will I put my name.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 33:4,5,7
Also he built altars in the house of the LORD, whereof the LORD had said, In Jerusalem shall my name be for ever.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Antiquities of the Jews
... How Aristobulus, When He Had Taken The Government First Of All Put A Diadem On ... CHAPTER
7. How Crassus Came Into Judea, And Pillaged The Temple; And Then ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... and Tarshish"The palace at Jerusalem, the temple and its ... The first of these episodes
deals merely with a part ... those who wished to escape being pillaged had to ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

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