Shishak
Summary
Egyptian pharaoh who gave refuge to Jeroboam and later invaded Judah during Rehoboam's reign, plundering the Temple treasures—the first Egyptian king mentioned by name in Scripture.
☩Patron of Jeroboam
Shishak (Egyptian: Sheshonk I) founded Egypt's Twenty-second Dynasty around 945 BC. When Jeroboam fled from Solomon's displeasure, he found asylum at Shishak's court, remaining there until Solomon's death. Shishak's willingness to shelter a fugitive from Israel's powerful king suggests Egypt viewed Solomon's growing empire with concern. This connection would later prove strategically valuable when Shishak sought to reassert Egyptian influence in Canaan.
☩Invasion of Judah
Five years after Rehoboam became king—and the kingdom had divided—Shishak invaded Judah with an immense army including 1,200 chariots, 60,000 cavalry, and innumerable Libyan, Sukkite, and Ethiopian soldiers. He captured Judah's fortified cities and advanced on Jerusalem. Rehoboam and his officials humbled themselves before God, and the prophet Shemaiah declared that because of their repentance, God would grant them deliverance, though as servants to Shishak. The Egyptians withdrew after Rehoboam submitted and surrendered the Temple's treasures.
☩Historical Confirmation
Shishak's campaign is remarkably confirmed by inscriptions at the temple of Karnak, where a relief depicts him smiting Asiatic captives before the god Amun. A list of conquered towns includes places in both Judah and Israel, suggesting Shishak attacked his former protégé Jeroboam's territory as well. This is the first contact between Israel and Egypt recorded in both biblical and Egyptian sources, providing an important synchronism for ancient chronology.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Shishak," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Shishak," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Shishak," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).