Bible Dictionary
Shishak I
Shishak I, identified with Sheshonk I of Egypt, invaded Judah during Rehoboam’s reign. He took Jerusalem’s treasures and the gold shields made by Solomon.
Definition
Shishak I is identified with Sheshonk I, king of Egypt. During Rehoboam’s reign he invaded Judah with a powerful army, captured its fortified cities, and came to Jerusalem. He plundered the treasures of the temple and royal palace and carried away Solomon’s gold shields.
Biblical Usage
Shishak’s invasion occurred in the fifth year of Rehoboam’s reign. His expedition was undertaken at Jeroboam’s instigation to humble Judah. The account records the continuing hostility between Judah and the northern kingdom and the intervention of Egypt against Judah.
Historical Background
Sheshonk’s reign was marked by national success. A record of his wars and conquests was displayed at Karnak, ancient Thebes, including an account of his campaign against Judah.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
=Sheshonk I., king of Egypt. His reign was one of great national success, and a record of his wars and conquests adorns the portico of what are called the “Bubastite kings” at Karnak, the ancient Thebes. Among these conquests is a record of that of Judea. In the fifth year of Rehoboam’s reign Shishak came up against the kingdom of Judah with a powerful army. He took the fenced cities and came to Jerusalem. He pillaged the treasures of the temple and of the royal palace, and carried away the shields of gold which Solomon had made (1 Kings 11:40; 14:25; 2 Chr. 12:2). (See REHOBOAM.) This expedition of the Egyptian king was undertaken at the instigation of Jeroboam for the purpose of humbling Judah. Hostilities between the two kingdoms still continued; but during Rehoboam’s reign there was not again the intervention of a third party.