Shishak (known as Shoshenq I in Egyptian sources) was Pharaoh of Egypt from 943 to 922 BC. He was a contemporary of Solomon, Jeroboam, and Rehoboam, kings of Israel and Judah.
In the latter years of the reign of King Solomon, Jeroboam the son of Nebat rised up against him, so Solomon sought to kill him. To escape, Jeroboam fled to Egypt, where he received protection from Shishak until Solomon died.[1]
After the death of Solomon, when Rehoboam reigned over Judah and Jeroboam reigned over Israel, Shishak launched a military campaign against Judah. God allowed this to happen because Rehoboam and the people had acted unfaithfully.[2] Shishak led a mighty army including 1,200 chariots and 60,000 horsemen. He had a multitude of soldiers, including not only Egyptians but also Libyans, Ethiopians, and Sukkiim.[3] Shishak's army took many of Judah's fortified cities and advanced all the way to Jerusalem.[4] But before Shishak could conquer Jerusalem, Rehoboam repented from his sin after hearing the message of Shemaiah the prophet.[5] Because of this repentance, God did not allow Shishak to take Jerusalem - Rehoboam gave him a tribute of treasure from the Temple and his own palace, and Shishak left Judah.[6]