1 Kings 14:25 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 14:25 mean?

1 Kings 14:25 reports that in the fifth year of King Rehoboam’s reign, Shishak, the king of Egypt, attacked Jerusalem. This verse marks a significant moment when Jerusalem faced a foreign threat early in Rehoboam’s rule.

This statement is part of a historical account in the book of 1 Kings, which describes the reigns of Israel’s and Judah’s kings. Here, the focus is on Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, who ruled over Judah after the kingdom split. The verse sets up the context for the coming events, where Jerusalem’s security is challenged by an Egyptian invasion led by Shishak.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 14:25

• שִׁישַׁק (Shishak): This is the Hebrew name for the Egyptian king who attacked Jerusalem. Historically, Shishak is often identified with Pharaoh Shoshenq I. The use of his name signals a real, external political threat.
• עָלָה (ʿalah, “up”): The Hebrew word translated as “came up” often means to ascend or go up, which is a common way of describing travel to Jerusalem, since the city sits on higher ground. It also carries a sense of aggression or invasion in this context.

Why 1 Kings 14:25 matters

• This verse highlights a turning point where Judah, under Rehoboam, faces consequences from outside powers, showing the vulnerability of the kingdom after Solomon’s reign.
• The mention of Shishak connects the biblical narrative to known Egyptian history, anchoring the story in a broader historical context.
• By noting the specific year of Rehoboam’s reign, the verse emphasizes the rapid decline in stability and security after the division of the united monarchy.