1 Kings 14:26

KJV

And he took away the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house; he even took away all: and he took away all the shields of gold which Solomon had made.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he took away {H3947} the treasures {H214} of the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, and the treasures {H214} of the king's {H4428} house {H1004}; he even took away {H3947} all: and he took away {H3947} all the shields {H4043} of gold {H2091} which Solomon {H8010} had made {H6213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He took the treasures in the house of ADONAI and the treasures in the royal palace - he took everything, including all the gold shields Shlomo had made.

Berean Standard Bible

He seized the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the royal palace. He took everything, including all the gold shields that Solomon had made.

American Standard Version

and he took away the treasures of the house of Jehovah, and the treasures of the king’s house; he even took away all: and he took away all the shields of gold which Solomon had made.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 14:26 powerfully narrates the devastating plunder of Jerusalem by Pharaoh Shishak of Egypt during the reign of King Rehoboam of Judah. This verse meticulously details the comprehensive seizure of both the sacred treasures housed within the Temple of the LORD and the immense wealth stored in the royal palace, culminating in the confiscation of the iconic golden shields that King Solomon had commissioned. This act of despoilment serves as a stark physical manifestation of divine judgment, directly correlating with Judah's widespread apostasy and abandonment of God's covenant, marking a significant downturn in the kingdom's fortunes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the latter half of [1 Kings chapter 14](/1_kings/14 "1 Kings 14 - Rehoboam's Reign and Judah's Apostasy"), which meticulously chronicles the tumultuous reign of King Rehoboam over the newly divided southern kingdom of Judah. Immediately preceding this account, the narrative vividly portrays Judah's rapid descent into idolatry and moral depravity under Rehoboam's leadership, characterized by the construction of high places, sacred pillars, and Asherim, alongside the proliferation of male cult prostitutes ([1 Kings 14:22-24](/1_kings/14-22-24 "1 Kings 14:22-24 - Judah's Sins Under Rehoboam")). The invasion by Pharaoh Shishak, introduced in [1 Kings 14:25](/1_kings/14-25 "1 Kings 14:25 - Shishak's Invasion of Judah"), is presented not merely as a geopolitical conflict but as a direct, divinely ordained consequence and judgment for Judah's profound unfaithfulness. Thus, [1 Kings 14:26](/1_kings/14-26 "1 Kings 14:26 - Shishak Plunders Jerusalem") serves as the climactic, tangible outcome of the nation's spiritual rebellion, illustrating the immediate and severe loss of national security, sacred wealth, and royal prestige.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Pharaoh Shishak, unequivocally identified with Sheshonk I, was the formidable founder of the 22nd Dynasty of Egypt and a powerful military leader of his era. His extensive campaign against Judah and Israel, dated to approximately 925 BCE, is not solely confined to the biblical record ([2 Chronicles 12:2-9](/2_chronicles/12-2-9 "2 Chronicles 12:2-9 - Shishak's Campaign Against Judah and Israel")) but is also historically corroborated by an inscription on the walls of the Karnak Temple in Egypt, which lists numerous conquered cities, including several from Judah. In the broader ancient Near East, the systematic plundering of a defeated nation's temple and royal treasury was a pervasive and highly symbolic practice. It signified not only complete military subjugation but also the perceived weakness or defeat of the conquered nation's deity by the victorious power. The "shields of gold" specifically mentioned in the verse refer to the 200 large shields and 300 smaller bucklers crafted by King Solomon ([1 Kings 10:16-17](/1_kings/10-16-17 "1 Kings 10:16-17 - Solomon's Golden Shields and Throne")). These were not primarily functional military equipment but rather magnificent ceremonial items, symbolizing the kingdom's unparalleled wealth, prestige, and implied divine favor. Their loss was an immense blow to Judah's national pride, a visible sign of its drastically diminished status, and a stark reminder of its departure from its former glory.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly illustrates several overarching themes central to the book of Kings and the broader Old Testament narrative. Foremost is the **consequences of disobedience** to God's covenant; national apostasy directly invites divine judgment in the form of foreign invasion and significant material loss, echoing the severe warnings articulated in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses of the Covenant"). The plundering also highlights the **loss of divine protection**; where God's favor once secured the kingdom's prosperity and safety, unfaithfulness unequivocally removes that divine hedge, leaving the nation vulnerable. Furthermore, the swift and dramatic disappearance of Solomon's opulent golden shields and the Temple's riches powerfully underscores the **transience of earthly glory and material wealth** when such possessions are severed from a right and faithful relationship with God. This pivotal event marks a significant and tragic downturn for the Davidic kingdom, serving as a poignant and enduring reminder that true security, lasting value, and enduring prosperity are found not in physical possessions or human might, but solely in covenant fidelity to the Lord.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **took away (Hebrew, _lâqaḥ'_):** This primitive root verb (H3947), appearing four times in this single verse, signifies a forceful and complete seizure. While _lâqaḥ_ can denote a simple act of "taking" or "receiving," its emphatic repetition here within the context of an invading army underscores a violent, comprehensive appropriation—a systematic stripping away of possessions. It conveys the thoroughness and ruthlessness of Shishak's plunder, leaving no ambiguity that the treasures were not merely relocated but definitively and irrevocably lost to Judah.
* **treasures (Hebrew, _ʾôwtsâr'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to store" (H214), this term refers to stored valuables, accumulated wealth, or provisions. In this verse, _ʾôwtsâr_ encompasses both the sacred dedications and accumulated riches within the Temple of the LORD and the vast stores of wealth in the royal palace. These were not common goods but highly prized assets, often comprising precious metals, rare jewels, and unique artifacts, representing the pinnacle of the accumulated wealth and glory of the Solomonic era. Their removal signifies a deep and multifaceted loss—economic, symbolic, and spiritual.
* **shields (Hebrew, _mâgên'_):** This term (H4043) specifically denotes a shield, particularly the large, ceremonial type, as distinct from smaller bucklers. As detailed in [1 Kings 10:16-17](/1_kings/10-16-17 "1 Kings 10:16-17 - Solomon's Golden Shields"), Solomon had commissioned 200 large shields and 300 smaller bucklers, all crafted from pure gold. These were not primarily intended for combat but for magnificent display, likely adorning the "House of the Forest of Lebanon" or the Temple precincts. Their composition of pure gold rendered them immensely valuable, and their very presence symbolized the kingdom's immense wealth, prestige, and perceived military might. Their removal represents the stripping away of Judah's outward glory and the visible evidence of its former, divinely-blessed invincibility.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he took away the treasures of the house of the LORD":** This opening clause immediately highlights the sacrilegious and profound nature of the plunder. The "house of the LORD" refers to Solomon's magnificent Temple in Jerusalem, which served as the spiritual heart of the nation and the designated dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The treasures within it were often dedicated gifts, sacred vessels used in worship, or accumulated wealth intended for its upkeep and the support of priestly service. Their seizure was not merely a financial loss but a profound spiritual affront, demonstrating the vulnerability of even sacred spaces when divine protection is withdrawn due to national sin and covenant infidelity.
* **"and the treasures of the king's house; he even took away all":** This expands the scope of the plunder beyond the sacred to include the royal palace and its vast treasury, emphasizing the comprehensive and devastating nature of Shishak's attack. The king's house represented the political, administrative, and economic power of the Davidic monarchy. The subsequent emphatic phrase, "he even took away all," serves as a stark summary, underscoring the absolute thoroughness of Shishak's raid. It implies that virtually nothing of significant value was spared, leaving Judah severely impoverished, deeply humiliated, and stripped of its material foundations.
* **"and he took away all the shields of gold which Solomon had made":** This specific mention of the golden shields, previously described in detail as a hallmark of Solomon's reign ([1 Kings 10:16-17](/1_kings/10-16-17 "1 Kings 10:16-17 - Solomon's Golden Shields")), underscores the loss of a key, visible symbol of Judah's former glory and security. These shields, crafted from pure gold, were not just valuable assets but represented the zenith of Solomon's unparalleled wealth and the kingdom's prestige during its golden age. Their removal signifies the stripping away of Judah's outward splendor, its perceived invincibility, and the tangible evidence of its past, divinely-blessed prosperity, leaving Rehoboam's kingdom visibly and profoundly diminished.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device powerfully employed in [1 Kings 14:26](/1_kings/14-26 "1 Kings 14:26 - Shishak Plunders Jerusalem") is **Repetition**, specifically of the Hebrew verb "took away" (וַיִּקַּח, _vayyiqqaḥ_). This verb appears four times within the single verse, serving to underscore the thoroughness, finality, and devastating impact of Shishak's plunder. The relentless repetition creates a sense of systematic and comprehensive action, emphasizing that the treasures were methodically and completely stripped from both the sacred Temple and the royal palace. This rhetorical emphasis highlights the immense magnitude of the loss and the comprehensive nature of the divine judgment. Additionally, the "shields of gold" function as potent **Symbolism**. Originally, these magnificent items symbolized Solomon's unparalleled wealth, the kingdom's prestige, and its divinely-granted security and prosperity. Their removal, therefore, symbolizes the complete loss of that former glory, the kingdom's vulnerability, and the tangible consequences of Judah's unfaithfulness. The event also carries a degree of **Foreshadowing**, as this significant decline for the Davidic dynasty and the southern kingdom sets a precedent for future instances of foreign subjugation and the eventual, more complete destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple, all consistently linked to the nation's spiritual infidelity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The plundering described in [1 Kings 14:26](/1_kings/14-26 "1 Kings 14:26 - Shishak Plunders Jerusalem") stands as a stark theological declaration of God's unwavering covenant faithfulness, even when expressed through judgment. It powerfully demonstrates that divine blessings, including national prosperity, security, and the preservation of sacred spaces, are profoundly conditional upon obedience to the covenant. When Judah collectively turned to idolatry and abandoned its covenant relationship with the Lord, the protective hand of God was intentionally withdrawn, allowing foreign powers to exact a heavy and humiliating toll. This event serves as a tangible and direct fulfillment of the curses outlined in the Mosaic Law, particularly those warnings against the dire consequences of disobedience, such as invasion, subjugation, and the loss of treasured possessions. It profoundly underscores the enduring biblical principle that true security, lasting wealth, and national flourishing are not found in material accumulation, military might, or human ingenuity, but solely in a right, faithful, and obedient relationship with the sovereign God.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Leviticus 26:14-17](/leviticus/26-14-17 "Leviticus 26:14-17 - Consequences of Breaking God's Covenant")
* [Psalm 127:1](/psalm/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - Unless the LORD Builds the House")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, the sobering account of Jerusalem's plundering in [1 Kings 14:26](/1_kings/14-26 "1 Kings 14:26 - Shishak Plunders Jerusalem") serves as both a timeless warning and a profound call to unwavering spiritual vigilance. Just as Judah's devastating material losses were a direct and undeniable consequence of their spiritual apostasy and idolatry, so too can our lives experience a metaphorical 'plundering' when we prioritize earthly treasures or succumb to modern forms of idolatry—be it the relentless pursuit of wealth, comfort, power, reputation, or even self-reliance—over our singular devotion to God. This passage challenges us to deeply examine where our true security and ultimate value truly lie. It powerfully reminds us that external displays of prosperity, strength, or success are inherently fleeting and vulnerable if the foundational integrity of our faith and our relationship with God is compromised. The ultimate application is a call to radical faithfulness and wholehearted commitment, recognizing that our greatest and most enduring treasure is our relationship with Christ, a treasure that no earthly power or circumstance can ever take away, and that true spiritual wealth is built upon obedience, trust, and intimacy with God rather than on perishable possessions or fleeting accolades.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "treasures" or "shields of gold" in my life might I be relying on more than God for security or identity?**
* **In what subtle or overt ways might I be neglecting my spiritual health or compromising my devotion, potentially inviting a "plundering" of peace, joy, or purpose in my life?**
* **How does this passage challenge my current understanding of true security, lasting wealth, and the nature of divine blessing?**
* **What practical and intentional steps can I take this week to actively prioritize my relationship with God above all earthly possessions, pursuits, and perceived securities?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the "shields of gold" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "shields of gold" were not primarily for military use in battle but were magnificent ceremonial items, specifically 200 large shields and 300 smaller bucklers made of pure gold by King Solomon, as meticulously described in [1 Kings 10:16-17](/1_kings/10-16-17 "1 Kings 10:16-17 - Solomon's Golden Shields and Throne"). They were likely displayed prominently in the "House of the Forest of Lebanon" or within the Temple complex itself. Their significance was immense: they symbolized Solomon's unparalleled wealth, the kingdom's prosperity, its prestige among nations, and its perceived invincibility under divine favor. Their seizure by Shishak was therefore a profound and humiliating blow to Judah's national pride, a highly visible sign of its drastically diminished glory, and a tangible representation of the loss of God's protective hand due to the nation's profound sin and covenant infidelity.

**Why did Shishak specifically target the Temple and the king's house?**

Answer: In the ancient Near East, the temple and the royal palace were universally recognized as the primary repositories of a nation's greatest wealth. These locations housed not only vast quantities of precious metals and valuable artifacts but also cultic objects, royal regalia, and strategic provisions. Plundering these specific locations served multiple critical purposes for an invading force like Shishak's. Economically, it provided immense and immediate spoils of war, enriching the conquering empire. Symbolically, seizing the treasures of the temple demonstrated the perceived superiority of the invading deity (or the invader's god) over the local deity, thereby undermining the conquered nation's spiritual foundation. Similarly, the capture of the royal treasury signified the complete subjugation and profound humiliation of the defeated king and his entire kingdom. For the biblical narrative, this dual targeting was presented as a clear and direct act of divine judgment, allowing the enemy to strike at the very places that symbolized Judah's material wealth, national power, and spiritual center, confirming the consequences of their apostasy. The parallel account in [2 Chronicles 12:9](/2_chronicles/12-9 "2 Chronicles 12:9 - Shishak's Raid on Jerusalem") explicitly confirms this dual target.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Jerusalem's plundering in [1 Kings 14:26](/1_kings/14-26 "1 Kings 14:26 - Shishak Plunders Jerusalem") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in the preservation of perishable earthly treasures, but in the establishment of an eternal kingdom whose riches are imperishable and whose security is absolute. While Solomon's magnificent Temple and its golden shields typologically symbolized God's presence and blessing under the Old Covenant, their vulnerability to plunder profoundly highlights the temporary and typological nature of these earthly institutions. Christ, however, is the true and eternal Temple, whose physical body was destroyed and miraculously raised on the third day ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")), thereby making Him the ultimate and permanent dwelling place of God among humanity. He is the one who secures for His followers treasures that "neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal" ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")), inviting us to invest in eternal realities. The loss of Judah's golden shields, powerful symbols of human-made security and fleeting glory, powerfully points to Christ as our ultimate **shield** and **protector** ([Psalm 18:30](/psalm/18-30 "Psalm 18:30 - God is My Shield and Rock")), whose divine power and sovereignty are never diminished, and whose everlasting kingdom "will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people" ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Everlasting Kingdom")). In Christ, believers are granted an inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven" ([1 Peter 1:3-5](/1_peter/1-3-5 "1 Peter 1:3-5 - A Living Hope Through Christ")), demonstrating that true and lasting security, glory, and wealth are found not in earthly possessions or human accomplishments, but solely in the finished work, eternal reign, and unfailing faithfulness of our Savior.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 15:18

Then Asa took all the silver and the gold [that were] left in the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house, and delivered them into the hand of his servants: and king Asa sent them to Benhadad, the son of Tabrimon, the son of Hezion, king of Syria, that dwelt at Damascus, saying,

2 Chronicles 9:15

And king Solomon made two hundred targets [of] beaten gold: six hundred [shekels] of beaten gold went to one target.

2 Chronicles 9:16

And three hundred shields [made he of] beaten gold: three hundred [shekels] of gold went to one shield. And the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon.

Ecclesiastes 2:18

Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me.

Ecclesiastes 2:19

And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise [man] or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This [is] also vanity.

1 Kings 10:16

And king Solomon made two hundred targets [of] beaten gold: six hundred [shekels] of gold went to one target.

1 Kings 10:17

And [he made] three hundred shields [of] beaten gold; three pound of gold went to one shield: and the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon.