2 Chronicles 12:9

KJV

So Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, and took away the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house; he took all: he carried away also the shields of gold which Solomon had made.

KJV (with Strong's)

So Shishak {H7895} king {H4428} of Egypt {H4714} came up {H5927} against Jerusalem {H3389}, and 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 took {H3947} all: he carried away {H3947} also the shields {H4043} of gold {H2091} which Solomon {H8010} had made {H6213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Shishak king of Egypt attacked Yerushalayim. He took the treasures in the house of ADONAI and the treasures in the royal palace - he took everything, including the gold shields Shlomo had made.

Berean Standard Bible

So King Shishak of Egypt attacked Jerusalem and seized the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the royal palace. He took everything, including the gold shields that Solomon had made.

American Standard Version

So Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, and took away the treasures of the house of Jehovah, and the treasures of the king’s house: he took all away: he took away also the shields of gold which Solomon had made.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 12:9 recounts the devastating invasion of Pharaoh Shishak of Egypt against Jerusalem in the fifth year of King Rehoboam’s reign, detailing the comprehensive plunder of both the sacred treasures from the Temple of the LORD and the immense wealth from the king's palace. This act of divine judgment stripped Judah of its material and symbolic glory, most notably by carrying away the ceremonial golden shields crafted by King Solomon, marking a profound decline from the kingdom's former splendor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the narrative of King Rehoboam's reign over Judah, following the division of the united monarchy after Solomon's death. The preceding verses in [2 Chronicles 12](/2_chronicles/12 "2 Chronicles 12 - Rehoboam's Reign and Shishak's Invasion") establish the spiritual backdrop for Shishak's invasion: Rehoboam and all Israel "forsook the law of the LORD" ([2 Chronicles 12:1](/2_chronicles/12-1 "2 Chronicles 12:1 - Rehoboam Forsakes the Lord")). The prophet Shemaiah then explicitly declares God's judgment, stating that because they had forsaken God, He would deliver them into Shishak's hand ([2 Chronicles 12:5](/2_chronicles/12-5 "2 Chronicles 12:5 - Shemaiah's Prophecy of Judgment")). Verse 9, therefore, serves as the direct fulfillment of this prophecy, depicting the tangible consequences of Judah's apostasy. The subsequent verses ([2 Chronicles 12:10-12](/2_chronicles/12-10 "2 Chronicles 12:10-12 - Bronze Shields and God's Mercy")) describe the replacement of the golden shields with bronze ones and God's subsequent partial mercy due to the people's humbling, highlighting the immediate aftermath and the lingering impact of this significant event.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The invasion described in 2 Chronicles 12:9 is a historically verifiable event, occurring in approximately 925 BCE. Pharaoh Shishak is identified with Sheshonk I, the founder of Egypt's 22nd Dynasty, whose campaign into Canaan is attested in Egyptian records, including a relief at the Temple of Karnak that lists cities he conquered in Judah and Israel. This invasion took place in the fifth year of Rehoboam's reign, a period of political instability following the split of the kingdom. The "treasures of the house of the LORD" refer to the vast accumulation of gold, silver, and sacred vessels that Solomon had dedicated to the Temple during its construction and dedication ([1 Kings 7:51](/1_kings/7-51 "1 Kings 7:51 - Solomon Dedicates Temple Treasures") and [2 Chronicles 5:1](/2_chronicles/5-1 "2 Chronicles 5:1 - Solomon's Dedication of Temple Treasures")). The "treasures of the king's house" represent the royal wealth amassed by Solomon. The "shields of gold" were not primarily for battle but ceremonial, used by Solomon's guard for display and procession, symbolizing his unparalleled wealth and the glory of his reign ([1 Kings 10:16-17](/1_kings/10-16 "1 Kings 10:16-17 - Solomon's Golden Shields") and [2 Chronicles 9:15-16](/2_chronicles/9-15 "2 Chronicles 9:15-16 - Solomon's Golden Shields and Wealth")). Their seizure by Shishak was a profound humiliation and a visible sign of Judah's diminished status.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the Chronicler's theological message. Foremost is the **consequences of disobedience and divine judgment**. The invasion is presented as a direct, divinely orchestrated punishment for Judah's apostasy and forsaking of the LORD's law, echoing the covenant curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Another prominent theme is the **diminished glory and loss of splendor**. The plundering of the Temple and royal palace, particularly the iconic golden shields, starkly contrasts with the magnificent wealth and glory of Solomon's reign, symbolizing Judah's spiritual and national decline. This loss is further emphasized by the subsequent replacement of the golden shields with inferior bronze ones ([2 Chronicles 12:10](/2_chronicles/12-10 "2 Chronicles 12:10 - Bronze Shields Replace Gold")). Finally, the narrative underscores **God's sovereignty in judgment and His corrective discipline**. Even in allowing an enemy nation to plunder His people, God demonstrates His ultimate control, using this severe act as a means to humble Judah and call them back to faithfulness, ultimately showing mercy when they repented ([2 Chronicles 12:6-7](/2_chronicles/12-6 "2 Chronicles 12:6-7 - Judah's Humbling and God's Mercy")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shishak (Hebrew, _Shishaq'_):** This refers to Pharaoh Sheshonk I, the founder of the 22nd Dynasty of Egypt. His appearance in biblical narrative, corroborated by Egyptian historical records (such as the Karnak relief depicting his campaign), underscores the historical veracity of this account. His invasion was not a random geopolitical event but a divinely ordained instrument of judgment against Judah.
* **Treasures (Hebrew, _'otsar'_):** The term "treasures" denotes accumulated wealth, including precious metals (gold, silver) and valuable articles. The text specifically distinguishes between "treasures of the house of the LORD" (sacred Temple wealth) and "treasures of the king's house" (royal palace wealth). This comprehensive plunder signifies a complete stripping away of both the nation's material security and its sacred endowment, representing a profound loss of national prosperity and divine favor.
* **Shields of gold (Hebrew, _māginnê zahav'_):** These were not ordinary battle shields but ceremonial items, numbering 200 large and 300 small, made by Solomon and displayed in the House of the Forest of Lebanon (cf. [1 Kings 10:16-17](/1_kings/10-16 "1 Kings 10:16-17 - Solomon's Golden Shields")). They were potent symbols of Solomon's unparalleled wealth, prestige, and the magnificent glory of his reign. Their seizure was a highly visible and humiliating sign of Judah's decline, representing the loss of the kingdom's former splendor and outward display of power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem":** This clause establishes the direct action and the agent of judgment. The "So" connects it as a consequence of the preceding narrative of Judah's unfaithfulness. Shishak, a powerful foreign king, is presented as the instrument through whom God's judgment is executed against His disobedient people.
* **"and took away the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house; he took all":** This segment details the scope and completeness of the plunder. The Temple, the spiritual heart of the nation and repository of sacred wealth dedicated to God, was desecrated and stripped. Simultaneously, the royal palace, representing the political and economic power of the kingdom, was also emptied. The emphatic phrase "he took all" underscores the totality of the loss, signifying a comprehensive stripping away of Judah's material security and national pride.
* **"he carried away also the shields of gold which Solomon had made":** This specific mention highlights a particularly poignant and symbolic loss. These golden shields, emblematic of Solomon's unparalleled wealth and the zenith of Israel's glory, were not merely valuable objects but symbols of divine blessing and national prestige. Their removal signifies a profound degradation from the glorious era of Solomon, marking a visible decline in Judah's status and a tangible sign of God's withdrawal of favor due to their sin.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "treasures of the house of the LORD" and especially the "shields of gold" serving as powerful symbols. The Temple treasures represent the nation's spiritual wealth and God's past blessings, while the golden shields symbolize the peak of Solomon's glory and the kingdom's outward splendor. Their loss, therefore, symbolizes the spiritual and national decline of Judah. There is also an element of **irony** present; the very wealth and glory accumulated through God's blessing during Solomon's reign become the target of divine judgment when the people turn away from Him. This creates a stark **contrast** between the opulence of Solomon's time and the impoverished state under Rehoboam, emphasizing the direct link between obedience and prosperity, and disobedience and decline.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The account in 2 Chronicles 12:9 is a vivid theological statement on the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. It underscores the principle that divine blessings are conditional upon obedience, and turning away from God inevitably leads to judgment and loss. The plundering of Jerusalem's treasures, both sacred and royal, serves as a tangible manifestation of God's displeasure with Judah's apostasy. It reminds us that material wealth and national glory, while often seen as signs of divine favor, are fleeting and can be stripped away when a people or an individual deviates from God's path. This event is not merely a historical record but a profound lesson in the sovereignty of God, who uses even foreign powers to enact His righteous judgments and to call His people back to repentance. It reveals that true security and lasting prosperity are found not in accumulated possessions or outward displays of power, but in a faithful relationship with the LORD.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [1 Kings 14:25-26](/1_kings/14-25 "1 Kings 14:25-26 - Shishak's Invasion in Kings")
* [Proverbs 11:4](/proverbs/11-4 "Proverbs 11:4 - Riches Do Not Profit in Wrath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Shishak's invasion and the plundering of Jerusalem's treasures in 2 Chronicles 12:9 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder for individuals and communities today. Just as Judah's material and symbolic glory was diminished due to their departure from God's law, so too can our lives experience spiritual and even tangible decline when we neglect our relationship with the divine. This verse compels us to examine the foundations of our security and prosperity. Are we placing our trust in earthly possessions, achievements, or outward appearances—our "golden shields"—rather than in the unfailing provision and protection of God? The fleeting nature of the Temple's treasures and the king's wealth highlights that true and lasting riches are not found in what we accumulate, but in our obedience and devotion to God. This account calls us to cultivate a heart of faithfulness, recognizing that genuine spiritual vitality and security are rooted in our walk with the Lord, not in the perishable things of this world. It challenges us to prioritize God's will and His kingdom above all else, lest we, like Judah, experience a stripping away of what we hold dear, revealing the emptiness of a life lived apart from Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be relying on earthly "treasures" or "shields of gold" instead of God's provision and protection?**
* **How does this account challenge my understanding of prosperity and adversity in the Christian life?**
* **What "treasures" or blessings has God entrusted to me, and am I stewarding them faithfully in accordance with His will?**

### FAQ
**Was Shishak's invasion a complete destruction of Jerusalem?**

Answer: No, Shishak's invasion was a punitive raid and plunder, not a complete destruction of Jerusalem. While the city's treasures were thoroughly looted, Jerusalem itself was spared from total devastation. This sparing was attributed to the humbling of King Rehoboam and the princes of Israel, who repented before the LORD, leading God to declare through the prophet Shemaiah that He would not pour out His wrath completely ([2 Chronicles 12:6-7](/2_chronicles/12-6 "2 Chronicles 12:6-7 - Judah's Humbling and God's Mercy")). The city was subjected to servitude to Shishak, but its existence was preserved.

**What happened to the golden shields mentioned here?**

Answer: The golden shields, which were ceremonial and symbolic of Solomon's immense wealth and the kingdom's glory, were taken away by Shishak as part of the plunder. [2 Chronicles 12:10](/2_chronicles/12-10 "2 Chronicles 12:10 - Bronze Shields Replace Gold") explicitly states that King Rehoboam subsequently replaced them with bronze shields. This replacement with an inferior material served as a stark and visible symbol of the kingdom's diminished glory and wealth, marking a significant decline from the splendor of Solomon's reign.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The plundering of Jerusalem's treasures and the loss of the golden shields in 2 Chronicles 12:9 foreshadow a profound spiritual truth fulfilled in Christ. The Old Covenant's reliance on material symbols of glory, such as the Temple's physical wealth and the king's golden shields, proved to be fleeting and vulnerable to earthly powers, mirroring humanity's inability to maintain righteousness and secure lasting blessing through its own efforts. This event underscores the temporary nature of earthly kingdoms and their treasures, pointing to the need for a more enduring and incorruptible glory. Jesus Christ, the true King, embodies the ultimate and unfading glory, not of this world, but from God ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He is the true "treasure" in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom are Hidden Treasures")). Unlike the physical Temple, which could be plundered, Christ's body is the true Temple ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts the Temple's Destruction and Resurrection")), and His sacrifice on the cross paid the ultimate price for sin, securing an eternal inheritance that can never be taken away ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Incorruptible Inheritance")). Where Judah lost its physical shields, believers in Christ are equipped with the "shield of faith" ([Ephesians 6:16](/ephesians/6-16 "Ephesians 6:16 - The Shield of Faith")), a spiritual defense that triumphs over the schemes of the enemy, securing a glory that far surpasses any earthly splendor.

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

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.

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.

2 Kings 16:8

And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and sent [it for] a present to the king of Assyria.

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,

Lamentations 1:10

The adversary hath spread out his hand upon all her pleasant things: for she hath seen [that] the heathen entered into her sanctuary, whom thou didst command [that] they should not enter into thy congregation.