### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Shîyshaq**, represented by `{{H7895}}`, identifies an **Egyptian king**. It appears **7 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible. His narrative role is primarily as a foreign ruler whose actions directly impact the kingdoms of Israel and Judah during the reigns of Solomon and Rehoboam.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7895}}` first appears as a protector, offering refuge in **Egypt** `{{H4714}}` to **Jeroboam** `{{H3379}}` when he **fled** `{{H1272}}` from King **Solomon** `{{H8010}}` [[1 Kings 11:40]]. Later, in the fifth year of the reign of **king** `{{H4428}}` **Rehoboam** `{{H7346}}`, **Shishak** `{{H7895}}` **came up** `{{H5927}}` against **Jerusalem** `{{H3389}}` because the people had **transgressed** `{{H4603}}` against the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` ([[1 Kings 14:25]], [[2 Chronicles 12:2]]). As a result of this invasion, he **took away** `{{H3947}}` the **treasures** `{{H214}}` of the **house** `{{H1004}}` of the LORD and the **king's** `{{H4428}}` **house** `{{H1004}}`, including the **shields** `{{H4043}}` of **gold** `{{H2091}}` made by **Solomon** `{{H8010}}` [[2 Chronicles 12:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related figures and terms are central to the narrative of **Shishak** `{{H7895}}`:
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (a king): This title is always attached to **Shishak** `{{H7895}}`, defining his role as the **king** of **Egypt** `{{H4714}}` who interacts with the kings of Israel ([[1 Kings 11:40]], [[2 Chronicles 12:9]]).
* `{{H7346}}` **Rᵉchabʻâm** (Rehoboam): As the **king** `{{H4428}}` of **Judah** `{{H3063}}`, his reign is the setting for Shishak's invasion, which occurred in his fifth year because he and his people **transgressed** `{{H4603}}` against the LORD [[2 Chronicles 12:2]].
* `{{H3379}}` **Yârobʻâm** (Jeroboam): His story provides the first mention of **Shishak** `{{H7895}}`, who gave him refuge when he **fled** `{{H1272}}` from **Solomon** `{{H8010}}` until Solomon's **death** `{{H4194}}` [[1 Kings 11:40]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of Shishak's appearance in scripture is significant.
* **Instrument of God's Hand:** Shishak's attack is framed as divine judgment. The prophet **Shemaiah** `{{H8098}}` declared that because Judah had **forsaken** `{{H5800}}` the **LORD** `{{H3068}}`, God had in turn left them in the **hand** `{{H3027}}` of **Shishak** `{{H7895}}` [[2 Chronicles 12:5]].
* **Judgment for Transgression:** The invasion is presented not as a random political act but as a direct consequence of sin. The text states that **Shishak** `{{H7895}}` **came up** `{{H5927}}` against **Jerusalem** `{{H3389}}` "because they had **transgressed** `{{H4603}}` against the LORD" [[2 Chronicles 12:2]].
* **Catalyst for Mercy:** Shishak's threat prompted the leaders of **Judah** `{{H3063}}` to **humble** `{{H3665}}` themselves. In response, the LORD promised not to **destroy** `{{H7843}}` them, granting "some **deliverance**" `{{H6413}}` so that His **wrath** `{{H2534}}` would not be fully **poured out** `{{H5413}}` by Shishak's **hand** `{{H3027}}` [[2 Chronicles 12:7]].
### Summary
In summary, **Shîyshaq** `{{H7895}}` is portrayed as more than just a historical foreign **king** `{{H4428}}`. He is an integral figure in the biblical account of judgment and mercy. From providing refuge to **Jeroboam** `{{H3379}}` to plundering **Jerusalem** `{{H3389}}` during the reign of **Rehoboam** `{{H7346}}`, his actions serve as a demonstration of God's response to both transgression and humility. The narrative uses Shishak to illustrate that the LORD can use foreign powers to enact His purposes.
TRV