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Shishak

Biblical
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

Egyptian pharaoh who invaded Judah and plundered Solomon’s Temple treasures

Detailed Definition
Shishak (Sheshonq I) attacked Rehoboam’s kingdom, taking gold shields from the Temple (1 Kings 14:25–26; 2 Chronicles 12:2–9). His raid marked divine judgment for idolatry. In poetry, Shishak represents the swift reversal of fortune, the vulnerability of sacred wealth to imperial greed, and the consequences of national unfaithfulness—often symbolizing how glory fades when covenant is broken.
Example
Example in poetry:
In 1 Kings 14:25–28, Shishak’s raid inspires historical poetry about divine discipline; 19th-century verse depicts Shishak carrying off temple treasures as judgment; Contemporary poems use Shishak to explore consequences of national idolatry; In poems about temple, Shishak’s invasion marks decline after Solomon; Some liturgical laments contrast Shishak’s plunder with later restorations; Educational poems cite Shishak to teach about Egypt and Judah.
Additional Notes
Shishak, Pharaoh of Egypt who invaded Judah during Rehoboam’s reign (1 Kings 14), is historically identified with Shoshenq I; his campaign is recorded on the Bubastite Portal; poets may use him to explore divine judgment through foreign powers or the vulnerability of divided kingdoms.
Also Known As
Shishak king of Egypt Sheshonq I
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