REHOBOAM, FORSAKING GOD, IS PUNISHED BY SHISHAK. (Ch2 12:1-12) when Rehoboam had established the kingdom, and had strengthened himself--(See on Ch2 11:17). During the first three years of his reign his royal influence was exerted in the encouragement of the true religion. Security and ease led to religious decline, which, in the fourth year, ended in open apostasy. The example of the court was speedily followed by his subjects, for "all Israel was with him," that is, the people in his own kingdom. The very next year, the fifth of his reign, punishment was inflicted by the invasion of Shishak.