1 Kings 14:25 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

In the fifth year of king Rehoboam; presently after his and his people's apostacy, which was not till his fourth year; when the apostical Israelites enjoyed peace and some kind of prosperity, at first, for many years together; of which difference two reasons may be given: first, That Judah's sins were committed against clearer light, and more powerful means and remedies of all sorts, and therefore deserved more severe and speed judgments. Secondly, that God discovered more love to Judah in chastising them speedily, that so they might be humbled, and reformed, and so graciously preserved, as it happened; and more anger against Israel, that he spared them, and by their impunity hardened and ripened them to that total destruction which he intend ed to bring upon them. Shishak king of Egypt; of whom see 1 Kings 11:40 2 Chronicles 12:2, &c., where this history is more fully described. He is thought by many to be Solomon's brother-in-law. But how little such relations signify among princes, when their interest is concerned, all histories witness. Besides, Rehoboam was not Solomon's son by Pharaoh's daughter, and so the relation was in a manner extinct. Came up against Jerusalem; either from ambition, and a desire to enlarge his empire; or from jealousy of Rehoboam's growing greatness; of which see 2Ch 11; or by Jeroboam's instigation; or from a covetous desire of possessing these great treasures which David and Solomon had left; and, above all, by God's providence, disposing his heart to this expedition for Rehoboam's punishment.