Overview

Egypt, a prominent nation in biblical history, is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures as a land of both refuge and oppression for the Israelites. The prophecies concerning Egypt's doom are significant, reflecting God's judgment against the nation for its idolatry, pride, and mistreatment of His people. These prophecies are found primarily in the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, and they serve as a testament to God's sovereignty over all nations.

Prophecies in Isaiah

The prophet Isaiah delivers a series of oracles against Egypt, highlighting its impending downfall. In Isaiah 19, the Lord declares, "I will stir up Egyptian against Egyptian; brother will fight against brother, neighbor against neighbor, city against city, kingdom against kingdom" (Isaiah 19:2). This internal strife is a precursor to the nation's collapse. The prophecy continues with a vivid description of the Nile drying up, leading to economic ruin: "The waters of the river will dry up, and the riverbed will be parched and empty" (Isaiah 19:5).

Isaiah also foretells the rise of a harsh ruler over Egypt, a reference to foreign domination: "I will hand the Egyptians over to a cruel master, and a fierce king will rule over them" (Isaiah 19:4). Despite these judgments, the chapter concludes with a promise of redemption, as Egypt, along with Assyria and Israel, will be blessed by the Lord in a future time of peace and unity (Isaiah 19:23-25).

Prophecies in Jeremiah

Jeremiah's prophecies against Egypt are primarily found in chapters 43 and 46. After the fall of Jerusalem, a remnant of Judah fled to Egypt, against God's command. Jeremiah warns them of the consequences: "I will set My throne in Elam and destroy her king and officials" (Jeremiah 43:10). This prophecy underscores God's intention to bring judgment upon Egypt for harboring the disobedient remnant of Judah.

In Jeremiah 46, the prophet speaks of Egypt's defeat at the hands of Babylon: "Prepare your shields, both large and small, and march out for battle! Harness the horses; mount the steeds; take your positions with helmets on!" (Jeremiah 46:3-4). Despite their preparations, the Egyptian forces are destined for defeat, as the Lord declares, "Egypt is a beautiful heifer, but a gadfly from the north is coming against her" (Jeremiah 46:20).

Prophecies in Ezekiel

Ezekiel's prophecies against Egypt are extensive, spanning chapters 29 to 32. The prophet begins with a declaration against Pharaoh, likening him to a great monster in the Nile: "I am against you, Pharaoh king of Egypt, you great monster lying among your streams" (Ezekiel 29:3). This imagery signifies Egypt's pride and self-reliance, which will be humbled by God's judgment.

Ezekiel 30 describes a day of darkness for Egypt, a time of desolation and destruction: "A sword will come against Egypt, and there will be anguish in Cush when the slain fall in Egypt, her wealth is carried away, and her foundations are torn down" (Ezekiel 30:4). The prophecy continues with a lament for Egypt's fallen glory, as the nation is compared to a felled cedar in Ezekiel 31.

In Ezekiel 32, the lamentation over Egypt's doom is further elaborated, with vivid imagery of the nation's descent into the grave: "Son of man, take up a lament for Pharaoh king of Egypt and say to him: 'You are like a lion among the nations, but you are like a monster in the seas'" (Ezekiel 32:2). This chapter emphasizes the finality of Egypt's judgment and its impact on the surrounding nations.

Significance

The prophecies concerning Egypt's doom serve as a powerful reminder of God's justice and the consequences of pride and idolatry. Throughout the Scriptures, Egypt is portrayed as a symbol of worldly power and opposition to God's purposes. The fulfillment of these prophecies demonstrates God's control over history and His ability to humble even the mightiest of nations.