Topical Encyclopedia
The prophecies against Pharaoh and Egypt are significant components of biblical literature, reflecting God's judgment against nations that opposed His will and oppressed His people. These prophecies are primarily found in the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, and they serve as a testament to God's sovereignty over all nations.
Isaiah's Prophecy (Isaiah 19)Isaiah 19 contains a vivid prophecy concerning Egypt, depicting a time of turmoil and divine judgment. The chapter begins with the declaration, "Behold, the LORD rides on a swift cloud and is coming to Egypt. The idols of Egypt will tremble before Him, and the hearts of the Egyptians will melt within them" (
Isaiah 19:1). This imagery underscores the power and majesty of God as He comes to execute judgment.
The prophecy continues with a description of internal strife and confusion among the Egyptians: "I will incite Egyptian against Egyptian; brother will fight against brother, neighbor against neighbor, city against city, kingdom against kingdom" (
Isaiah 19:2). This internal conflict is portrayed as a direct consequence of God's intervention, leading to the collapse of Egypt's social and political structures.
Isaiah also foretells the drying up of the Nile, Egypt's lifeline, symbolizing economic devastation: "The waters of the river will dry up, and the riverbed will be parched and empty" (
Isaiah 19:5). This prophecy highlights the futility of relying on natural resources and human wisdom in the face of divine judgment.
Jeremiah's Prophecy (Jeremiah 46)Jeremiah 46 provides another perspective on the fate of Egypt, focusing on the defeat of Pharaoh Necho at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. The prophecy begins with a call to arms: "Prepare your shields, both small and large, and march out for battle!" (
Jeremiah 46:3). However, despite their preparations, the Egyptians are destined for defeat.
The prophecy vividly describes the panic and retreat of the Egyptian forces: "The swift cannot flee, nor the warrior escape! In the north by the River Euphrates they stumble and fall" (
Jeremiah 46:6). This defeat is attributed to God's direct intervention, as He declares, "I will deliver them into the hands of those who seek their lives, into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and his officers" (
Jeremiah 46:26).
Ezekiel's Prophecy (Ezekiel 29-32)Ezekiel's prophecies against Egypt are among the most detailed, spanning several chapters. In
Ezekiel 29, God speaks against Pharaoh, likening him to a great monster in the Nile: "I am against you, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great monster lying among your streams" (
Ezekiel 29:3). This imagery conveys the pride and arrogance of Pharaoh, who claimed ownership of the Nile.
Ezekiel 30 continues with a lament for Egypt, predicting a day of darkness 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 emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the judgment, affecting not only Egypt but also its allies.
In
Ezekiel 31, Egypt is compared to Assyria, another great nation that fell due to its pride: "To whom can you be compared in your greatness? Consider Assyria, once a cedar in Lebanon" (
Ezekiel 31:2-3). This comparison serves as a warning against hubris and the inevitable downfall that follows.
Finally,
Ezekiel 32 presents a lamentation for Pharaoh, portraying him as a lion among the nations, soon to be captured and brought low: "You are like a lion among the nations, but you are like a monster in the seas" (
Ezekiel 32:2). The prophecy concludes with a vision of Egypt's descent into the realm of the dead, joining other fallen nations.
These prophecies against Pharaoh and Egypt illustrate the biblical theme of divine retribution against pride and oppression, affirming God's ultimate authority over all earthly powers.