The Conquest of Egypt is a significant event in biblical history, often associated with the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. While the Bible does not provide a detailed historical account of Egypt's conquest, it does contain prophecies and references that allude to the nation's downfall and subjugation by foreign powers. These references are primarily found in the prophetic books, where Egypt is frequently mentioned as a symbol of worldly power and opposition to God's people.

Prophetic Context

The prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, among others, prophesied about the fate of Egypt. These prophecies often served as warnings to Israel and Judah, illustrating the futility of relying on Egypt for military or political alliances instead of trusting in the Lord. The prophets depicted Egypt as a once-mighty nation that would face divine judgment and be humbled by foreign conquerors.

In Isaiah 19:1-4 , the prophet declares, "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. I will provoke Egyptian against Egyptian; brother will fight against brother, neighbor against neighbor, city against city, kingdom against kingdom. The spirit of the Egyptians will be emptied out from among them, and I will confound their plans. They will seek idols, spirits of the dead, mediums, and spiritists. I will deliver the Egyptians into the hands of harsh masters, and a fierce king will rule over them, declares the Lord GOD of Hosts."

Historical Fulfillment

The historical fulfillment of these prophecies is often associated with the conquests by the Assyrians, Babylonians, and later the Persians. The Assyrian king Esarhaddon invaded Egypt in 671 BC, and his successor, Ashurbanipal, continued to exert control over the region. Later, the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar II also campaigned against Egypt, as mentioned in Jeremiah 46:13-26, where the prophet foretells the coming of Nebuchadnezzar to strike the land of Egypt.

Ezekiel 29-32 contains a series of oracles against Egypt, predicting its desolation and the scattering of its people. Ezekiel 30:10-12 states, "This is what the Lord GOD says: I will put an end to the hordes of Egypt by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. He and his people with him, the most ruthless of nations, will be brought in to destroy the land. They will draw their swords against Egypt and fill the land with the slain. I will make the rivers dry and sell the land into the hands of evil men. I will bring desolation upon the land and everything in it by the hand of foreigners. I, the LORD, have spoken."

Theological Significance

The conquest of Egypt serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty over the nations. It underscores the biblical theme that no earthly power can stand against the will of God. The downfall of Egypt, a symbol of human pride and reliance on worldly strength, illustrates the ultimate futility of opposing God's purposes. The prophetic warnings against Egypt also served to call God's people to repentance and renewed faithfulness, emphasizing that their security lay not in political alliances but in their covenant relationship with the Lord.

Throughout the biblical narrative, Egypt is portrayed as both a place of refuge and a source of temptation for Israel. The conquest of Egypt, therefore, holds a dual significance: it is a testament to God's judgment against idolatry and oppression, and a call to His people to trust in His deliverance and provision.