Topical Encyclopedia The relationship between the Egyptians and the Israelites is a complex narrative woven throughout the biblical text, marked by periods of both enmity and alliance. One notable instance of cooperation occurs during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, when the Egyptians intervened to aid the Israelites against the Chaldeans, also known as the Babylonians.Historical Context The Chaldeans, under the leadership of King Nebuchadnezzar II, posed a significant threat to the Kingdom of Judah in the early 6th century BC. The Babylonians had already established dominance over much of the ancient Near East, and their campaign against Judah was part of a broader strategy to consolidate power. Egyptian Intervention The Egyptians, under Pharaoh Hophra (also known as Apries), sought to counterbalance Babylonian influence in the region. This geopolitical maneuvering led to an Egyptian military intervention during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. The prophet Jeremiah provides insight into this event, noting the temporary withdrawal of the Babylonian forces due to the Egyptian advance. In Jeremiah 37:5-7 , it is recorded: "Pharaoh’s army had marched out of Egypt, and when the Chaldeans who were besieging Jerusalem heard the report, they withdrew from Jerusalem. Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet: 'This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Tell the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of Me: Behold, Pharaoh’s army, which has marched out to help you, will go back to its own land of Egypt.'" Prophetic Insight Despite the initial relief provided by the Egyptian intervention, the prophet Jeremiah warned that this aid would be short-lived and ultimately ineffective. Jeremiah's prophecy underscored the futility of relying on foreign alliances rather than trusting in the LORD. The temporary withdrawal of the Chaldeans did not lead to a lasting reprieve for Jerusalem, as the Babylonians soon returned to resume their siege. Jeremiah 37:8-10 continues: "'Then the Chaldeans will return and fight against this city. They will capture it and burn it down.' This is what the LORD says: 'Do not deceive yourselves by saying, "The Chaldeans will go away for good," for they will not! Indeed, even if you were to defeat the entire army of the Chaldeans who are fighting against you, and only wounded men were left in their tents, they would rise up and burn this city down.'" Theological Implications The episode of Egyptian aid highlights the broader biblical theme of reliance on God rather than on human alliances. The Israelites' dependence on Egypt, a nation historically associated with their bondage, serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of misplaced trust. The prophets consistently called the people of Judah to repentance and faithfulness to God, emphasizing that true deliverance would come not through political or military means, but through divine intervention and covenantal faithfulness. Conclusion The Egyptian intervention during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem is a significant event that illustrates the complex interplay of political alliances in the ancient Near East. It serves as a testament to the transient nature of human aid and the enduring call to trust in the LORD above all else. Nave's Topical Index Jeremiah 37:5-11Then Pharaoh's army was come forth out of Egypt: and when the Chaldeans that besieged Jerusalem heard tidings of them, they departed from Jerusalem. Nave's Topical Index Library Nineveh. The Credibility of Scripture Sufficiently Proved in So Far as ... Questions. Of Civil Government. Bunsen's Biblical Researches. Resources What was the meaning and purpose of the ten plagues of Egypt? | GotQuestions.orgAre the pyramids mentioned in the Bible? Did the enslaved Israelites build the pyramids? | GotQuestions.org Why did God send the Israelites to Egypt for 400 years (Genesis 15:13)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Egyptians: Aid the Israelites Against the Chaldeans Egyptians: Alliances With, Forbidden to the Israelites Egyptians: An Enthusiastic Egyptian Instigated Rebellion Against Roman Government Egyptians: Conversion of, Foretold Egyptians: Descendants of the Mizraim Egyptians: Eligible to Membership in Israelite Congregation in the Third Generation Egyptians: Firstborn of Destroyed Egyptians: Hospitality of, to Abraham Egyptians: Intermarry With the Jews Egyptians: Invade the Land of Israel: Under Pharaoh-Necho Egyptians: Invade the Land of Israel: Under Shishak Egyptians: Oppress the Israelites Egyptians: Prophecies of Dispersion and Restoration of Egyptians: Pursue Israelites, and the Army of, Destroyed Egyptians: Refuse to Release the Israelites Egyptians: Refused to Eat With Hebrews Egyptians: Send the Israelites Away Egyptians: The Art of Embalming the Dead Practiced By Related Terms |
    |