Pharaoh-Hophra, also known as Apries, was a ruler of Egypt during the 26th Dynasty, reigning from approximately 589 to 570 BC. He is a significant figure in the biblical narrative due to his interactions with the Kingdom of Judah and the prophecies concerning his downfall. The biblical references to Pharaoh-Hophra are primarily found in the books of Jeremiah and Ezekiel, where he is depicted as a symbol of Egypt's impending judgment and downfall.

Jeremiah's Prophecies

The prophet Jeremiah, who ministered during the final years of the Kingdom of Judah, prophesied against Egypt and its ruler, Pharaoh-Hophra. In Jeremiah 44:30, the Lord declares through Jeremiah: "This is what the LORD says: I am about to deliver Pharaoh Hophra king of Egypt into the hands of his enemies, those who seek his life, just as I delivered Zedekiah king of Judah into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, the enemy who was seeking his life." This prophecy foretells the capture and downfall of Pharaoh-Hophra, drawing a parallel to the fate of Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, who was captured by the Babylonians.

Ezekiel's Prophecies

The prophet Ezekiel also speaks of Egypt's judgment, including specific references to Pharaoh-Hophra. In Ezekiel 29:1-16, the Lord pronounces judgment against Egypt, likening Pharaoh to a great monster lying in the midst of the Nile. The prophecy declares that Egypt will be desolate and its people scattered. In Ezekiel 29:3-4, the Lord says: "Speak and tell him that this is what the Lord GOD says: 'Behold, I am against you, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great monster lying in the midst of his rivers, who has said, ‘My Nile is my own; I made it for myself.’ I will put hooks in your jaws and make the fish of your streams cling to your scales. I will haul you up from the midst of your rivers, and all the fish of your streams will cling to your scales.'"

Ezekiel 30:21-26 further elaborates on the fate of Pharaoh and Egypt, describing the breaking of Pharaoh's arms, symbolizing the loss of power and strength. In Ezekiel 30:22-24, the Lord declares: "Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: 'Behold, I am against Pharaoh king of Egypt. I will break his arms, both the strong one and the broken one, and I will make the sword fall from his hand. I will disperse the Egyptians among the nations and scatter them throughout the lands. I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon and put My sword in his hand, but I will break the arms of Pharaoh, and he will groan before him like a mortally wounded man.'"

Historical Context and Fulfillment

Historically, Pharaoh-Hophra's reign was marked by internal strife and external threats. His attempts to intervene in the affairs of Judah and his opposition to Babylon ultimately led to his downfall. According to historical records, Hophra faced a revolt led by his general Amasis, who eventually overthrew him. This internal conflict and the subsequent rise of Amasis align with the biblical prophecies of Hophra's defeat and the weakening of Egypt.

The prophecies concerning Pharaoh-Hophra serve as a testament to the sovereignty of God over nations and rulers. They illustrate the fulfillment of divine judgment against those who oppose God's purposes and highlight the transient nature of earthly power in contrast to the eternal dominion of the Lord.Jeremiah 44:30
Thus said the LORD; Behold, I will give Pharaohhophra king of Egypt into the hand of his enemies, and into the hand of them that seek his life; as I gave Zedekiah king of Judah into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, his enemy, and that sought his life.
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Jeremiah 46:25,26
The LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, said; Behold, I will punish the multitude of No, and Pharaoh, and Egypt, with their gods, and their kings; even Pharaoh, and all them that trust in him:
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Ezekiel 29:1
In the tenth year, in the tenth month, in the twelfth day of the month, the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
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Ezekiel 30:21-26
Son of man, I have broken the arm of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and, see, it shall not be bound up to be healed, to put a roller to bind it, to make it strong to hold the sword.
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Book 9 Footnotes
... did come to pass according to their prophecies, as we ... 12:13, but real agreement at
last, concerning the fate ... says, this king of Egypt [Pharaoh Hophra, or Apries ...
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