Topical Bible: Pharaoh: Pharaoh-Hophra

◄ Pharaoh: Pharaoh-Hophra ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Pharaoh-Hophra, also known as Apries in Greek sources, was a ruler of Egypt from the 26th Dynasty, reigning approximately from 589 to 570 BC. He is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the prophetic books of the Old Testament. Hophra is mentioned in the Book of Jeremiah and the Book of Ezekiel, where his interactions with the Kingdom of Judah and his eventual downfall are highlighted.

Historical Context

Hophra ascended to the throne during a tumultuous period in Egyptian history, marked by the decline of Assyrian power and the rise of Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar II. Egypt, under Hophra's rule, sought to assert its influence over the Levant, including the Kingdom of Judah. This geopolitical ambition brought Hophra into direct conflict with Babylon, as both powers vied for control over the region.

Biblical References

1. Jeremiah's Prophecies: In the Book of Jeremiah, Pharaoh-Hophra is mentioned in the context of the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. Jeremiah warns the people of Judah against relying on Egypt for deliverance from Babylonian oppression. 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.'"

2. Ezekiel's Prophecies: The prophet Ezekiel also speaks of Pharaoh-Hophra, foretelling his downfall. In Ezekiel 29:2-4 , the Lord commands Ezekiel to prophesy against Pharaoh, king of Egypt: "Son of man, set your face against Pharaoh king of Egypt and prophesy against him and against all of Egypt. Speak to him and say, ‘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.'"

Downfall and Legacy

Pharaoh-Hophra's reign ended in turmoil and rebellion. His failure to successfully intervene in the affairs of Judah and his inability to protect his own kingdom from internal strife led to his downfall. According to historical sources, Hophra was eventually overthrown by a general named Amasis, who became Pharaoh Ahmose II. This internal conflict and change in leadership were seen as a fulfillment of the prophetic words spoken by Jeremiah and Ezekiel.

Hophra's legacy in the biblical narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the futility of relying on earthly powers rather than trusting in the sovereignty of God. His account is a testament to the biblical theme of divine judgment against pride and self-reliance, as exemplified in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament.

Nave's Topical Index

Jeremiah 37:4-7
Now Jeremiah came in and went out among the people: for they had not put him into prison.
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Jeremiah 44:1
The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the Jews which dwell in the land of Egypt, which dwell at Migdol, and at Tahpanhes, and at Noph, and in the country of Pathros, saying,
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Ezekiel 17:15-17
But he rebelled against him in sending his ambassadors into Egypt, that they might give him horses and much people. Shall he prosper? shall he escape that does such things? or shall he break the covenant, and be delivered?
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Strong's Hebrew

6548. Paroh Chophra -- an Eg. king
... king NASB Word Usage Pharaoh Hophra (1). Pharaoh-hophra. Of Egyptian derivation;
Paroh- Chophra, an Egyptian king -- Pharaoh-hophra. 6547, 6548. ...
/hebrew/6548.htm - 6k

Library

The Captivity.
... The counsellors who loved Egypt, however, persuaded him to rebel, as Pharaoh Hophra
was actually coming out to his assistance; and he put Jeremiah into prison ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson x the captivity.htm

To the End and After
... The intrigues of Egypt persisted, however, and, in 589 or 588, after the accession
of Pharaoh Hophra,(479) at last prevailed upon Judah. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/lecture vi to the end.htm

Book 9 Footnotes
... Rec. Part I. p.1"11. [15] Herodotus says, this king of Egypt [Pharaoh Hophra, or
Apries] was slain by the Egyptians, as Jeremiah foretold his slaughter by ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 9 footnotes.htm

The Greek Versions as Aids to Biblical Study.
... compares Egypt. sut' a en pa-anch). Pharaoh-Hophra, p chphr, ho Ouaphre, Jeremiah
51.(xliv.) 30 (cf. WE Crum in Hastings, DB ii. p.413). ...
/.../chapter iv the greek versions.htm