Topical Encyclopedia Tahpanhes, also known as Tahapanes or Tehaphnehes, is an ancient city located in the northeastern region of Egypt, near the eastern branch of the Nile River. It holds significant historical and biblical importance, particularly in the context of the events surrounding the Babylonian exile and the prophet Jeremiah's ministry.Biblical References: Tahpanhes is mentioned several times in the Old Testament, primarily in the books of Jeremiah and Ezekiel. It served as a place of refuge for the remnant of Judah following the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BC. Despite the prophet Jeremiah's warnings, a group of Judeans, including Jeremiah himself, fled to Egypt, seeking safety from the Babylonian threat. In Jeremiah 43:7-9 , the narrative describes how the remnant of Judah, against God's command, settled in Tahpanhes: "So they entered the land of Egypt in disobedience to the LORD and went as far as Tahpanhes. Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah at Tahpanhes: 'While the Jews are watching, take some large stones in your hand and bury them in the clay of the brick pavement at the entrance to Pharaoh’s palace in Tahpanhes.'" This act symbolized the impending judgment that would come upon Egypt, as prophesied by Jeremiah. The stones buried in the clay were a sign that Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, would extend his conquest to Egypt, including Tahpanhes. Ezekiel also references Tahpanhes in his prophecies against Egypt. In Ezekiel 30:18 , the city is mentioned in the context of the Lord's judgment: "At Tahpanhes the day will be darkened when I break the yoke of Egypt; there her proud strength will come to an end. She will be covered in clouds, and her villages will go into captivity." Historical and Archaeological Insights: Tahpanhes, identified with the modern site of Tell Defenneh, was a significant frontier city during the 26th Dynasty of Egypt. It served as a military and administrative center, strategically located to guard the eastern approaches to the Nile Delta. The city's prominence is further evidenced by its mention in extrabiblical sources, including Greek historian Herodotus, who referred to it as Daphnae. Archaeological excavations at Tell Defenneh have uncovered remains of fortifications, residential areas, and artifacts that provide insight into the city's role during the late period of Egyptian history. These findings corroborate the biblical narrative of Tahpanhes as a place of refuge and political intrigue during the tumultuous times of the Babylonian conquest. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, Tahpanhes serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God's commands. The decision of the Judean remnant to seek refuge in Egypt, despite divine warnings, underscores the recurring theme of reliance on human wisdom rather than trusting in God's providence. The prophecies concerning Tahpanhes highlight God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to execute judgment according to His divine plan. Tahpanhes, therefore, stands as a testament to the historical fulfillment of biblical prophecy and serves as a cautionary tale for believers to heed God's word and trust in His guidance, even in times of uncertainty and fear. Nave's Topical Index Jeremiah 2:16Also the children of Noph and Tahapanes have broken the crown of your head. Nave's Topical Index Jeremiah 43:7-9 Jeremiah 44:1 Jeremiah 46:14 Ezekiel 30:18 Strong's Hebrew 8471. Tachpanches -- a city in Egypt... a city in Egypt. Transliteration: Tachpanches or Techaphneches Phonetic Spelling: (takh-pan-khace') Short Definition: Tahpanhes. Word Origin of Eg. ... /hebrew/8471.htm - 6k Library Carried Captive into Babylon And After. (xxx, xxxi, xxxix-Xliv. ) Index of Names and Subjects. Chapter i. His Earliest Oracles. (ii. 2-iv. 4. ) Footnotes The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Resources How did Jeremiah die? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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