The Prophecy Against Egypt is a significant theme in the biblical narrative, particularly within the prophetic books of the Old Testament. These prophecies are primarily found in the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, where the prophets convey God's judgment against Egypt for its idolatry, pride, and opposition to His people, Israel.

Isaiah's Prophecy Against Egypt

In the book of Isaiah, chapters 19 and 20 contain a detailed prophecy concerning Egypt. Isaiah 19 begins with a declaration of the LORD's impending judgment: "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" (Isaiah 19:1). This passage highlights the futility of Egypt's idols and the nation's vulnerability before the sovereign power of God.

Isaiah further describes the internal strife and confusion that will plague Egypt, leading to its downfall: "I will provoke Egyptian against Egyptian; each will fight against his brother and each against his neighbor, city against city, kingdom against kingdom" (Isaiah 19:2). The prophecy continues with a promise of eventual restoration, where Egypt, along with Assyria and Israel, will be a blessing in the midst of the earth (Isaiah 19:24-25).

Jeremiah's Prophecy Against Egypt

Jeremiah's prophecy against Egypt is found in chapters 46 and 43. In Jeremiah 46, the prophet speaks of the defeat of Pharaoh Necho at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, at the battle of Carchemish: "Prepare your shields, both small and large, and march out for battle! Harness the horses; mount the steeds; take your positions with helmets on! Polish your spears; put on armor!" (Jeremiah 46:3-4). This prophecy underscores the futility of Egypt's military might against the divinely ordained rise of Babylon.

Jeremiah 43 warns the remnant of Judah against seeking refuge in Egypt, predicting that the very destruction they sought to escape would follow them there: "If you indeed set your faces to enter Egypt and go to reside there, then the sword you fear will overtake you there, and the famine you dread will follow on your heels into Egypt, and you will die there" (Jeremiah 43:12).

Ezekiel's Prophecy Against Egypt

Ezekiel's prophecies against Egypt are found in chapters 29 through 32. These chapters contain a series of oracles that pronounce judgment on Egypt and its Pharaoh. Ezekiel 29 begins with a vivid metaphor of Pharaoh as a great monster lying in the midst of the Nile: "I am against you, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great monster lying in the midst of his rivers, who has said, 'The Nile is mine; I made it myself'" (Ezekiel 29:3). This imagery emphasizes Pharaoh's arrogance and the LORD's power to humble him.

Ezekiel 30 continues with a lament for Egypt, predicting its desolation and the scattering of its people: "A sword will come against Egypt, and there will be anguish in Cush when the slain fall in Egypt, and her wealth is carried away, and her foundations are torn down" (Ezekiel 30:4). The prophecy concludes with a vision of Egypt's descent into the realm of the dead, joining other nations that have fallen under God's judgment (Ezekiel 32:18-32).

Theological Significance

The prophecies against Egypt serve as a testament to God's sovereignty over all nations and His commitment to justice. They illustrate the consequences of pride, idolatry, and opposition to God's purposes. These prophecies also reveal God's redemptive plan, as seen in Isaiah's vision of Egypt's future blessing alongside Israel and Assyria. Through these prophetic messages, the biblical narrative underscores the ultimate authority of God over the affairs of nations and His desire for repentance and restoration.