Overview:
Tehaphnehes, also known as Tahpanhes or Tahapanes, is an ancient city mentioned in the Bible, located in the northeastern region of Egypt. It holds significant historical and biblical importance, particularly in the context of the events surrounding the Babylonian exile and the flight of the remnant of Judah to Egypt.

Biblical References:
The city is referenced in several passages of the Old Testament, primarily in the books of Jeremiah and Ezekiel. In Jeremiah 2:16, the prophet mentions the city in the context of the judgment against Judah: "The men of Memphis and Tahpanhes have shaved the crown of your head." This verse highlights the city's role in the broader narrative of Judah's downfall and the consequences of their disobedience to God.

Jeremiah 43:7-9 provides a more detailed account of the city's significance during the time of the prophet Jeremiah. After the fall of Jerusalem, a group of Judeans, fearing retribution from the Babylonians, fled to Egypt, taking Jeremiah with them. They settled in Tahpanhes, where God instructed Jeremiah to perform a symbolic act: "In Tahpanhes, the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: 'Take some large stones in your hands and bury them in the clay of the brick pavement at the entrance to Pharaoh’s palace in Tahpanhes, in the sight of the men of Judah.'" (Jeremiah 43:8-9). This act symbolized the coming of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, to Egypt, where he would set his throne.

Ezekiel 30:18 also mentions the city in a prophecy against Egypt: "At Tahpanhes the day will be darkened when I break the yoke of Egypt there. Her proud strength will cease within her; a cloud will cover her, and her daughters will go into captivity." This prophecy underscores the impending judgment on Egypt and its cities, including Tahpanhes, as part of God's sovereign plan.

Historical Context:
Tehaphnehes was a significant city in ancient Egypt, known for its strategic location on the eastern frontier. It served as a military and administrative center, often associated with the presence of foreign mercenaries and traders. The city's prominence during the 26th Dynasty, also known as the Saite Period, aligns with the biblical accounts of its involvement in the events following the destruction of Jerusalem.

Archaeological evidence suggests that Tehaphnehes, identified with the modern site of Tell Defenneh, was a fortified settlement with a palace complex, which corroborates the biblical description of Jeremiah's actions at the entrance to Pharaoh's palace.

Theological Significance:
The references to Tehaphnehes in the Bible highlight themes of judgment, disobedience, and the fulfillment of prophetic warnings. The city's role as a refuge for the fleeing Judeans serves as a reminder of the consequences of failing to trust in God's promises and seeking security in foreign alliances. The prophecies concerning Tahpanhes emphasize God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to execute judgment according to His divine will.

In summary, Tehaphnehes stands as a testament to the historical and theological narratives of the Bible, illustrating the interplay between divine prophecy and historical events in the ancient Near East.Tehaphnehes Tahpanhes Tahapanes

a city of Egypt, mentioned in the time of the prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel. The name is evidently Egyptian, and closely resembles that of the Egyptian queen Tahpenes. It was evidently a town of lower Egypt, near or on the eastern border. When Johanan and the other captains went into Egypt "they came to Tahpanhes." (Jeremiah 43:7) The Jews in Jeremiah's time remained here. (Jeremiah 44:1) It was an important town, being twice mentioned by the latter prophet with Noph or Memphis. (Jeremiah 2:16; 46:14) Here stood a house of Pharaoh-hophra before which Jeremiah hid great stones. (Jeremiah 43:8-10)

8471. Tachpanches -- a city in Egypt
... Jeremiah 2:16) {takh-pen-ace'}; of Egyptian derivation; Tachpanches, Techaphneches
or Tachpenes, a place in Egypt -- Tahapanes, Tahpanhes, Tehaphnehes. ...
/hebrew/8471.htm - 6k

8472. Tachpenes -- an Eg. queen
... queen NASB Word Usage Tahpenes (3). Tahapanes, Tahpanhes, Tehaphnehes. Of Egyptian
derivation; Tachpenes, an Egyptian woman -- Tahpenes. 8471, 8472. ...
/hebrew/8472.htm - 6k

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