The biblical prophecies concerning Egypt, particularly regarding the destruction of its armies by Babylon, are significant in understanding the historical and theological context of the ancient Near East. These prophecies are primarily found in the books of Jeremiah and Ezekiel, where the fate of Egypt is intertwined with the rise of Babylon as a dominant power.

Jeremiah's Prophecies

The prophet Jeremiah, who ministered during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC, delivered several prophecies concerning Egypt. In Jeremiah 46, the prophet speaks directly about the defeat of the Egyptian army at the hands of Babylon. This chapter begins with a prophecy against Egypt, specifically referencing the battle at Carchemish, where Pharaoh Necho's forces were defeated by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. Jeremiah 46:2 states: "Concerning Egypt, concerning the army of Pharaoh Necho king of Egypt, which was by the Euphrates River at Carchemish and which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon defeated in the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah, king of Judah."

Jeremiah further prophesies the coming devastation upon Egypt in verses 13-26, where he foretells that Nebuchadnezzar will invade Egypt and bring destruction. Jeremiah 46:25-26 declares: "The LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: 'Behold, I will punish Amon of Thebes, Pharaoh, Egypt, her gods, and her kings, even Pharaoh and those who trust in him. I will deliver them into the hands of those who seek their lives, into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and his officers. Afterward, however, Egypt will be inhabited as in times past,' declares the LORD."

Ezekiel's Prophecies

The prophet Ezekiel also provides detailed prophecies concerning the fate of Egypt. In Ezekiel 29-32, a series of oracles are directed against Egypt, highlighting its impending downfall. Ezekiel 29:19-20 states: "Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: 'Behold, I will give the land of Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and he will carry off her wealth, seizing her spoil and taking her plunder. And it will be the wages for his army. I have given him the land of Egypt as his recompense for which he labored, because they worked for Me,' declares the Lord GOD."

Ezekiel's prophecies emphasize the sovereignty of God over the nations and His use of Babylon as an instrument of judgment against Egypt. The imagery used by Ezekiel often portrays Egypt as a once-mighty power that will be humbled and brought low by the Babylonian forces.

Historical Context

The historical context of these prophecies is crucial. Egypt, under Pharaoh Necho II, sought to expand its influence in the region, often clashing with Babylonian interests. The defeat at Carchemish in 605 BC marked a turning point, as Babylon asserted its dominance over the region, fulfilling the prophetic words spoken by Jeremiah and Ezekiel.

These prophecies serve as a testament to the fulfillment of God's word and His control over the rise and fall of nations. The destruction of Egypt's armies by Babylon is a vivid illustration of divine judgment and the unfolding of God's plan in history, as recorded in the biblical narrative.Jeremiah 46:2-12
Against Egypt, against the army of Pharaohnecho king of Egypt, which was by the river Euphrates in Carchemish, which Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon smote in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Hebrew Prophecies.
... Egypt, on the south, was also a mighty ... common denominator for this collection of
prophecies.". ... several interesting critical inquiries respecting the component ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter v the hebrew prophecies.htm

The Mystery
... what can Egyptian plagues be applied, but to Egypt? ... Respecting the great city, then,
the meaning is plain ... of Babylon is described in these prophecies; first, of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery.htm

Eusebius: Constantine. General Index.
... Egypt, Arian disturbance in, [3683]515, 5 [3684]20 ... churches, [3885]511; of wills,
[3886]546; respecting childless persons ... Prophecies of Christ's coming, [4131]573 ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/eusebius constantine general index.htm

The Seven Trumpets.
... more appropriately pertaining to other prophecies, the defence ... time in its fulfilment,
respecting the immediate ... spiritually called Sodom and Egypt, where also ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the seven trumpets.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... Cyaxares converted all the small feudal armies which had ... he dictated a summary of
all the prophecies delivered by ... eddies dying away on the frontiers of Egypt. ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

What is the significance of Egypt in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What was the meaning and purpose of the ten plagues of Egypt? | GotQuestions.org

How many Israelites left Egypt in the exodus? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus