Topical Encyclopedia
The biblical prophecies concerning Egypt's invasion 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 prophets convey God's judgment against Egypt for its idolatry, pride, and opposition to His people, Israel.
Jeremiah's PropheciesJeremiah, a prophet during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC, foretold the invasion of Egypt by Babylon. In
Jeremiah 46, the prophet delivers a message concerning Egypt, specifically addressing Pharaoh Necho and the Egyptian army. The prophecy is set against the backdrop of the Battle of Carchemish, where Babylon, under King Nebuchadnezzar, defeated the Egyptian forces:
"This is the word that the LORD spoke to Jeremiah the prophet about the coming of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to strike the land of Egypt: 'Announce it in Egypt, and proclaim it in Migdol; proclaim it also in Memphis and Tahpanhes: "Take your positions and get ready, for the sword devours those around you."'" (
Jeremiah 46:13-14).
Jeremiah's prophecy emphasizes the inevitability of Babylon's victory and the futility of Egypt's resistance. The imagery of the sword devouring those around underscores the comprehensive nature of the impending destruction.
Ezekiel's PropheciesEzekiel, a contemporary of Jeremiah, also prophesied about Egypt's downfall at the hands of Babylon. In
Ezekiel 29-32, a series of oracles are directed against Egypt, highlighting its arrogance and the judgment that would follow.
Ezekiel 29:19-20 states:
"Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: 'I will give the land of Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and he will carry off its wealth, seizing its spoil and taking its plunder. And Egypt will be the wages for his army. I have given him the land of Egypt as his reward for which he labored, because they worked for Me,' declares the Lord GOD." (
Ezekiel 29:19-20).
Ezekiel's prophecies further elaborate on the reasons for Egypt's judgment, including its reliance on false gods and its role as a false hope for Israel. The prophet uses vivid imagery to describe Egypt's desolation, comparing it to a broken reed that offers no support.
Historical FulfillmentThe prophecies concerning Egypt's invasion by Babylon were fulfilled during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar II. Historical records and archaeological evidence corroborate the biblical account of Babylon's campaigns against Egypt. The invasion marked a significant shift in the power dynamics of the region, with Babylon asserting dominance over Egypt and other neighboring nations.
The prophecies against Egypt serve as a testament to God's sovereignty over the nations and His ability to execute judgment according to His divine purposes. They also underscore the futility of relying on earthly powers and the importance of trusting in the Lord.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Jeremiah 46:13,24The word that the LORD spoke to Jeremiah the prophet, how Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon should come and smite the land of Egypt.
Torrey's Topical TextbookEzekiel 32:11
For thus said the Lord GOD; The sword of the king of Babylon shall come on you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Greater Prophets.
... place, we add here a few words respecting the nature ... a like series of prophecies
against Egypt (chaps.29 ... her die away; and the series of prophecies that follows ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxii the greater prophets.htm
The City of God. Index of Subjects.
... Fig-tree, a singular, of Egypt, [611]456 ... Hannibal, his invasion of Italy, and victories
over the ... Hosea, his prophecies respecting the things of the gospel, [858 ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books /the city of god index.htm
The Twelve Minor Prophets.
... the celebrated metropolis of upper Egypt, also called ... the second part belong the
prophecies contained in ... duty, adding glorious promises respecting the future ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxiii the twelve minor.htm
Bunsen's Biblical Researches.
... impelled to these or like conclusions respecting it, the ... bondage of moral evil, worse
than Egypt or Babylon ... the vast majority of the prophecies are acknowledged ...
/.../essays and reviews the education of the world/bunsens biblical researches.htm
The Sibylline Oracles.
... Prophecies of this calamity were prevalent among the ... The frequent references to Egypt
and Alexandria ... This concludes the oracular utterances respecting Rome. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the sibylline oracles.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
... dictated a summary of all the prophecies delivered by ... last eddies dying away on the
frontiers of Egypt. ... edifices which had suffered by the invasion, making war ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm
Resources
What is the significance of Egypt in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the meaning and purpose of the ten plagues of Egypt? | GotQuestions.orgHow many Israelites left Egypt in the exodus? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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