Jeremiah 46:25
The LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, said: “Behold, I am bringing punishment upon Amon of Thebes, and Pharaoh and Egypt and her gods and her kings, upon Pharaoh and those who trust in him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse highlights that God's judgment isn't just on the powerful leaders like Pharaoh, but also specifically targets Egypt's gods and kings, underscoring that all forms of human trust and power will ultimately be held accountable. It also strongly implies that those within Judah who put their faith in Egypt were making a grave mistake, trusting in a "broken reed" that would fail them.
This prophecy comes as part of Jeremiah's pronouncements against foreign nations, specifically detailing God's judgment on Egypt. The verses preceding this speak of Egypt's pride and impending defeat by the Babylonians, while those following emphasize the totality of this destruction and the ultimate scattering of the Egyptians. This verse specifically names Egypt's capital, Thebes (identified by its chief god Amon), its ruler Pharaoh, its gods, and its kings as targets of God's wrath, highlighting the futility of trusting in worldly powers.
Egypt was known for its powerful gods and revered kings. But God’s judgment isn't swayed by earthly might or divine claims.
Jeremiah declares that the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, is bringing punishment not only on Pharaoh and Egypt, but also on 'her gods' and 'her kings.' This is a direct challenge to the religious and political power structures of Egypt.
The Vanity of Idolatry
The Egyptians had a vast pantheon of gods, with Amon of Thebes (also called 'No-Amon') being a prominent deity. These idols were believed to offer protection and power. However, the Lord of hosts, the true God of all creation, declares their utter helplessness. Their gods will not be able to save them from His judgment.
Powerless Rulers
Similarly, the kings of Egypt, including Pharaoh himself, held immense authority. But in God's eyes, their crowns and armies are no match for His sovereign power. The prophecy underscores that no human authority, however grand, can stand against the Almighty.
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Why did God specifically mention 'all them that trust in him' after listing Pharaoh and Egypt? It points to a dangerous human tendency.
The verse concludes by stating that the punishment extends to 'Pharaoh and those who trust in him.' This phrase carries significant weight, especially given the historical context.
Judah's False Hope
Commentaries suggest that 'those who trust in him' likely refers to the people of Judah who looked to Egypt for military and political support against the Babylonians, rather than relying on the Lord. They saw Egypt as an invincible superpower, a broken reed that would ultimately fail them (as Isaiah 40:6 also warns).
A Divine Warning
God's judgment on Egypt is also a stark warning to His own people. Trusting in worldly powers, whether nations, armies, or even powerful leaders, is misplaced confidence. True security and deliverance come only from the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel. This prophecy serves as a call to repentance and a reminder to place all trust in Him alone.
Understand the original words
Tseba'ot · Hebrew Noun
A term that functions as a covenantal title, identifying the Almighty as the Commander of the armies of heaven, emphasizing His absolute sovereignty over all earthly and spiritual powers.
Elohei Yisrael · Hebrew Noun phrase
A title identifying the Creator as the specific God who entered into a unique, gracious covenant relationship with the descendants of Jacob.
paqad · Hebrew Verb
A term used in prophetic contexts to signal that God is about to perform a significant act of justice or intervention in history, often marking a turning point in judgment.
c. 664–525 BC
Late Period of Egyptian Independence
Egypt experienced a period of resurgence and independence under the 26th Dynasty, with rulers like Psamtik I and Necho II. This era saw Egypt reasserting its influence in the region, sometimes clashing with rising powers like Assyria and later Babylon.
605 BC
Battle of Carchemish
The Babylonian Empire, under Nebuchadnezzar II, decisively defeated the Egyptian forces led by Pharaoh Necho II at Carchemish. This battle marked the end of Egyptian dominance in the Levant and shifted the regional power balance heavily towards Babylon.
589–586 BC
Siege and Fall of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar II laid siege to Jerusalem, culminating in its destruction and the Babylonian exile of many Judeans. Egypt, though weakened, had previously encouraged Judean resistance, leading to Babylonian resentment.
c. 570 BC
Pharaoh Amasis II's Reign
Pharaoh Amasis II (Ahmose II) ruled Egypt during a complex period. He sought to strengthen Egypt internally and through alliances, but his reign also saw increasing pressure from the growing Persian Empire.
c. 590-570 BC— this verse
Jeremiah Prophesies Against Egypt
Jeremiah delivers prophecies, including chapter 46, denouncing Egypt. These prophecies occur in the context of Egypt's waning power, its past involvement in Judean affairs, and the looming threat of Babylonian and later Persian conquest. The mention of 'multitude of No' (Thebes) highlights the judgment on a major Egyptian center and its gods, including Amon.
550 BC
Rise of the Persian Empire
Cyrus the Great founded the Achaemenid Persian Empire, rapidly expanding its territories. This new, formidable power would eventually conquer Babylon and Egypt.
525 BC
Persian Conquest of Egypt
The Persian Empire, under Cambyses II, conquered Egypt, ending its independence and bringing it under foreign rule for an extended period. This fulfilled prophecies of Egypt's ultimate subjugation.
This passage directly parallels Jeremiah's prophecy by naming specific Egyptian cities and their idols as targets of God's judgment, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of His punishment on Egypt and its false gods.
Nahum 3:8This verse also speaks of the judgment of No-Amon (Thebes), highlighting that the 'multitude of No' mentioned in Jeremiah refers to this significant Egyptian city and its powerful deity, demonstrating a consistent prophetic theme of divine retribution against Egypt.
Isaiah 36:6Jeremiah 46:25 alludes to those who 'trust in Pharaoh,' which strongly echoes Isaiah's description of the 'broken reed' of Egypt that the people of Judah relied upon, showing the recurring danger of misplaced trust in earthly powers instead of God.
Jeremiah 44:30This verse directly addresses Pharaoh Hophrah by name, stating that God will deliver him into the hands of his enemies, providing a specific instance of the 'Pharaoh' mentioned in Jeremiah 46:25 who would face divine punishment and betrayal by those he trusted.
pulpitJeremiah 46:25: "The LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, saith; Behold, I will punish the multitude of No, and Pharaoh, and Egypt, with their gods, and their kings; even Pharaoh, and all them that trust in him:"
Verse 25. - The multitude of No; rather, Amen of No. Amon-Ra, or rather Amen-Ra, was the name adopted at Thebes (Homer's Thebes "of the hundred gateways," 'Iliad,' 9:383, called here "No," and in Nahum 3:8 "No [of] Anion") from the time of the eleventh dynasty, for the sun god Ra. Amen (A…
calvinJeremiah 46:25: "The LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, saith; Behold, I will punish the multitude of No, and Pharaoh, and Egypt, with their gods, and their kings; even Pharaoh, and all them that trust in him:"
- Dicit Jehova exercituum, Deus Israel, Ecce ego visito super multitudinem quae ab Alexandria, et super Pharaonem, et super Aegyptum, et super deos ejus, et super reges ejus, et super Pharaonem, et super eos, qui confidunt in ipso.
The Prophet speaks again in God's name, and sets God's…
This verse highlights that God's judgment isn't just on the powerful leaders like Pharaoh, but also specifically targets Egypt's gods and kings, underscoring that all forms of human trust and power will ultimately be held accountable. It also strongly implies that those within Judah who put their faith in Egypt were making a grave mistake, trusting in a "broken reed" that would fail them.
This prophecy comes as part of Jeremiah's pronouncements against foreign nations, specifically detailing God's judgment on Egypt. The verses preceding this speak of Egypt's pride and impending defeat by the Babylonians, while those following emphasize the totality of this destruction and the ultimate scattering of the Egyptians. This verse specifically names Egypt's capital, Thebes (identified by its chief god Amon), its ruler Pharaoh, its gods, and its kings as targets of God's wrath, highlighting the futility of trusting in worldly powers.
This prophecy comes as part of Jeremiah's pronouncements against foreign nations, specifically detailing God's judgment on Egypt. The verses preceding this speak of Egypt's pride and impending defeat by the Babylonians, while those following emphasize the totality of this destruction and the ultimate scattering of the Egyptians. This verse specifically names Egypt's capital, Thebes (identified by its chief god Amon), its ruler Pharaoh, its gods, and its kings as targets of God's wrath, highlighting the futility of trusting in worldly powers.
"The LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, said: “Behold, I am bringing punishment upon Amon of Thebes, and Pharaoh and Egypt and her gods and her kings, upon Pharaoh and those who trust in him." — This verse highlights that God's judgment isn't just on the powerful leaders like Pharaoh, but also specifically targets Egypt's gods and kings, underscoring that all forms of human trust and power w…
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