Pharaoh Hophra

Overview

• Testament: Old
• Role: Egyptian pharaoh who became a false refuge for Judah
• Family: Pharaoh of Egypt
• Key Books: Jeremiah

Biography

Pharaoh Hophra ruled Egypt during the final years of Judah’s collapse. Judah’s leaders looked to Egypt as a possible escape from Babylonian domination, but Jeremiah warned that Egypt could not save them from the judgment God had decreed.

Jeremiah used Hophra as a sign that those who fled to Egypt would not be secure there: the LORD would give Pharaoh Hophra into the hand of his enemies.

Key Events

• Siege & Fall
• Flight to Egypt after Gedaliah’s murder
• Oracles Against Nations

Relationships

• Jeremiah - Prophet who warned against trusting Egypt
• Zedekiah - King tempted by Egyptian support

Important Verses

• Jeremiah 37:5-10
• Jeremiah 44:30

Cross-References

• Mentioned in: Jeremiah

Notes

Hophra represents the false hope of geopolitical rescue when covenant judgment has already been announced.