Pharaoh פַּרְעֹה
Egyptian Pharaoh during Hezekiah's reign
Biography
This Pharaoh was the Egyptian ruler during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah (2Ki.18.21; Isa.36.6). When Judah was threatened by the Assyrian Empire, Hezekiah sought an alliance with Egypt, hoping to receive military support. However, the prophet Isaiah warned against relying on Egypt, comparing Pharaoh's support to a broken reed that would pierce the hand of anyone who leaned on it (Isa.36.6).
Isaiah also prophesied against Egypt, mocking the wisdom of Pharaoh's counselors and predicting that their advice would lead Egypt astray (Isa.19.11-14). He warned Judah not to seek refuge in Egypt or rely on Pharaoh's protection (Isa.30.2-3).
The specific identity of this Pharaoh is not provided in the Bible. However, based on the historical and archaeological evidence, some scholars suggest that he may have been Shabaka or Shebitku, rulers of the 25th Dynasty of Egypt (Nubian Pharaohs), who were contemporary with Hezekiah's reign and engaged in conflicts with the Assyrian Empire.
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 1 with study content2 Kings 1 verse
- 2 Kings 18:21
"Now, behold, you trust in the staff of this bruised reed, even in Egypt. If a man leans on it, it will go into his hand, and pierce it. So is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust on him."
Isaiah 4 verses
- Isaiah 19:11
"The princes of Zoan are utterly foolish. The counsel of the wisest counselors of Pharaoh has become stupid. How do you say to Pharaoh, “I am the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings?”"
Study Isaiah → - Isaiah 30:2
"who set out to go down into Egypt, and have not asked my advice, to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to take refuge in the shadow of Egypt!"
Study Isaiah → - Isaiah 30:3
"Therefore the strength of Pharaoh will be your shame, and the refuge in the shadow of Egypt your confusion."
Study Isaiah → - Isaiah 36:6
"Behold, you trust in the staff of this bruised reed, even in Egypt, which if a man leans on it, it will go into his hand and pierce it. So is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him."
Study Isaiah →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Strong's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | פַּרְעֹה | H6547L |