Pharaoh פַּרְעֹה
Egyptian Pharaoh during Hezekiah's reign
Who is Pharaoh in the Bible?
Pharaoh in the Bible refers to the Egyptian ruler during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah, who sought Egypt's military alliance against the threat of Assyrian invasion (2 Kings 18:21; Isaiah 36:6). The prophet Isaiah strongly warned against this reliance on Egypt, famously comparing Pharaoh's support to "a broken reed" that would pierce the hand of anyone who leaned on it (Isaiah 36:6). Isaiah also mocked Pharaoh's counselors and prophesied that their counsel would lead Egypt astray (Isaiah 19:11-14), cautioning Judah not to seek refuge in Egypt or trust in Pharaoh's protection (Isaiah 30:2-3). While the Bible does not identify this Pharaoh by name, his significance lies in the narrative warning against trusting in human political alliances rather than relying on God's protection.
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
"Look now, you are trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him."
Isaiah 4 verses
- Isaiah 19:11
"The princes of Zoan are mere fools; Pharaoh’s wise counselors give senseless advice. How can you say to Pharaoh, “I am one of the wise, a son of eastern kings”?"
Study Isaiah → - Isaiah 30:2
"They set out to go down to Egypt without asking My advice, to seek shelter under Pharaoh’s protection and take refuge in Egypt’s shade."
Study Isaiah → - Isaiah 30:3
"But Pharaoh’s protection will become your shame, and the refuge of Egypt’s shade your disgrace."
Study Isaiah → - Isaiah 36:6
"Look now, you are trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him."
Study Isaiah →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | פַּרְעֹה | parĕʿōh | Paroh , a general title of Egyptian kings |