Bible Commentaries

Verses 1-13

The Fate of Egypt

1-7. They disobey and go to Egypt.

7. Tahpanhes] see on Jeremiah 2:16.

Here ends the historical portion of the book, the remainder consisting of prophecies directed mainly against foreign nations.

8-13. Prophecy of the overthrow of Egypt.

9. In the clay in the brick-kiln] RV 'in mortar in the brickwork.'

11. Death] by famine or pestilence.

12. Nebuchadnezzar shall have no more difficulty in spoiling Egypt than has the shepherd in wrapping his outer garment about him after his labour.

13. Images] RV 'pillars,'RM 'obelisks.'

Beth-shemesh (Gk. 'Heliopolis,'Egyptian 'On') was a city of obelisks, two of which stood before the Temple of the Sun. Its site is about 10 m. NE. of Cairo.