Tah'panhes, also known as Tahpanhes or Tehaphnehes, is an ancient city mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, located in the northeastern region of Egypt. It holds significant historical and theological importance, particularly in the context of the events surrounding the Babylonian exile and the flight of the remnant of Judah to Egypt.

Biblical References:

Tah'panhes is referenced in several passages of the Old Testament. One of the primary mentions is found in the book of Jeremiah. After the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC, a group of Judeans, fearing Babylonian retribution, fled to Egypt against the prophet Jeremiah's counsel. They settled in Tah'panhes, among other locations. Jeremiah 43:7-9 states: "So they entered the land of Egypt in disobedience to the LORD and went as far as Tahpanhes. In Tahpanhes the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: 'While the Jews are watching, take some large stones and bury them in the clay of the brick pavement at the entrance to Pharaoh’s palace in Tahpanhes.'"

This passage highlights the city's role as a refuge for the Judeans and serves as a backdrop for Jeremiah's prophetic actions, symbolizing the impending judgment upon Egypt and the futility of seeking refuge there.

Historical and Geographical Context:

Tah'panhes is identified with the modern archaeological site of Tell Defenneh, located near the Suez Canal. Historically, it was a significant frontier city in the eastern Nile Delta, serving as a military and administrative center. The city's strategic location made it a key point of interaction between Egypt and the nations of the Levant.

The city is also mentioned in Ezekiel 30:18 , which prophesies the downfall of Egypt: "At Tahpanhes the day will be darkened when I break the yoke of Egypt; there her proud strength will come to an end. She will be covered in clouds, and her villages will go into captivity." This prophecy underscores the city's symbolic representation of Egypt's power and its eventual subjugation.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

Tah'panhes serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God's commands. The flight of the Judeans to Egypt, despite divine warnings, illustrates a recurring theme in the biblical narrative: the temptation to rely on human alliances and strength rather than trusting in God's provision and protection.

The city's mention in prophetic literature also emphasizes the sovereignty of God over nations and His ability to execute judgment according to His divine plan. The events at Tah'panhes are a testament to the fulfillment of prophetic words and the unfolding of God's purposes in history.

In summary, Tah'panhes is a city of both historical and theological importance, serving as a backdrop for significant biblical events and prophecies. Its role in the narrative of the Judean remnant and its symbolic representation in prophetic literature highlight key themes of obedience, judgment, and divine sovereignty.Tah'panhes (5 Occurrences)

Jeremiah 2:16
The children also of Noph and Tahpanhes feed upon the crown of thy head.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 43:7
and they enter the land of Egypt, for they have not hearkened to the voice of Jehovah, and they enter unto Tahpanhes.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 43:8
And there is a word of Jehovah unto Jeremiah in Tahpanhes, saying,
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 43:9
Take in thy hand great stones, and thou hast hidden them, in the clay, in the brick-kiln, that 'is' at the opening of the house of Pharaoh in Tahpanhes, before the eyes of the men of Judah,
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 44:1
The word that hath been unto Jeremiah concerning all the Jews who are dwelling in the land of Egypt -- who are dwelling in Migdol, and in Tahpanhes, and in Noph, and in the land of Pathros -- saying,
(See RSV)

Tah'panhes (5 Occurrences)
Tah'panhes. Tahpanhes, Tah'panhes. Tahpenes . Multi-Version Concordance
Tah'panhes (5 Occurrences). Jeremiah 2:16 The children also ...
/t/tah'panhes.htm - 7k

Tahpanhes (7 Occurrences)

/t/tahpanhes.htm - 14k

Tahpenes (2 Occurrences)

/t/tahpenes.htm - 7k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus