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Hophra

also known as: Apries, Wahibre Haaibre

This is the Pharaoh Hophra (called by the Greek historian Herodotus) king of Egypt (591-572 BC) in the time of Zedekiah, King of Judah (Jeremiah 37:5; 44:30; Ezek. 29:6, 7).

He reigned from 589–570 BC in the 26th dynasty of Egypt.

He attempted to protect Jerusalem from Nebuchadnezzar II’s invasion—sending troops to assist (Jeremiah 37:5; 34:21). However, the Egyptians were soon withdrawn due to the overwhelming force of the Babylonians. Subsequently, Jerusalem was destroyed after an 18 month-long siege (587 or 586 BC) and Jews were deported to Babylon.

Later Nebuchadnezzar II tried to invade Egypt (582 BC), but Hophra’s army was able to drive the Babylonians back. This is recorded in the Tahpanhes records.1

Hophra’s sister Ankhnesneferibre was made a new wife of the false god Amun at Thebes.

His son is Khedebneithirbinet II.

Hophra’s father is pharaoh Psamtik II, and his mother is Takhuit.

  1. Mohamed Abd El-Maksoud and Dominique Valbelle, “Une stèle de l'an 7 d'Apriès découverte sur le site de Tell Défenneh” [A stele from the 7th year of Apries, discovered at the site of Tell Defenneh], Revue d'Égyptologie (2013), Volume 64, pp. 1–13.

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