Memphis

Founded around 3100 BC by Menes (Narmer), the city of Memphis allowed him to control the land and water routes between Upper Egypt and the Delta. By the Third Dynasty Memphis had become the administrative and religious center of all Egypt. The original name for the city was Ineb-Hedj, "the White Wall"- a name which referred to the white mudbrick wall built around the city by Menes. The Greek name of Memphis most likely came from the transliteration of the pyramid complex at nearby Saqqara which was called Mennefer ("the good place") or, in Coptic, Menfe.

Divided Kingdom Isaiah 19:13 - Isaiah announced God's judgement on Egypt, in part because the princes of Memphis were "deceived". Hosea 9:6 - Hosea predicted that the people of Memphis would be burying those Jews who had fled there for refuge.

Single Kingdom Jeremiah 2:16 - Jeremiah said the men of Memphis had "shaved the crown of your head", pointing to Judah's humiliating subjection to Egypt. Jeremiah 44:1 - Jeremiah delivered a message to those Jews living in Egypt, including those dwelling in Memphis. Jeremiah 46:14-19 - Jeremiah predicted the destruction of Memphis by the Babylonians. Ezekiel 30:13-16 - God threatened to destroy the idols and the leaders in the city of Memphis.

Most of the sphinxes found in the area have been moved away to museums, however one sphinx remains in Memphis. Just a short walk from the sphinx is the red granite statue of Ramses II. There is also a gigantic limestone statue of Ramses housed in a new building.

End Notes:
Lamar C Berrett, Discovering the World of the Bible, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Tennessee, 1979, p.66

Genesis 12 - 13