Topical Encyclopedia The Egyptians are a significant people group mentioned throughout the Bible, known for their advanced civilization and interactions with the Israelites. Egypt, located in northeastern Africa, was a powerful nation in biblical times, often serving as a backdrop for pivotal events in the biblical narrative.Historical Context Egypt is one of the oldest civilizations, with a history that dates back to the early dynastic periods. The Bible often refers to Egypt as "Mizraim," a name derived from one of the sons of Ham, Noah's son (Genesis 10:6). The Egyptians were known for their impressive achievements in architecture, agriculture, and governance, with the Nile River playing a crucial role in their prosperity. Biblical Interactions 1. Abraham and Egypt: The first significant interaction between the Hebrews and the Egyptians occurs when Abram (later Abraham) travels to Egypt due to a famine in Canaan. Fearing for his life, Abram instructs his wife Sarai to say she is his sister. Pharaoh takes Sarai into his palace, but God afflicts Pharaoh's household with plagues, leading to Abram's departure (Genesis 12:10-20). 2. Joseph in Egypt: One of the most detailed accounts involving Egypt is the account of Joseph, who is sold into slavery by his brothers and taken to Egypt. Through God's providence, Joseph rises to become the second most powerful man in Egypt, saving the nation and his family from famine (Genesis 37-50). Joseph's account highlights themes of forgiveness, divine sovereignty, and redemption. 3. The Exodus: The most defining event involving Egypt is the Exodus, where God delivers the Israelites from slavery. The Egyptians, under Pharaoh's rule, subjected the Israelites to harsh labor. God calls Moses to lead His people out of Egypt, performing miraculous signs and plagues to compel Pharaoh to release them. The final plague, the death of the firstborn, leads to the institution of the Passover and the Israelites' departure (Exodus 1-12). 4. Egypt in Prophecy: Egypt is frequently mentioned in prophetic literature. The prophets often use Egypt as a symbol of worldly power and idolatry. Isaiah prophesies against Egypt, warning of God's judgment (Isaiah 19). Ezekiel also speaks of Egypt's downfall, emphasizing God's sovereignty over nations (Ezekiel 29-32). 5. New Testament References: In the New Testament, Egypt serves as a place of refuge for the Holy Family. After Jesus' birth, Joseph is warned in a dream to flee to Egypt to escape King Herod's massacre of infants (Matthew 2:13-15). This event fulfills the prophecy, "Out of Egypt I called My Son" (Hosea 11:1). Cultural and Religious Influence The Egyptians were polytheistic, worshiping a pantheon of gods and goddesses. Their religious practices and beliefs often stood in contrast to the monotheistic faith of the Israelites. The Bible frequently warns against adopting Egyptian customs and idolatry (Leviticus 18:3). Significance in Biblical Theology Egypt represents both a place of refuge and oppression in the biblical narrative. It serves as a backdrop for God's redemptive acts and His power over nations. The deliverance from Egypt is a central theme in Scripture, symbolizing God's salvation and covenant faithfulness. The Exodus event is commemorated annually in the Jewish Passover, pointing to the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ. Key Verses · Genesis 12:10-20: Abram's journey to Egypt. · Genesis 41:41: Joseph's rise to power in Egypt. · Exodus 12:31-32: Pharaoh's release of the Israelites. · Isaiah 19:1: Prophecy against Egypt. · Matthew 2:13-15: The Holy Family's flight to Egypt. The Egyptians, as depicted in the Bible, are a testament to God's sovereignty and His ability to use nations for His purposes, both as instruments of judgment and as places of refuge. Smith's Bible Dictionary Egyptians Egyptianthe native or natives of Egypt. Greek 124. Aiguptios -- Egyptian ... Definition: Egyptian. Word Origin from Aiguptos Definition Egyptian NASB Word Usage Egyptian (3), Egyptians (2). Egyptian. From ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/124.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 4713. Mitsri -- inhab. of Egypt... Word Origin from the same as Mitsrayim Definition inhab. of Eg. NASB Word Usage Egypt (1), Egyptian (18), Egyptian's (4), Egyptians (7). Egyptian, of Egypt. ... /hebrew/4713.htm - 6k 4714. Mitsrayim -- a son of Ham, also his desc. and their country ... Library The Egyptian Symbols and Enigmas of Sacred Things. The Greeks Drew Many of their Philosophical Tenets from the ... From the Ancient Monuments of the Egyptians, Persians, and Indians ... Egyptian Idolatry More Reasonable than Others. Recapitulation of Theologies and Cosmogonies; System of the ... The Age, Birth, and Life of Moses. The Boyhood and Training of Moses A Letter from Origen to Gregory. Of the Falseness of the History which Allots Many Thousand Years ... Immediately after These Points, Celsus, Imagining that the Jews ... Resources What does it mean that God is Jehovah-Rapha? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the purpose of the biblical sign gifts? | GotQuestions.org What is Passover? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Egyptians: Aid the Israelites Against the Chaldeans Egyptians: Alliances With, Forbidden to the Israelites Egyptians: An Enthusiastic Egyptian Instigated Rebellion Against Roman Government Egyptians: Conversion of, Foretold Egyptians: Descendants of the Mizraim Egyptians: Eligible to Membership in Israelite Congregation in the Third Generation Egyptians: Firstborn of Destroyed Egyptians: Hospitality of, to Abraham Egyptians: Intermarry With the Jews Egyptians: Invade the Land of Israel: Under Pharaoh-Necho Egyptians: Invade the Land of Israel: Under Shishak Egyptians: Oppress the Israelites Egyptians: Prophecies of Dispersion and Restoration of Egyptians: Pursue Israelites, and the Army of, Destroyed Egyptians: Refuse to Release the Israelites Egyptians: Refused to Eat With Hebrews Egyptians: Send the Israelites Away Egyptians: The Art of Embalming the Dead Practiced By Related Terms |
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