Topical Bible: Egypt: The Country of: Armies of

◄ Egypt: The Country of: Armies of ►

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Egypt, a prominent nation in biblical history, is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures as a land of formidable armies and military prowess. Throughout the biblical narrative, Egypt's military strength is depicted as both a source of refuge and a formidable adversary to the people of Israel.

Military Might and Chariots

Egypt's military capabilities are often highlighted through its use of chariots, which were a symbol of power and technological advancement in ancient warfare. The chariots of Egypt are mentioned in several key biblical events. In Exodus 14:7, Pharaoh's pursuit of the Israelites is described: "He took six hundred of the best chariots, along with all the other chariots of Egypt, with officers over all of them." This passage underscores the might and organization of the Egyptian military forces.

Egypt as an Adversary

Throughout the Old Testament, Egypt is frequently portrayed as an adversary to Israel. In 2 Chronicles 12:2-3, during the reign of Rehoboam, Shishak, king of Egypt, attacked Jerusalem: "In the fifth year of Rehoboam, because they had been unfaithful to the LORD, Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem with 1,200 chariots, 60,000 horsemen, and countless troops who came with him out of Egypt—Libyans, Sukkites, and Cushites." This invasion illustrates Egypt's military strength and its role as a threat to the kingdoms of Israel and Judah.

Egypt as a Place of Refuge

Despite its role as an adversary, Egypt also served as a place of refuge for the Israelites and other biblical figures. In 1 Kings 11:40, Jeroboam fled to Egypt to escape King Solomon: "Solomon sought to kill Jeroboam, but he fled to Egypt, to Shishak the king, and stayed there until Solomon’s death." Egypt's political and military stability made it a viable refuge for those seeking asylum from internal conflicts within Israel.

Prophetic Warnings and Alliances

The prophets often warned Israel against relying on Egypt for military alliances. In Isaiah 31:1, the prophet cautions, "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the abundance of chariots and in the multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD." This warning reflects the temptation for Israel to depend on Egypt's military strength rather than trusting in God's protection.

Symbol of Worldly Power

Egypt's armies are emblematic of worldly power and human reliance on military might. In Ezekiel 30:4, a prophecy against Egypt declares, "A sword will come against Egypt, and anguish will overtake Cush when the slain fall in Egypt, when their wealth is carried away and their foundations are torn down." This prophecy highlights the ultimate futility of relying on military power in opposition to God's will.

In summary, Egypt's armies are a recurring theme in the Bible, representing both a formidable force and a cautionary example of misplaced trust. The biblical narrative uses Egypt's military might to illustrate broader spiritual truths about reliance on God versus reliance on human strength.

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Exodus 14:7
And he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over every one of them.
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Isaiah 31:1
Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not to the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!
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Library

Egypt and Greece.
... however, overruled his wishes, and the armies commenced their march for Egypt. ... their
successors, were rebuilding the cities and reoccupying the country. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter ii egypt and greece.htm

How Judas Overthrew the Forces of Apollonius and Seron and Killed ...
... are not derived from the multitude in armies, but in ... to go into Persia, and collect
the taxes of that country. ... kingdom, as far as the bounds of Egypt, and of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how judas overthrew.htm

How the Soldiers, Both in Judea and Egypt, Proclaimed Vespasian ...
... kings, and will have further all the armies in the ... himself, that he should then have
that country for a ... against the uncertainty of fortune; for Egypt [23] is ...
/.../chapter 10 how the soldiers.htm

Psalm 105 Abridged God's Conduct of Israel, and the Plagues of ...
... He gave the sign, and noisome flies. Through the whole country spread; And frogs
in croaking armies rise. About the monarch's bed. ... The flower of Egypt died; ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/psalm 105 abridged gods conduct.htm

Redeemed Souls Freed from Fear.
... was a great country, and a rich country, for we ... the people of God: they constantly
referred to Egypt and the ... power was so tremendous that all the armies of the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/redeemed souls freed from fear.htm

Psalm 105. Abridged. God's Conduct of Israel, and the Plagues of ...
... the sign, and noisome flies Thro' the whole country spread; And frogs, in croaking
armies, rise About ... an angel's midnight stroke, The flower of Egypt dy'd ...
/.../watts/the psalms of david/psalm 105 abridged gods conduct.htm

Cambyses.
... of the soil, or climate, or atmosphere of Egypt which tends to ... been very subject
to this disease, and foreign armies marching into the country are always ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/chapter i cambyses.htm

How the Hebrews under the Conduct of Moses Left Egypt.
... was difficult to be traveled over, not only by armies, but by ... might not know of their
departure, for their country is near to that of Egypt; and thence it ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 15 how the hebrews.htm

Of the Holy Men who Flourished About this Time in Egypt, Namely ...
... in Palestine, after being learned in Egypt, and Hilarion ... warrior, and the commander
of armies; but, accounting ... by the people, he was driven from the country. ...
/.../sozomen/the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter xiv of the holy men.htm

Egypt
... Again and again the Egyptian armies were defeated on ... campaigns were needed before
the country was thoroughly ... gates, and Taharka fled to Egypt, leaving Egypt in ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter v egypt.htm