Topical Bible: Egypt: The Country of: Famine In

◄ Egypt: The Country of: Famine In ►

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Egypt, a significant nation in biblical history, is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures as a place of refuge during times of famine. The fertile Nile Delta made Egypt a land of plenty, often providing sustenance when surrounding regions faced scarcity. This entry explores the instances and implications of famine in Egypt as recorded in the Bible.

Joseph and the Seven-Year Famine

One of the most notable accounts of famine in Egypt is found in the account of Joseph, the son of Jacob. Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, eventually rose to prominence in Egypt, becoming second in command to Pharaoh. His rise to power was divinely orchestrated to prepare for a severe famine. Pharaoh's dreams, interpreted by Joseph, foretold seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine (Genesis 41:29-30). Joseph's strategic planning during the years of plenty ensured that Egypt had enough grain stored to survive the famine and even provide for neighboring nations.

Genesis 41:54 : "And the seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had said. There was famine in every land, but throughout the land of Egypt there was food."

The famine's impact was widespread, affecting Canaan and prompting Jacob to send his sons to Egypt to buy grain (Genesis 42:1-3). This event led to the eventual migration of Jacob's family to Egypt, setting the stage for the Israelites' future enslavement and subsequent Exodus.

Abraham and Famine

Earlier in Genesis, another famine drove Abraham to Egypt. In Genesis 12:10 , it is recorded: "Now there was a famine in the land, so Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while, because the famine was severe." This journey to Egypt was marked by challenges, including Abraham's deception regarding his wife Sarah. Despite these difficulties, Egypt served as a temporary refuge during a time of need.

Isaac and Famine

Isaac, Abraham's son, also faced famine, though he was instructed by God not to go to Egypt (Genesis 26:1-2). This directive highlights Egypt's role as a place of refuge but also underscores the importance of divine guidance in times of crisis.

Egypt as a Symbol of Provision and Testing

Throughout the biblical narrative, Egypt is depicted as a land of both provision and testing. While it provided refuge and sustenance during famines, it also became a place of bondage for the Israelites. The dual nature of Egypt in the biblical account serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the importance of faithfulness amidst trials.

Prophetic References to Famine

Prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel also mention Egypt in the context of famine, often as part of divine judgment or as a symbol of reliance on human strength rather than God (Jeremiah 42:14-16, Ezekiel 29:8-10). These references serve as warnings against placing trust in earthly powers.

In summary, Egypt's role during times of famine in the Bible is multifaceted, serving as a place of refuge, a symbol of God's provision, and a backdrop for testing and judgment. The narratives involving Egypt and famine underscore the themes of divine providence, human agency, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

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Genesis 41:1
And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river.
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Acts 7:11
Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance.
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Library

A Prisoner who Became a Mighty Ruler
... So when the famine was over all the country, Joseph opened all the storehouses and
sold food to the Egyptians: but the famine was severe in the land of Egypt. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/a prisoner who became a.htm

The Removal of Joseph's Father with all his Family, to Him, on ...
... this dream, went on more cheerfully for Egypt with his ... lands of the priests, for
their country continued still ... And indeed this sore famine made their minds, as ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 the removal of.htm

Concerning the Famine that Happened in Judea and Syria; and How ...
... CHAPTER 9. Concerning The Famine That Happened In Judea ... very great calamities came
upon the country; whether they ... who had been made prefect of Egypt by Caesar ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 concerning the famine.htm

From Abraham to Egypt.
... three countries are of special interest, Chaldea, Egypt and Canaan. ... systems of canals
existed and the country was in a ... a record of the years of famine and the ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter iv from abraham to.htm

Joseph's Loyalty to his Family
... I myself will go down with you into Egypt; I will surely bring you ... said to Pharaoh,
"We have come to live in your country; because the famine is severe ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/josephs loyalty to his family.htm

The Story of Moses, the Child who was Found in the River
... of their love for Joseph, who had saved Egypt from suffering by famine. ... Egypt had
now become his enemy, Moses went away from Egypt into a country in Arabia ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of moses the.htm

On the Holy Ghost and his Descent Upon the Apostles
... Now it happened years after this that there was a famine in the country where Joseph's
father lived, and he sent all his sons down into Egypt to buy corn. ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 9 on the holy.htm

Abraham's Four Surrenders
... And not only that, but a famine has come, and I must get out of this country.".
Now, I don't believe that God sent Abram down to Egypt. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/men of the bible/i abrahams four surrenders.htm

On the Arrival of the Egyptians.
... wisdom was able both to foresee the famine and to ... These, O Egypt, are thy present
tales and wonders ... have named just now; by whom, O admirable country, thou art ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxxiv on the arrival.htm

How Joseph when He was Become Famous in Egypt, had his Brethren in ...
... of corn for the people of that country only, but ... might come, sent all his sons into
Egypt to buy ... of Canaan was grievously afflicted with the famine; and this ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how joseph when.htm