Topical Bible: Egypt: The Country of: Imports of

◄ Egypt: The Country of: Imports of ►

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Egypt, a prominent nation in biblical history, was known for its wealth and strategic location, which facilitated trade and the importation of various goods. The Bible provides several references to the imports that contributed to Egypt's prosperity and influence in the ancient world.

1. Grain and Foodstuffs: While Egypt was often a source of grain for other nations due to the fertility of the Nile Delta, there were times when Egypt itself imported food. During periods of famine, such as the one described in Genesis, Egypt became a central hub for grain distribution. Joseph, having risen to power in Egypt, managed the storage and distribution of grain, which attracted people from surrounding regions (Genesis 41:57: "And the people of all the earth came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine was severe in every land").

2. Linen and Textiles: Egypt was renowned for its fine linen, a product that was both exported and imported in various forms. The demand for high-quality textiles was significant, and Egypt's linen was a valuable commodity in trade with other nations.

3. Precious Metals and Stones: Egypt imported precious metals and stones, which were used in the construction of temples, palaces, and the adornment of the elite. The Bible mentions the wealth of Egypt in terms of gold and silver, which were often acquired through trade or tribute from other nations.

4. Spices and Incense: The importation of spices and incense was crucial for religious and ceremonial purposes. These items were highly valued in Egyptian culture and were often brought from distant lands, including Arabia and the regions beyond.

5. Timber: Due to the scarcity of quality timber in Egypt, the nation imported wood for construction and shipbuilding. The Bible notes the use of cedar and other woods, which were likely imported from Lebanon and other forested regions.

6. Livestock and Horses: Egypt was known for its horses and chariots, which were symbols of military strength. The importation of horses, particularly from regions like Canaan and beyond, is noted in the biblical narrative. In 1 Kings 10:28-29 , it is recorded: "Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and Kue; the royal merchants purchased them from Kue."

7. Cultural and Religious Influence: Beyond physical goods, Egypt also imported cultural and religious influences. The interaction with neighboring nations brought new ideas and practices, which were sometimes integrated into Egyptian society.

The biblical portrayal of Egypt as a land of abundance and a center of trade underscores its role as a significant player in the ancient Near Eastern economy. The imports of Egypt not only reflect its material wealth but also its interconnectedness with the broader world, as seen through the lens of biblical history.

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Genesis 37:25,36
And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spices and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.
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Library

Commerce
... who affected fashion or luxury in country districts specimens ... The foreign imports
were, with the exception of ... lentils, beans, and gourds from Egypt and Greece ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 12 commerce.htm

Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House ...
... the old highway along the sea-shore from Egypt up to ... he went, he encountered in city
or country the well ... these, there was tax and duty on all imports and exports ...
/.../sketches of jewish social life/chapter 4 travelling in palestineroads.htm

Chapter xxv
... assigned to "Havilah" the sandy regions east of Egypt. ... to be the well-known eastern
country and not ... her as resorting to an "oracle" imports heathenish notions ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxv.htm

That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party ...
... did not excuse them for going to Egypt or Assyria ... part of them, are yet in the country
not levied. ... considerations, which are alterable, but it imports a great ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section iii that the employing.htm

The Preface to the Commandments
... (2) It imports the relation of ... as a signal favour to Israel, that he brought them
out of such an idolatrous country. I brought thee out of the land of Egypt.'. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/1 3 the preface to the.htm

The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation
... before the plagues were sent upon Egypt?-see Exodus 4:21 ... turn yourselves, and live
ye.' This imports: First, the ... not die in a foreign, hostile country, but live ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter five the sovereignty of.htm

The Abrogation of the Saybrook Platform
... to Israel, after they came out of Egypt, was a ... prepare their minds for the separation
from the mother country. ... to supply the lack of English imports, and later ...
/.../chapter xi the abrogation of.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... It is remarkable that of the vast number of pious and enlightened mechanics who
adorn this country and feed its prosperity, so few read the extraordinary ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

The Sixth vision "On Earth"
... Ezekiel 36:8). The plague of hail in Egypt was real (Exodus 9:18-21). So is this. ...
It went with that dispersion into every country and nation under heaven. ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth vision on earth.htm

Concerning the Communion, or Participation of the Body and Blood ...
... kept in, remembrance of their deliverance out of Egypt. ... being the natural product
of that country; and so ... he come; insinuating, That this imports a necessary ...
/.../proposition xiii concerning the communion.htm