Topical Bible: Egypt: The Country of: Overflowed by the Nile River

◄ Egypt: The Country of: Overflowed by the Nile River ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Geographical and Historical Context:
Egypt, a prominent nation in biblical history, is located in the northeastern corner of Africa. It is characterized by the fertile Nile River valley and delta, which have been central to its agricultural prosperity and sustenance. The Nile River, often referred to as the lifeblood of Egypt, overflows its banks annually, depositing nutrient-rich silt that has historically supported the region's agriculture and economy.

Biblical Significance:
Egypt holds a significant place in biblical narratives, serving as both a place of refuge and a symbol of oppression. The land is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, where it is depicted as a powerful and influential kingdom.

The Nile River:
The Nile River is a critical feature of Egypt, often associated with the country's wealth and sustenance. In the Bible, the Nile is mentioned in the context of the plagues that God sent upon Egypt during the time of Moses. The first plague turned the waters of the Nile into blood, demonstrating God's power over the natural world and the Egyptian deities associated with the river (Exodus 7:20-21).

Egypt in the Patriarchal Narratives:
Egypt is first introduced in the biblical narrative during the time of Abraham. Due to a famine in Canaan, Abraham and Sarah journeyed to Egypt, where they encountered Pharaoh (Genesis 12:10-20). This event marks the beginning of Egypt's recurring role as a place of refuge during times of famine.

Joseph and the Israelites:
The account of Joseph, a son of Jacob, highlights Egypt's role as a place of both refuge and eventual bondage. Sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph rose to prominence in Egypt, becoming second only to Pharaoh. His position allowed him to save his family from famine by bringing them to Egypt (Genesis 41:41-57). This migration set the stage for the Israelites' eventual enslavement and the subsequent Exodus.

The Exodus:
The Exodus is a pivotal event in biblical history, where God delivered the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. The narrative describes the harsh conditions of slavery under Pharaoh and the miraculous plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt to secure the Israelites' release (Exodus 1-12). The crossing of the Red Sea and the journey to the Promised Land are central to Israel's identity and faith.

Prophetic References:
Egypt is frequently mentioned in the prophetic books of the Bible. The prophets often used Egypt as a symbol of worldly power and idolatry, warning Israel against forming alliances with Egypt and relying on its strength instead of trusting in God (Isaiah 31:1). Despite its might, Egypt is also depicted as subject to God's judgment and sovereignty.

New Testament Mentions:
In the New Testament, Egypt is noted as the place where Joseph, Mary, and the infant Jesus sought refuge from King Herod's decree to kill all male children in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:13-15). This event fulfilled the prophecy, "Out of Egypt I called My Son," linking Jesus' early life to the history of Israel.

Cultural and Religious Influence:
Throughout biblical history, Egypt was known for its advanced civilization, monumental architecture, and religious practices centered around a pantheon of gods. The Israelites' time in Egypt exposed them to these influences, which later became points of contention as they struggled to maintain their distinct identity and faith in Yahweh.

Conclusion:
Egypt's role in the Bible is multifaceted, serving as a backdrop for significant events and theological themes. Its relationship with Israel is complex, marked by periods of refuge, oppression, and divine intervention. The narratives involving Egypt underscore God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His people throughout history.

Nave's Topical Index

Amos 8:8
Shall not the land tremble for this, and every one mourn that dwells therein? and it shall rise up wholly as a flood; and it shall be cast out and drowned, as by the flood of Egypt.
Nave's Topical Index

Amos 9:5
And the Lord GOD of hosts is he that touches the land, and it shall melt, and all that dwell therein shall mourn: and it shall rise up wholly like a flood; and shall be drowned, as by the flood of Egypt.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Canaan on Earth
... At a certain season the river Nile overflowed its banks, and covered ... In Egypt the
ground is almost entirely flat; and ... live thou in thy flat country, and enjoy ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/canaan on earth.htm

The Israelites
... still survive in modern forms; Arabic, which has now overflowed the rest of ... It would
seem that the Israelites entered Egypt when the country was governed ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

The Gods of Egypt
... Lady of Puanit, after the name of her native country. ... was nearest to men; and when
the river overflowed at the ... of the stream, and brought yet closer to Egypt. ...
/.../chapter ii the gods of egypt.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... whether attracted to Mesopotamia or to Egypt by the ... on the banks of the Euphrates
or the Nile, were obliged ... the Anti-Lebanon, which divide the country down the ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... still occurs in those parts of the country where European ... kind of vice-regency over
the half of Egypt. His granaries overflowed with corn, his storehouses were ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

Christ Teaching Liberality
... that you and I were travelling through Egypt"the land of ... And when the fields are
all overflowed with water, the ... as is the custom in that country still, and ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/christ teaching liberality.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... and Elam"or have fallen like Egypt and Southern ... the Tigris, swollen by the rains,
overflowed its banks ... of noble houses scattered over the country, each of ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... it, or to cast it into a river, as it ... the border of two worlds, allied moreover with
Egypt as well ... As the country produced gold in considerable quantities, and ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... as his fellow-official in the Nile Valley: the ... in distant parts, such as Syria or
Egypt, whom they ... conforming to the customs of the country, became assimilated ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... of success without the help of Judah, Tyre, and Egypt. ... beginning to be felt in the
country to the ... incessantly, the torrents and streams overflowed their banks ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm