Topical Bible: Egypt: The Country of: Priests of

◄ Egypt: The Country of: Priests of ►

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Egypt, a significant nation in biblical history, is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures as a land of great power, wealth, and religious influence. The priests of Egypt held a prominent role in the religious and political life of the country, serving as intermediaries between the people and the pantheon of Egyptian deities.

Role and Influence of Egyptian Priests

The priests in Egypt were integral to the functioning of the state religion, which was polytheistic and centered around a multitude of gods and goddesses. They were responsible for performing daily rituals, maintaining temple complexes, and ensuring the favor of the gods upon the land. The priesthood was a highly organized and hierarchical institution, with the high priest, often referred to as the "First Prophet," wielding considerable influence.

In the biblical narrative, the priests of Egypt are depicted as powerful figures, often in opposition to the God of Israel. For instance, during the time of Moses, the Egyptian magicians and priests attempted to replicate the miracles performed by Moses and Aaron. In Exodus 7:11-12 , it is recorded: "Then Pharaoh summoned the wise men and sorcerers, and they also, the magicians of Egypt, did the same things by their magic arts. Each one threw down his staff, and it became a serpent. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs."

Interaction with Biblical Figures

The priests of Egypt are also noted for their interactions with key biblical figures. Joseph, the son of Jacob, rose to prominence in Egypt and married Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On (Heliopolis). This marriage is mentioned in Genesis 41:45 : "Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-paneah, and he gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, to be his wife. And Joseph took charge of all the land of Egypt."

The presence of a Hebrew figure like Joseph within the Egyptian priestly family highlights the complex relationship between the Israelites and the Egyptians. It also underscores the influence and status of the priesthood, as Joseph's marriage into this class signified his acceptance and integration into Egyptian society.

Religious Practices and Beliefs

The religious practices of the Egyptian priests were deeply rooted in the worship of gods such as Ra, Osiris, Isis, and Horus. Temples were the centers of religious life, and the priests were tasked with offering sacrifices, conducting ceremonies, and interpreting the will of the gods. The priests were also involved in the embalming process, which was a significant religious rite associated with the afterlife beliefs of the Egyptians.

The biblical account of the plagues in Egypt, as described in the book of Exodus, can be seen as a direct challenge to the authority and power of the Egyptian priesthood and their gods. Each plague systematically undermined the credibility of the Egyptian deities and demonstrated the supremacy of the God of Israel.

Cultural and Historical Context

The priesthood in Egypt was not only a religious institution but also a political and economic force. Temples owned vast tracts of land and were centers of learning and culture. The priests were often involved in advising the Pharaoh and played a role in the administration of the state.

In summary, the priests of Egypt were central to the religious, cultural, and political life of the nation. Their interactions with biblical figures and the challenges posed to them by the God of Israel are significant themes in the biblical narrative, illustrating the tension between the worship of the one true God and the polytheistic practices of the ancient world.

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Genesis 41:45
And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnathpaaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.
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Genesis 47:22
Only the land of the priests bought he not; for the priests had a portion assigned them of Pharaoh, and did eat their portion which Pharaoh gave them: why they sold not their lands.
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Library

Egypt.
... and priests to guide their worship; but these priests had very ... Moses was then sent
to Egypt to lead out the ... and wonders that were sent on the country were such ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson iii egypt.htm

The Further Adventures of Saint George.
... as an ambassador to the court of the magnificent Sovereign of Egypt, a country in
which ... stream, and held in especial reverence by the heathen priests of that ...
/.../the seven champions of christendom/chapter four the further adventures.htm

The Plagues of Egypt
... some juggling trick at which the priests in Egypt ... that particular time in that
particular country, to work a ... may become lice throughout all the land of Egypt.'. ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon x the plagues of.htm

The Friendship that was Between Onias and Ptolemy Philometor; and ...
... at Jerusalem, and might ordain Levites and priests out of ... castle that hath its name
from the country Diana; this ... that those Jews which dwell in Egypt may have ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 the friendship that.htm

An Enumeration of the High Priests.
... Whence it is a custom of our country, that no ... three; of whom thirteen officiated
as high priests in the ... day when our fathers departed out of Egypt, under Moses ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 an enumeration of.htm

That Many of the Sicarii Fled to Alexandria Also and what Dangers ...
... son of Simon, one of the Jewish high priests fled from ... to build a temple some where
in Egypt, and to ... God according to the customs of his own country; for that ...
/.../chapter 10 that many of.htm

How Shalmaneser Took Samaria by Force and How He Transplanted the ...
... were come out of the land of Egypt, and possessed ... out of the country called Cuthah,
which is a country of Persia ... him to send them some of those priests of the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 how shalmaneser took.htm

How Moses and Aaron Returned into Egypt to Pharaoh.
... by her, Gersom and Eleazer, and made haste into Egypt. ... despised by the Ethiopians,
and their country laid waste ... had said this, he commanded the priests to let ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 13 how moses and.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... as interpreters of their wishes the priests and the ... place regularly throughout the
whole of Egypt, down to ... occurs in those parts of the country where European ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

Letter clviii . To the Catholic Bishops of Egypt Sojourning in ...
... To the Catholic Bishops of Egypt Sojourning in Constantinople. ... bravely, and mindful
of that country which is ... and all the churches with their priests to rejoice ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leo/writings of leo the great/letter clviii to the.htm