The relationship between the Israelites and the Egyptians is a complex narrative woven throughout the biblical text. From the time of Abraham to the Exodus and beyond, Egypt plays a significant role in the history of Israel. However, the Scriptures provide clear instructions regarding alliances with Egypt, often warning against such associations.

Historical Context

The Israelites' interactions with Egypt began with Abraham, who journeyed there during a famine (Genesis 12:10). Later, Joseph's rise to power in Egypt (Genesis 41) and the subsequent settlement of the Israelites in Goshen (Genesis 47:11) set the stage for the eventual enslavement of the Israelites (Exodus 1:8-14). The Exodus narrative marks a pivotal moment, as God delivers His people from Egyptian bondage, establishing a foundational event in Israelite identity.

Prohibitions Against Alliances

The Torah contains explicit prohibitions against forming alliances with Egypt. In Deuteronomy 17:16, God commands that the future kings of Israel must not lead the people back to Egypt to acquire horses, symbolizing military alliances and dependence: "But he must not acquire many horses for himself or send the people back to Egypt to acquire more horses, for the LORD has said, ‘You are never to go back that way again.’" This directive underscores a broader principle of reliance on God rather than foreign powers.

Isaiah 31:1 further warns against seeking help from Egypt: "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the abundance of chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen. But they do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD." This passage highlights the spiritual danger of trusting in human strength over divine provision.

Historical Instances of Alliances

Despite these prohibitions, there are instances where Israel sought alliances with Egypt. During the divided monarchy, both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah occasionally turned to Egypt for support against regional threats. For example, in 2 Kings 18:21, the prophet Isaiah rebukes Judah for relying on Egypt: "Look now, you are depending on Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff, which pierces the hand of anyone who leans on it! Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who depend on him."

King Solomon, known for his wisdom, also formed an alliance with Egypt by marrying Pharaoh's daughter (1 Kings 3:1). While this marriage brought political stability, it also introduced foreign influences that eventually led to idolatry and spiritual decline in Israel.

Theological Implications

The biblical injunctions against alliances with Egypt serve as a reminder of the Israelites' unique covenant relationship with God. They were called to be a distinct people, relying solely on Yahweh for their security and prosperity. The warnings against Egyptian alliances reflect a broader biblical theme of faithfulness to God and the dangers of syncretism and idolatry.

In summary, the biblical narrative consistently cautions the Israelites against forming alliances with Egypt, emphasizing reliance on God rather than foreign powers. These prohibitions are rooted in the theological conviction that God alone is the source of Israel's strength and salvation.Isaiah 30:2
That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt!
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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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Isaiah 36:6
See, you trust in the staff of this broken reed, on Egypt; where on if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all that trust in him.
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Ezekiel 17:15
But he rebelled against him in sending his ambassadors into Egypt, that they might give him horses and much people. Shall he prosper? shall he escape that does such things? or shall he break the covenant, and be delivered?
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Ezekiel 29:6
And all the inhabitants of Egypt shall know that I am the LORD, because they have been a staff of reed to the house of Israel.
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Egypt
... Shishak had no need of Israelitish alliances. ... Such were the Egyptians and such was
Egypt where the ... it was that intercourse with Egypt was forbidden, and the ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter v egypt.htm

Of Civil Government.
... defence of the frontiers; by leagues, the alliances which are ... But they are not only
forbidden to thirst for ... the pride of Tyre by the Egyptians; the insolence ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of civil government.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... of the Cilician Empire the small states were still intact, and occupied, as of old,
the territory comprising the ancient Naharaim of the Egyptians, the plateau ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

Answer to Eunomius' Second Book .
... For even as bulky Goliath, when he shook against the Israelites that ponderous spear
we read of, inspired no fear in his opponent, though a shepherd and ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/answer to eunomius second book.htm

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