The Egyptians, as described in the Bible, are the descendants of Mizraim, who was one of the sons of Ham, the son of Noah. This lineage is outlined in the Table of Nations found in Genesis 10:6, which states, "The sons of Ham: Cush, Mizraim, Put, and Canaan." Mizraim is traditionally understood to be the progenitor of the Egyptian people, and the name "Mizraim" itself is often used in the Hebrew Bible to refer to Egypt.

Historical Context and Geography

Egypt, known as "Mizraim" in Hebrew, is a significant nation in biblical history, located in the northeastern corner of Africa. It is characterized by the fertile Nile River Valley, which provided sustenance and prosperity to its inhabitants. The Egyptians developed one of the most advanced civilizations of the ancient world, known for its monumental architecture, hieroglyphic writing, and complex society.

Biblical Interactions with Israel

The Egyptians play a crucial role in the narrative of the Israelites. One of the earliest interactions is found in the account of Abraham, who journeyed to Egypt during a famine (Genesis 12:10-20). Later, Joseph, one of Jacob's sons, was sold into slavery and rose to prominence in Egypt, eventually becoming second in command to Pharaoh (Genesis 41:39-41). This position allowed him to save his family from famine, leading to the Israelites' settlement in Egypt.

The most significant biblical event involving the Egyptians is the Exodus. The Israelites, having grown numerous, were enslaved by a Pharaoh who "did not know Joseph" (Exodus 1:8). God called Moses to lead His people out of bondage, resulting in a series of plagues upon Egypt, culminating in the Passover and the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 12-14). The Exodus is a foundational event in Israelite history, symbolizing God's deliverance and covenant faithfulness.

Prophetic Literature and Egypt

Egypt is frequently mentioned in the prophetic books of the Bible. The prophets often speak of Egypt in terms of judgment and redemption. Isaiah prophesies against Egypt, warning of God's impending judgment due to their idolatry and pride (Isaiah 19:1-15). However, Isaiah also envisions a future where Egypt, along with Assyria and Israel, will worship the Lord together (Isaiah 19:23-25).

Jeremiah and Ezekiel also pronounce judgments against Egypt, emphasizing God's sovereignty over all nations. Jeremiah 46:25-26 declares, "The LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: 'Behold, I will punish Amon of Thebes, Pharaoh, Egypt, her gods and her kings, and those who trust in Pharaoh. I will deliver them into the hands of those who seek their lives, into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and his officers.'"

Symbolism and Typology

In biblical typology, Egypt often symbolizes bondage and the sinful world from which God delivers His people. The Exodus narrative serves as a type of Christ's redemptive work, where believers are delivered from the bondage of sin and death. The Apostle Paul alludes to this in 1 Corinthians 10:1-2, where he speaks of the Israelites' passage through the Red Sea as a form of baptism.

Cultural and Religious Influence

The Egyptians were known for their polytheistic beliefs, worshiping a pantheon of gods and goddesses. This religious system often stood in contrast to the monotheistic faith of the Israelites. The biblical narrative frequently highlights the futility of Egyptian gods, as seen in the plagues of Exodus, which demonstrated the LORD's supremacy over the gods of Egypt.

Throughout the Bible, Egypt serves as a backdrop for God's unfolding plan of salvation, illustrating both His judgment and mercy. The Egyptians, as descendants of Mizraim, are integral to the biblical account, providing context and contrast to the faith journey of the Israelites.Genesis 10:6,13,14
And the sons of Ham; Cush, and Mizraim, and Phut, and Canaan.
Nave's Topical Index

Egypt.
... The sons of Mizraim, son of Ham, who first found ... in all the wisdom of the Egyptians,
the only ... shelter to the desert, among the Midianite descendants of Abraham ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson iii egypt.htm

Chapter x
... apparently for the reason that the descendants are listed ... Now Mizraim, as pointed
out above in v.6, is ... Ludim," etc., must mean: "from the Egyptians sprang the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter x.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... Their head, chosen from among the descendants of Zadok, who had been the first high ...
seem to have borne a resemblance to the altars of the Egyptians: the author ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... The descendants of Rachel and her handmaid received as their inheritance the regions ...
war tactics were probably similar to those of the Egyptians, who were ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

What does it mean that God is Jehovah-Rapha? | GotQuestions.org

What was the purpose of the biblical sign gifts? | GotQuestions.org

What is Passover? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus