Topical Bible: Nile: Called Sihor

◄ Nile: Called Sihor ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The Nile River, one of the most significant and longest rivers in the world, holds a prominent place in biblical history and geography. In the Bible, the Nile is sometimes referred to as "Sihor," a name that appears in several passages, highlighting its importance in the ancient Near East and its influence on the people of Israel and surrounding nations.

Biblical References:

1. Sihor in Scripture:
· The name "Sihor" is mentioned in the context of the boundaries of the Promised Land. In Joshua 13:3, the Berean Standard Bible states: "from the Shihor east of Egypt to the border of Ekron on the north, all of it counted as Canaanite territory." This reference indicates the geographical extent of the land promised to the Israelites, with Sihor marking a significant boundary.
· In Jeremiah 2:18, the prophet questions Israel's reliance on foreign powers, using Sihor as a metaphor for Egypt: "Now what have you gained by traveling along the road to Egypt, to drink the waters of the Nile?" . Here, Sihor symbolizes the political and economic allure of Egypt, which often tempted Israel away from reliance on God.

2. The Nile in the Exodus Narrative:
· The Nile River plays a crucial role in the account of the Exodus. It was the site of the first plague, where God turned its waters into blood, as recorded in Exodus 7:20-21 : "Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD had commanded; in the presence of Pharaoh and his officials, he raised the staff and struck the water of the Nile, and all the water was turned to blood." This miraculous event demonstrated God's power over the natural world and His judgment against the gods of Egypt.

3. Symbolism and Significance:
· The Nile was not only a physical landmark but also a symbol of life and sustenance for Egypt. Its annual flooding provided fertile soil for agriculture, making Egypt a prosperous nation. In Isaiah 23:3, the Nile is associated with wealth and commerce: "On the great waters came the grain of the Shihor; the harvest of the Nile was the revenue of Tyre, and she became the marketplace of the nations" . This passage underscores the economic significance of the Nile and its impact on regional trade.

4. Prophetic Imagery:
· The prophets often used the Nile as a symbol of judgment and desolation. In Isaiah 19:5-6 , a prophecy against Egypt declares: "The waters of the Nile will dry up, and the riverbed will be parched and empty. The canals will stink; the streams of Egypt will dwindle and dry up." This imagery conveys the idea of divine retribution and the futility of relying on earthly powers.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The Nile River was central to the life and culture of ancient Egypt. It was revered as a divine entity, often associated with the god Hapi, who was believed to control its inundation. The river's predictable flooding cycle allowed for the development of a stable agricultural society, which in turn supported the growth of one of the world's earliest and most enduring civilizations.

In the biblical narrative, the Nile serves as a backdrop for God's interactions with Egypt and His people. It is a place of both refuge and judgment, reflecting the complex relationship between Israel and its powerful neighbor. The river's mention in various biblical texts highlights its enduring significance and the lessons drawn from its role in God's redemptive history.

Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 23:3
And by great waters the seed of Sihor, the harvest of the river, is her revenue; and she is a mart of nations.
Nave's Topical Index

Jeremiah 2:18
And now what have you to do in the way of Egypt, to drink the waters of Sihor? or what have you to do in the way of Assyria, to drink the waters of the river?
Nave's Topical Index