Topical Encyclopedia The term "pyramid" does not appear explicitly in the Bible; however, these ancient structures are often associated with Egypt, a significant location in biblical narratives. Pyramids, primarily built as monumental tombs for pharaohs and elite individuals, symbolize the grandeur and technological prowess of ancient Egyptian civilization. Their construction is traditionally dated to the Old and Middle Kingdom periods, with the most famous being the Great Pyramid of Giza.Biblical Context While the Bible does not directly mention pyramids, Egypt plays a crucial role in several biblical accounts. The Israelites' sojourn in Egypt, their enslavement, and the subsequent Exodus are central themes in the Old Testament. During their time in Egypt, the Israelites would have been familiar with the pyramids, as these structures were already ancient by the time of their enslavement. Joseph in Egypt The account of Joseph, found in Genesis 37-50, provides a significant connection between the Israelites and Egypt. Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, rises to become a powerful figure in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh. His administrative skills and God-given wisdom lead to the preservation of Egypt and surrounding nations during a severe famine. While the pyramids are not mentioned, Joseph's high status would have placed him in proximity to the centers of Egyptian power, where these monumental structures stood as symbols of the pharaohs' divine authority and eternal life. The Exodus The narrative of the Exodus, detailed in the book of Exodus, describes the Israelites' escape from slavery under the leadership of Moses. The pyramids, as part of the Egyptian landscape, would have been a backdrop to the Israelites' oppression and subsequent liberation. The Bible recounts the plagues and miracles that led to their release, emphasizing God's power over the gods of Egypt, which the pyramids, in part, represented. Symbolism and Interpretation In a biblical context, pyramids can be seen as symbols of human achievement and the desire for immortality, contrasting with the biblical teaching that eternal life is found through faith in God. The pyramids' grandeur and the labor required for their construction also reflect the oppressive systems that the Israelites experienced in Egypt. Archaeological and Historical Insights Archaeological studies of the pyramids provide insights into the historical and cultural backdrop of the biblical narratives set in Egypt. The construction techniques, religious beliefs, and social organization of ancient Egypt offer a deeper understanding of the environment in which biblical events unfolded. The pyramids, as part of this historical context, underscore the contrast between the temporal power of human rulers and the eternal sovereignty of God as depicted in the Bible. Conclusion While the Bible does not specifically mention pyramids, their presence in Egypt during the biblical era provides a rich historical and cultural context for understanding the narratives involving the Israelites' interactions with this ancient civilization. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A solid body standing on a triangular, square, or polygonal base, and terminating in a point at the top; especially, a structure or edifice of this shape.2. (n.) A solid figure contained by a plane rectilinear figure as base and several triangles which have a common vertex and whose bases are sides of the base. 3. (n.) The game of pool in which the balls are placed in the form of a triangle at spot. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia PYRAMIDpir'-a-mid puramis: Pyramids are mentioned in connection with the splendid monument reared by Simon Maccabeus in memory of his parents and brethren at Modin (1 Maccabees 13:28; compare Ant, XIII vi, 6). Josephus describes them as "very surprising, both for their largeness and beauty." There is nothing to show how the pyramid allotted to each was distinguished, whether by difference in size or by inscriptions. It is remarkable that in Scripture there is no allusion to the giant structures in Egypt; but these may have supplied the suggestion to Simon's mind. Library Volume ii. , Part B. The Memphite Empire Talmage -- a Bloody Monster The Burning ??sculapius; Tricks with Fire. The Conquest of Lydia. System of the Perat?? Explained Out of one of their Own Books. The World Turned Upside Down The Rise of the Assyrian Empire The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem The Death of the Blessed virgin Mary at Ephesus Yokes of Wood and Iron Thesaurus Pyramid... 3. (n.) The game of pool in which the balls are placed in the form of a triangle at spot. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. PYRAMID. ... /p/pyramid.htm - 7k Memphis (8 Occurrences) Pygarg (1 Occurrence) Obelisk Right (4703 Occurrences) Resen (1 Occurrence) Diamond (5 Occurrences) Pyre (1 Occurrence) Calah (2 Occurrences) Egypt (596 Occurrences) Resources Is Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs biblical? | GotQuestions.orgAre the pyramids mentioned in the Bible? Did the enslaved Israelites build the pyramids? | GotQuestions.org What is the all-seeing eye? | GotQuestions.org Pyramid: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |