The term "River of Egypt" is a significant geographical and historical reference in the Bible, often associated with the southern boundary of the Promised Land given to the Israelites. It is mentioned in several biblical passages, and its identification has been a subject of scholarly discussion.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 15:18 : "On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, 'To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates.'" This passage is part of the Abrahamic Covenant, where God delineates the land promised to Abram's descendants. The "river of Egypt" here marks the southwestern boundary of the land.

2. Numbers 34:5 : "Then the border will turn from Azmon to the Brook of Egypt, where it will end at the Sea." In this context, the "Brook of Egypt" is described as part of the boundary of the land allotted to the Israelites.

3. Joshua 15:4 : "It then passed along to Azmon, joined the Brook of Egypt, and ended at the Sea. This was their southern border." This verse describes the southern boundary of the tribe of Judah, again referencing the "Brook of Egypt."

4. 1 Kings 8:65 : "So at that time Solomon and all Israel with him—a great assembly from Lebo-hamath to the Brook of Egypt—observed the festival before the LORD our God for seven days and seven more days—fourteen days in all." This passage highlights the extent of Solomon's kingdom, from the northern to the southern boundaries.

Identification:

The "River of Egypt" is traditionally identified with the Wadi El-Arish, a dry riverbed or seasonal stream (wadi) located in the northeastern part of the Sinai Peninsula. This identification aligns with the term "Brook of Egypt" (Hebrew: נַחַל מִצְרַיִם, Nachal Mitzrayim), which suggests a smaller, less significant watercourse than the mighty Nile River.

Historical and Geographical Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, the "River of Egypt" served as a natural boundary between the land of Canaan and Egypt. It was a strategic and symbolic marker, representing the extent of the land under Israelite control or influence at various times in biblical history. The identification with Wadi El-Arish is supported by its geographical location, which fits the descriptions of the southern border of the Promised Land.

Theological Significance:

The mention of the "River of Egypt" in the context of God's covenant with Abraham and the territorial boundaries of Israel underscores the divine promise and the fulfillment of God's word to His people. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in granting the land to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as well as the importance of the land in the unfolding of biblical history.

In summary, the "River of Egypt" is a key geographical term in the Bible, marking the southern boundary of the land promised to the Israelites. Its identification with the Wadi El-Arish reflects its role as a natural and historical boundary in the ancient world.River of Egypt

RIVER OF EGYPT

See BROOK OF EGYPT.

River of Egypt

1. The Nile. (Genesis 15:18) [NILE]
2. A desert stream on the border of Egypt, still occasionally flowing in the valley called Wadi-l-Areesh . The centre of the valley is occupied by the bed of this torrent, which only flows after rains, as is usual in the desert valleys. This stream is first mentioned as the point where the southern border of the promised land touched the Mediterranean, which formed its western border. (Numbers 34:3-6) In the latter history we find Solomon's kingdom extending from the "entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt," (1 Kings 8:65) and Egypt limited in the same manner where the loss of the eastern provinces is mentioned. (2 Kings 24:7)

2975. yeor -- stream (of the Nile), stream, canal
... Of Egyptian origin; a channel, eg A fosse, canal, shaft; specifically the Nile,
as the one river of Egypt, including its collateral trenches; also the Tigris ...
/hebrew/2975.htm - 6k

The River of Egypt and Its Dragon, Contrasted with the Jordan.
... Sixth Book. 29. The River of Egypt and Its Dragon, Contrasted with the
Jordan. But that the Spirit in the inspired Scriptures is ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/29 the river of egypt.htm

The River of Egypt, Rhinocorura. The Lake of Sirbon.
... A Chorographical Century. Chapters 1-10 Chapter 8 The River of Egypt,
Rhinocorura. The Lake of Sirbon. Pliny writes, "From Pelusium ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 8 the river of.htm

Of the Meaning of the Sacrifice Abraham was Commanded to Offer ...
... In that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed will I give
this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river Euphrates: the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 24 of the meaning of.htm

A Great Part of South Judea Cut Off under the Second Temple. ...
... cannot but be observed, that these two places are placed, as it were, in parallel;
and whatsoever space lies between Ascalon and the river of Egypt, is excluded ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 3 a great part.htm

Ecdippa. Achzib. Joshua 19:29; Judges 1:31 Climax of the Tyrians.
... Of Amanah we shall speak by and by. "The river (saith R. Solomon upon the place)
is the river of Egypt."""And Chezib (saith Rambam) is the name of a place ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 65 ecdippa achzib joshua.htm

Egypt.
... Moses was then sent to Egypt to lead out the Israelites on their way back to ... were
such as to show that their gods were no gods; since their river, the glory of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson iii egypt.htm

The Plagues of Egypt
... Jehovah was the Lord and Master of the river on which the very life of Egypt depended.
He could turn it into blood. All Egypt was at his mercy. ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon x the plagues of.htm

A Description of the Sea-Coast, Out of Pliny and Strabo.
... it should be granted, that Pliny's measure extended so far, we might compute the
length of the land from the Sirbon, where also is the river of Egypt, to Sidon ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 10 a description of.htm

The Story of Moses, the Child who was Found in the River
... that at certain times the daughter of king Pharaoh"all the kings of Egypt were called
Pharaoh, for Pharaoh means a king"would come down to the river for a ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of moses the.htm

Joseph, a Servant, a Prisoner, and a Saint.
... dreamed a dream. He thought he stood by the river of Egypt, and saw seven
cows looking well kept and fat, came up out of the river. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter vii joseph a servant.htm

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