Topical Bible: Egypt: Called: House of Bondmen

◄ Egypt: Called: House of Bondmen ►

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Introduction

Egypt, a significant nation in biblical history, is frequently referred to as the "House of Bondmen" in the Scriptures. This designation highlights Egypt's role as a place of enslavement and oppression for the Israelites. The term underscores the period of bondage that the Israelites endured before their deliverance by God through Moses. This entry explores the biblical context and significance of Egypt as the "House of Bondmen," drawing from various passages in the Berean Standard Bible .

Biblical Context

1. Historical Background

Egypt, located in the northeastern corner of Africa, was a powerful and influential civilization in the ancient world. It is frequently mentioned in the Bible, both as a place of refuge and as a land of oppression. The Israelites' sojourn in Egypt began during the time of Joseph, who rose to prominence in Pharaoh's court (Genesis 41:41-43). However, over time, the Israelites became enslaved by a new Pharaoh who did not know Joseph (Exodus 1:8-14).

2. The Term "House of Bondmen"

The phrase "House of Bondmen" is used to describe Egypt in several biblical passages, emphasizing the harsh conditions and forced labor the Israelites experienced. In Deuteronomy 6:12, Moses warns the Israelites, "Be careful not to forget the LORD, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery." This reminder serves to keep the memory of their deliverance alive and to encourage faithfulness to God.

3. Significance in the Exodus Narrative

The Exodus narrative is central to understanding Egypt as the "House of Bondmen." The Israelites' cry for deliverance from their bondage reached God, who responded by sending Moses to lead them out of Egypt (Exodus 3:7-10). The plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt demonstrated His power and judgment against the oppressors (Exodus 7-12). The eventual liberation of the Israelites and their journey to the Promised Land is a pivotal event in biblical history, symbolizing God's faithfulness and redemption.

4. Symbolic Meaning

Beyond its historical context, Egypt as the "House of Bondmen" carries symbolic meaning throughout Scripture. It represents a place of spiritual bondage and sin from which God delivers His people. In the New Testament, the concept of deliverance from bondage is echoed in the salvation offered through Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul writes in Galatians 5:1, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free; stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery."

5. Remembrance and Warnings

The memory of Egypt as the "House of Bondmen" serves as a warning and a call to obedience for the Israelites. In Deuteronomy 8:14-15, Moses cautions them not to forget their past slavery and the mighty acts of God: "Then your heart will become proud, and you will forget the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery." This remembrance is intended to foster gratitude and reliance on God.

Conclusion

The designation of Egypt as the "House of Bondmen" is a powerful reminder of the Israelites' past oppression and God's redemptive power. It serves as a historical and spiritual symbol of deliverance, encouraging believers to remember God's faithfulness and to live in obedience to His commands.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 13:3,14
And Moses said to the people, Remember this day, in which you came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from this place: there shall no leavened bread be eaten.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 7:8
But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn to your fathers, has the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of slaves, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Unity of Revelation. 1 "Known unto God are all his Works from ...
... of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt" (Deut.7 ... Mary: "He shall be great,
and shall be called the Son ... And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvi the unity of.htm

Joseph and his Brethren
... And the name of the second called he 'Ephraim': For God ... and rose up, and went down
to Egypt, and stood ... came near to the steward of Joseph's house, and they ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/i joseph and his brethren.htm

The Passover: an Expiation and a Feast, a Memorial and a Prophecy
... you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.14 ... We have called the Passover
a sacrifice ... sprinkled on the door- posts and lintels, and so the house be safe ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the passover an expiation and.htm

The Section Chap. I. -iii.
... to Rufinus, all those in Palestine and Egypt who respected ... The occasion which had
called it forth with their ... thee ([Hebrew: vipdK]) from the house of bondmen ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the section chap i -iii.htm

John Chapter viii. 31-36
... that very nation, when making bricks in Egypt, also serve ... the servant abideth not
in the house for ever ... says: "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xli john chapter viii.htm

Chapter xliii
... For though in v.8 he is called na'ar ... the principal part of the animal food throughout
Egypt"; also that ... Before they ever get into the house, which appears to ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xliii.htm

The Oration of Moses at the Rehearsal of the Blessing and the ...
... of the earth shall see that thou art called by the ... shall lie with her: thou shalt
build an house, and thou ... And the LORD shall bring thee into Egypt again with ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/i the oration of moses.htm

John xiii
... [2021] Wherefore also when praising Noah, God called him not ... Again, when he dwelt
in the prison house, and was ... he brought them all down into Egypt, and repaid ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxxi john xiii.htm

A Treatise to Prove that no one Can Harm the Man who Does not ...
... whereas Judas although he had been called before him ... when the memorials of God's
benefits in Egypt were fresh ... court, and dwelling in a private house they would ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/a treatise to prove that.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... by his being with them in their sad state in Egypt and Babylon ... all kings thy glory;
and thou shalt be called by a ... and that the pots in the Lord's house shall be ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm