Topical Bible: Egypt: Called: Rahab

◄ Egypt: Called: Rahab ►

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Introduction

Egypt, a significant nation in biblical history, is often referred to by the poetic name "Rahab" in the Scriptures. This term is used metaphorically to describe Egypt's pride, strength, and eventual downfall. The name "Rahab" is derived from a Hebrew word meaning "proud" or "arrogant," and it is used in various contexts to depict Egypt's role and character in biblical narratives.

Biblical References

1. Isaiah 30:7 · In this passage, the prophet Isaiah warns the Israelites against seeking help from Egypt, describing the nation as ineffective and unreliable. The verse states, "Egypt’s help is futile and empty; therefore I have called her Rahab Who Sits Still." Here, "Rahab" symbolizes Egypt's boastful yet impotent nature, emphasizing the futility of relying on its power.

2. Psalm 87:4 · This psalm highlights the inclusion of various nations in God's plan, mentioning Egypt under the name Rahab. The verse reads, "I will mention Rahab and Babylon among those who know Me—Philistia, Tyre, and even Cush—'This one was born in Zion.'" In this context, Rahab represents Egypt as one of the nations that will ultimately acknowledge the sovereignty of God.

3. Isaiah 51:9 · The prophet calls upon the Lord to act as He did in the past, referencing the defeat of Egypt. The verse states, "Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake as in days of old, as in generations of long ago. Was it not You who cut Rahab to pieces, who pierced the dragon?" Here, Rahab is used to recall God's deliverance of Israel from Egyptian oppression, portraying Egypt as a defeated adversary.

Historical and Theological Context

Egypt, known for its ancient civilization and powerful empire, played a crucial role in the history of Israel. It was both a place of refuge and a land of bondage for the Israelites. The use of the name "Rahab" in the Bible serves to highlight Egypt's pride and the ultimate futility of its opposition to God's purposes.

Theologically, the depiction of Egypt as Rahab underscores the theme of God's sovereignty over nations. Despite Egypt's might and influence, it is portrayed as ultimately powerless against the divine will. This serves as a reminder of the futility of human pride and the certainty of God's plans.

Symbolism and Imagery

The imagery associated with Rahab often includes references to chaos and the sea, drawing on ancient Near Eastern mythology where Rahab is depicted as a sea monster or dragon. This symbolism is used to convey the idea of Egypt as a chaotic force subdued by God's power. The metaphor of Rahab as a dragon or sea monster emphasizes the dramatic nature of God's deliverance and the establishment of order over chaos.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of Egypt as Rahab provides a rich tapestry of meaning, illustrating themes of pride, power, and divine sovereignty. Through the use of this metaphor, the Scriptures convey the message that no nation, regardless of its strength, can thwart the purposes of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 87:4
I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 89:10
You have broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain; you have scattered your enemies with your strong arm.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Rahab's Faith
... We see faith dauntless in courage when Moses forsook Egypt, not fearing ... Rahab was
a sanctified woman. ... The minister called to see him, and said, "What are you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/rahabs faith.htm

A Nation that was Born in a Day.
... the family of Jacob left this land to go down into Egypt where Joseph ... So Joshua called
the priests, and told them to take up the Ark ... And Rahab was not forgotten ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xiv a nation that.htm

Hope for the Heathen
... covenant promise was first given, had been called to go ... I stretch forth Mine hand
upon Egypt, and bring ... By faith "Rahab perished not with them that believed not ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 31 hope for the.htm

Hebrews xi. 28-31
... them also to a recollection of the sufferings in Egypt. ... "By faith, the harlot Rahab
perished not ... For beheading is called "torturing." [3324] It was in their ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxvii hebrews xi 28-31.htm

The Memorable Hymn. "And when they had Sung an Hymn, they Went Out ...
... and five following Psalms, which were called the "Hallel ... went up concerning the hour
in which all Egypt was humbled ... chant indeed when they sang of Rahab cut in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/the memorable hymn and when.htm

How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The
... country about it; but they saved alive Rahab, with her ... that part of Idumea which
bordered upon Egypt and Arabia ... was at Bethsham, which is now called Scythopolis ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how joshua the.htm

The vineyard of the Lord
... a high honor to which Abraham was called"that of ... brought His chosen people out of
the land of Egypt. ... All who, like Rahab the Canaanite and Ruth the Moabitess ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/the vineyard of the lord.htm

On the Clause, and in one Lord Jesus Christ, with a Reading from ...
... The typical Jesus saved Rahab the harlot when she believed ... that I am not worthy to
be called an Apostle ... Egypt bears witness, which received the Lord while yet ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture x on the clause.htm

The Old Testament and Comparative Religion
... had a Babylonian origin, though some would trace it to Egypt. ... as having contended
with a great primeval monster, called in some passages Rahab, in others ...
/.../eiselen/the christian view of the old testament/chapter v the old testament.htm

The General Epistle of James
... to the Galatians his "wife" and called the Epistle ... of Bishop Sarapion of Thmuis in
Egypt, about AD ... substitute for godly works, Abraham and Rahab were justified ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xx the general epistle.htm