Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction:Egypt, a significant nation in biblical history, is often referred to as "The Land of Ham" in the Scriptures. This designation is rooted in the genealogical accounts found in the Bible, where Ham is identified as one of the sons of Noah. Egypt's historical and theological importance is underscored by its frequent mention throughout the biblical narrative, serving as a backdrop for pivotal events and as a symbol of both refuge and oppression.
Biblical References:The term "The Land of Ham" is explicitly mentioned in the Psalms.
Psalm 105:23 states, "Then Israel entered Egypt; Jacob dwelt in the land of Ham." Similarly,
Psalm 106:22 refers to "wondrous works in the land of Ham, awesome deeds by the Red Sea." These references highlight Egypt's role as a place of both divine intervention and historical significance for the Israelites.
Genealogical Context:The association of Egypt with Ham originates from the Table of Nations in
Genesis 10, where Ham is listed as one of Noah's three sons. Ham's descendants are said to have populated parts of Africa and the Near East.
Genesis 10:6 states, "The sons of Ham: Cush, Mizraim, Put, and Canaan." Mizraim is traditionally understood to be the ancestor of the Egyptians, thus linking Egypt directly to Ham.
Historical and Theological Significance:Egypt's role in biblical history is multifaceted. It served as a place of refuge for Abraham during a famine (
Genesis 12:10-20) and later for Joseph and his family, which led to the Israelites' eventual enslavement (Genesis 46-50). The Exodus narrative, a foundational event in Israelite history, describes the deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage under Moses' leadership (Exodus 1-14).
Egypt is also depicted as a land of great power and wealth, often symbolizing worldly strength and idolatry. The prophets frequently warned Israel against relying on Egypt for military alliances, emphasizing trust in God over foreign powers (
Isaiah 31:1,
Ezekiel 29-32).
Prophetic and Eschatological Themes:Prophecies concerning Egypt are found throughout the Old Testament, often portraying it as an object of divine judgment due to its idolatry and opposition to God's people.
Isaiah 19 and
Ezekiel 29-32 contain oracles against Egypt, predicting its downfall and eventual restoration. These prophecies underscore the theme of God's sovereignty over nations and His ultimate plan for redemption.
New Testament References:In the New Testament, Egypt is mentioned in the context of Jesus' early life. Following Herod's decree to kill all male infants in Bethlehem, Joseph and Mary fled to Egypt with the infant Jesus, fulfilling the prophecy, "Out of Egypt I called My Son" (
Matthew 2:15, referencing
Hosea 11:1). This event highlights Egypt's role as a place of refuge and God's providential care in the unfolding of salvation history.
Conclusion:While Egypt is often depicted as a land of oppression and idolatry, it also serves as a place of refuge and divine intervention. Its complex role in biblical history reflects the broader themes of God's sovereignty, judgment, and redemption.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Psalm 105:23Israel also came into Egypt; and Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham.
Torrey's Topical TextbookPsalm 106:22
Wondrous works in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red sea.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Egypt.
... These are called pyramids, and have within them very small narrow ... Moses was then
sent to Egypt to lead out the Israelites on their way back to the land so long ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson iii egypt.htm
Psalm CV.
... Lastly, he at once expounds, how He called for the famine, saying, "He brake all ...
"Joseph also came into Egypt, and Jacob was a stranger in the land of Ham ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cv.htm
How Every Nation was Denominated from their First Inhabitants.
... 2. The children of Ham possessed the land from Syria ... For of the four sons of Ham,
time has not ... we who inhabit this country [of Judea] called Egypt Mestre, and ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how every nation.htm
The History after the Flood.
... Egyptians was also called Nechaoth, was first king of Egypt, and thus ... [612] And in
the land of Shinar ... and after him Tidal, king of the nations called Assyrians. ...
/.../theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/chapter xxxi the history after the.htm
Israel in Canaan.
... and pastures, it was truly a goodly land, and when ... fouler worship than the other
sons of Ham in Egypt. They had many gods, whom they called altogether Baalim ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson v israel in canaan.htm
The Promise.
... Ham's children got all the best regions; Nimrod, the ... the rich and beautiful valley
of the Nile, called Egypt. ... of cities, cultivators of the land, weavers and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson i the promise.htm
In Process of Tithe, that is to Say, in the Tenth Generation after ...
... his seed should be a stranger in a land not their ... Spirit being imparted to them:
for He was called the God ... all the earth, it chanced that in Egypt alone there ...
/.../the demonstration of the apostolic preaching/chapter 24 in process of.htm
The vineyard of the Lord
... was a high honor to which Abraham was called"that of ... God brought His chosen people
out of the land of Egypt. ... signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/the vineyard of the lord.htm
Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487.
... Drunkenness, spiritual, so called. See Inebriation. ... Egypt, ten plagues of, and meaning,
[316]375; land of Ham, [317]523; emblem of this world, [318]550. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/aron brother of moses 486.htm
The Testament of Simeon Concerning Envy.
... father, his second son; and my mother Leah called me Simeon ... And when we went down
into Egypt, and he bound me ... Then shall fail the land of Ham, and every people ...
/.../ii the testament of simeon concerning.htm
Resources
What is the significance of Egypt in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the meaning and purpose of the ten plagues of Egypt? | GotQuestions.orgHow many Israelites left Egypt in the exodus? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
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