Topical Bible: Egypt: Called: The South

◄ Egypt: Called: The South ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Egypt, a significant nation in biblical history, is often referred to as "The South" in the Scriptures. This designation highlights its geographical position relative to the land of Israel. Egypt's role in biblical narratives is multifaceted, serving as a place of refuge, a symbol of oppression, and a representation of worldly power.

Geographical Context

Egypt is located in the northeastern corner of Africa, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Red Sea to the east. Its fertile Nile River valley made it a cradle of ancient civilization and a powerful kingdom during biblical times. The term "The South" is used to denote its position relative to Israel, which lies to the north of Egypt.

Biblical References

1. Isaiah 30:6 · "An oracle concerning the beasts of the Negev: Through a land of hardship and distress, of lions and roaring lions, of vipers and darting snakes, the envoys carry their wealth on the backs of donkeys, their treasures on the humps of camels, to a people who cannot profit them." Here, the Negev, or the southern desert region of Israel, is mentioned in connection with Egypt, emphasizing its southern location.

2. Ezekiel 20:6 · "On that day I swore to them that I would bring them out of the land of Egypt into a land I had searched out for them, a land flowing with milk and honey, the glory of all lands." This passage reflects God's promise to deliver the Israelites from Egypt, which is situated to the south of the Promised Land.

3. Daniel 11:5 · "The king of the South will grow strong, but one of his commanders will grow even stronger and will rule his own kingdom with great authority." In this prophetic vision, the "king of the South" is often interpreted as a reference to the Ptolemaic rulers of Egypt, highlighting its southern position in relation to the Seleucid Empire to the north.

Historical and Theological Significance

Egypt's role in biblical history is complex. It was a place of refuge for Abraham (Genesis 12:10-20) and later for Joseph and his family during a time of famine (Genesis 46:1-7). However, it also became a land of bondage for the Israelites, leading to their eventual deliverance through the Exodus (Exodus 1-14).

Theologically, Egypt often symbolizes the world and its enticements, representing a place of spiritual bondage from which God's people are called to be free. The deliverance from Egypt is a central theme in the narrative of redemption, prefiguring the ultimate deliverance through Christ.

Prophetic and Eschatological Context

In prophetic literature, Egypt is frequently mentioned in the context of future judgments and restoration. Isaiah 19:19-25 speaks of a time when Egypt will turn to the Lord and be part of a triad of nations blessed by God, alongside Assyria and Israel. This eschatological vision underscores the hope of redemption and reconciliation for all nations, including those historically opposed to God's people.

Cultural and Political Influence

Throughout biblical history, Egypt was a dominant cultural and political force. Its influence extended into Canaan and beyond, affecting the geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East. The wealth and power of Egypt are often alluded to in the Scriptures, serving as a backdrop for various biblical events and prophecies.

In summary, Egypt, referred to as "The South," plays a pivotal role in the biblical narrative, symbolizing both refuge and oppression, and serving as a backdrop for God's redemptive work throughout history.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 13:19
The cities of the south shall be shut up, and none shall open them: Judah shall be carried away captive all of it, it shall be wholly carried away captive.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Daniel 11:14,25
And in those times there shall many stand up against the king of the south: also the robbers of your people shall exalt themselves to establish the vision; but they shall fall.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Great Part of South Judea Cut Off under the Second Temple. ...
... 10 Chapter 3 A great part of south Judea cut ... the Avites,"namely, from Gaza to the
river of Egypt. ... Hence the habitation of the Avites is called 'Hazerim'; who ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 3 a great part.htm

The Greek Kings of Egypt.
... Egypt, and Syria. It is only the two last of which we have to speak. The angel who
spake to Daniel called their princes the Kings of the North and South. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xvi the greek kings.htm

Egypt.
... "When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.""Hosea,
xi.1 ... year, when the snow melts upon the mountains far south, where is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson iii egypt.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... on the one side on the frontier of Egypt, on the ... a question whether it was not from
south Arabia that ... and whether it would not be more truthfully called Arabian ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

Philo's Account of the Ascetics of Egypt.
... [406] Egypt, exclusive of the cities ... The Lake Mareotis (as it is most commonly called)
lies in the northern part of the Delta, just south of Alexandria. ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xvii philos account of the.htm

Of the Holy Men who Flourished About this Time in Egypt, Namely ...
... They wore a covering on their heads called a cowl ... in Palestine, after being learned
in Egypt, and Hilarion ... near the town of Gaza, towards the south, and hard by ...
/.../sozomen/the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter xiv of the holy men.htm

The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert
... SOUTH OF HEBRON. ... refreshing themselves here they journeyed to a great city called
Heliopolis or ... When the children of Israel were in Egypt, the Egyptian priest ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xvi the flight into egypt.htm

How the Soldiers, Both in Judea and Egypt, Proclaimed Vespasian ...
... dry deserts of Libya; and on the south Siene, that ... that reaches to Syria, together
with that called the Egyptian ... And thus is Egypt walled about on every side. ...
/.../chapter 10 how the soldiers.htm

The Events which Happened at this Time to Dionysius and those in ...
... 2230] This ??milianus, prefect of Egypt, under whom ... speaks of them as the "so-called
(kaloumena) cemeteries ... all the unexplored country lying west and south of it ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xi the events which happened.htm

From the Talmud and Hebraica
... Chapter 8 The River of Egypt, Rhinocorura. The Lake of Sirbon. ... Chapter 12 The
South Country. Judea called 'the South,' in respect of Galilee. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/