Topical Bible: Egypt: Celebrated For: Commerce

◄ Egypt: Celebrated For: Commerce ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Egypt, a prominent nation in biblical history, is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures for its significant role in commerce and trade. Its geographical location, fertile lands, and access to the Nile River made it a hub of economic activity in the ancient world. The Bible provides numerous references to Egypt's commercial prowess, highlighting its influence and interactions with neighboring nations.

Geographical and Economic Significance

Egypt's strategic position along the Nile River contributed to its prosperity and ability to engage in extensive trade. The Nile's annual flooding ensured fertile soil, allowing for abundant agricultural production. This agricultural surplus enabled Egypt to become a major exporter of grain and other goods, establishing itself as a vital player in regional commerce.

Biblical References to Egypt's Commerce

The Bible frequently alludes to Egypt's wealth and trade activities. In Genesis 41:57, during the time of Joseph, Egypt's grain stores became a lifeline for surrounding nations during a severe famine: "And all the countries came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine was severe in all the world." This passage underscores Egypt's role as a commercial center and its ability to provide for other nations in times of need.

In Ezekiel 27:7, Egypt's fine linen is mentioned as a valuable commodity in the trade networks of Tyre: "Fine embroidered linen from Egypt was your sail and served as your banner; your awnings were of blue and purple from the coasts of Elishah." This highlights the high demand for Egyptian goods and the nation's participation in international trade.

Egypt's Influence on Israel

Egypt's commercial strength also had a direct impact on the people of Israel. The Israelites' sojourn in Egypt, as described in the book of Exodus, was initially due to the economic opportunities available during a time of famine. However, this relationship eventually led to their enslavement, as noted in Exodus 1:11: "So they appointed taskmasters over them to oppress them with forced labor, and they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh."

Despite the eventual oppression, the initial migration to Egypt was driven by the nation's economic stability and abundance, illustrating the draw of Egypt's commercial success.

Prophetic Warnings and Judgments

The prophets often spoke of Egypt's wealth and commerce in the context of divine judgment. In Isaiah 19:1-15, the prophet foretells the downfall of Egypt's economy and the collapse of its trade networks as a result of God's judgment: "The waters of the Nile will dry up, and the riverbed will be parched and empty" (Isaiah 19:5). This prophecy serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly wealth and the sovereignty of God over nations.

Conclusion

Throughout the Bible, Egypt is celebrated for its commerce and economic influence. Its fertile lands, strategic location, and abundant resources made it a key player in the ancient world's trade networks. The biblical narrative reflects both the benefits and challenges of Egypt's commercial power, offering insights into the complex relationship between economic prosperity and spiritual fidelity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 41:57
And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 27:7
Fine linen with broidered work from Egypt was that which you spread forth to be your sail; blue and purple from the isles of Elishah was that which covered you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Reaction against Egypt
... fell naturally into one, and thus formed a continuous route, along which the caravans
of commerce, as well as ... His entry into Egypt was celebrated by solemn ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

The Nile and Egypt
... The perfumes and the odoriferous woods of the Divine Land were celebrated
in Egypt. A traveller or hunter, crossing the desert ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

the Legendary History of Egypt
... of the Ennead, like the formation of the land of Egypt, demanded centuries ... Ptolemy
Caesarion, the son of Julius Caesar and the celebrated Cleopatra, identified ...
/.../chapter iii -the legendary history of.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... Among the most celebrated names in ancient history, that of ... Babylon in magnificence
and power: Egypt could boast ... to the route by which the commerce of Babylon ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... The celebrated lawsuit, some details of which are preserved for us in a papyrus
of Turin ... Did we but know the details of the internal history of Egypt, it would ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

Concerning the Monks of Thebais: Apollos, Dorotheus; Concerning ...
... passing his life in the pursuits of commerce, retired in his ... Moses was celebrated
for his meekness, his love, and his ... as unlawful by the monks of Egypt, and I ...
/.../chapter xxix concerning the monks of.htm

Elucidations.
... customs prevail; so that in Egypt, Lybia, and ... contradicts emphatically; eg, the
Eucharist, celebrated after the ... has bathed: if from adulterous commerce, not at ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clement/the stromata or miscellanies/elucidations.htm

Jews.
... The western Jews inhabited Egypt, Judea, Italy, and ... their dexterity and success in
commerce, became very ... The celebrated Manasses Ben Israel had many interviews ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/jews.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... it passed the highroad of commerce which connected ... hospitality a political fugitive
from Egypt; he married ... Their wisdom was celebrated in Palestine like that ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

The Work Awaiting the Worker
... as Antioch in Syria and Alexandria in Egypt, flourished all ... outshine that of the
most celebrated Gentile conquerors ... eagerness and success to commerce; and with ...
/.../stalker/the life of st paul/chapter v the work awaiting.htm