Topical Bible: Egypt: Celebrated For: Wealth

◄ Egypt: Celebrated For: Wealth ►

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Egypt, a prominent nation in biblical history, is frequently celebrated for its wealth and prosperity. This ancient civilization, located in the northeastern corner of Africa, is often depicted in the Bible as a land of abundance and riches, serving as a backdrop for significant biblical events and narratives.

Biblical References to Egypt's Wealth

The wealth of Egypt is first notably mentioned in the account of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers and eventually rose to power as the second-in-command to Pharaoh. During a severe famine, Egypt's wealth and resources became a source of salvation for many, including Joseph's own family. Genesis 41:56-57 states, "When the famine had spread over all the land, Joseph opened up all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians. For the famine was severe in the land of Egypt. And every nation came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine was severe over all the earth."

Egypt's prosperity is further highlighted during the Exodus narrative. The Israelites, enslaved in Egypt, were instructed by God to ask the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold before their departure. Exodus 12:35-36 records, "Furthermore, the Israelites acted on Moses’ word and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold, and for clothing. And the LORD gave the people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that they granted their request. In this way they plundered the Egyptians."

Symbol of Wealth and Power

Throughout the Bible, Egypt is often portrayed as a symbol of wealth and power. The prophets frequently referenced Egypt's riches when warning Israel against forming alliances with foreign nations. In Isaiah 31:1 , the prophet cautions, "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the abundance of chariots and in the multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD."

The allure of Egypt's wealth also serves as a test of faith for the Israelites. In Deuteronomy 17:16 , God commands future kings of Israel not to return to Egypt to acquire horses, a symbol of military strength and wealth: "But the king must not acquire great numbers of horses for himself or make the people return to Egypt to obtain more horses, for the LORD has said, ‘You are never to go back that way again.’"

Egypt in Prophetic Literature

In prophetic literature, Egypt's wealth is often depicted as fleeting and subject to divine judgment. Ezekiel 30:4 prophesies, "A sword will come against Egypt, and there will be anguish in Cush when the slain fall in Egypt, when her wealth is carried away and her foundations are torn down."

Despite its historical wealth and power, Egypt's role in biblical prophecy underscores the transient nature of earthly riches and the ultimate sovereignty of God over all nations.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 11:26
Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect to the recompense of the reward.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

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 Reaction against Egypt
... His entry into Egypt was celebrated by solemn festivities. ... was about to return, and
that the wealth of Naharaim would once more flow into Thebes as of old. ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

The Kingdom of Judah.
... Reigned 11 years and carried captive into Egypt. ... was repaired, the law found and
enjoined upon the people and the Passover celebrated. ... The Wealth and Luxury. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xiv the kingdom of.htm

Chastity the Chief Ornament of the True Tabernacle; Seven
... in booths, when I brought them out of Egypt: I am ... that the Feast of our Tabernacles
shall be celebrated to the ... the riches of the world than the wealth which is ...
/.../chapter i chastity the chief ornament.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... temple of Luxor, with the same wealth of details ... The celebrated lawsuit, some details
of which are preserved ... details of the internal history of Egypt, it would ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... Among the most celebrated names in ancient history, that ... Babylon in magnificence
and power: Egypt could boast ... the Nar-Khammurabi, the source of wealth to the ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

Dissension Between Theophilus Bishop of Alexandria and the Monks ...
... intent on the acquisition of wealth, and according ... these things were in progress
in Egypt John bishop ... in eloquence and became increasingly celebrated for his ...
/.../chapter vii dissension between theophilus bishop.htm

The Demoniac
... to the most esteemed saints and the most celebrated martyries ... of the youths of Antioch
for his beauty and his wealth! ... time I will make my way to Egypt, and see ...
/.../chapter vi the demoniac.htm

The Oracles.
... of the deserts of Africa, west of Egypt, about a ... carved in honor of an ancient and
celebrated prophet, and ... of the subject, and with his own boundless wealth. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter vi the oracles.htm

Matt. Ii. 2
... and having power to transfer their wealth openly into ... I ought to be crowned and
celebrated, and be ... Palestine plots, and Egypt receives and preserves Him that ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily viii matt ii 2.htm