Topical Bible: Egypt: had Princes and Counsellors

◄ Egypt: had Princes and Counsellors ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Egypt, a prominent nation in biblical history, is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures as a land of wealth, power, and influence. It is depicted as a place with a structured hierarchy, including princes and counsellors, who played significant roles in its governance and interactions with the Israelites.

Princes of Egypt

The term "princes" in the biblical context often refers to individuals of noble birth or those holding high-ranking positions within the government. In Egypt, these princes were part of the ruling class, assisting the Pharaoh in the administration of the kingdom. Their influence is evident in several biblical narratives, where they are portrayed as key figures in decision-making processes.

One notable mention of Egyptian princes is found in the account of Joseph. After being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph eventually rises to a position of power in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh. In this capacity, he interacts with the princes of Egypt, who are part of the royal court. Genesis 41:37-38 states, "The plan seemed good to Pharaoh and all his officials. So Pharaoh asked them, 'Can we find anyone like this man, in whom is the Spirit of God?'"

Counsellors of Egypt

Counsellors in Egypt were advisors to the Pharaoh, providing wisdom and guidance on matters of state and policy. These individuals were often well-versed in the knowledge and traditions of Egypt, and their counsel was highly valued by the ruling class.

The role of counsellors is highlighted in the account of Moses and Aaron's confrontation with Pharaoh. When Moses and Aaron perform signs and wonders, Pharaoh's counsellors, including magicians and wise men, are called upon to replicate these acts. Exodus 7:11 records, "Then Pharaoh summoned the wise men and sorcerers, and they also, the magicians of Egypt, did the same things by their magic arts."

Egypt's Influence and Biblical Prophecies

Egypt's princes and counsellors are also mentioned in the context of biblical prophecies. The prophets often spoke of Egypt's downfall and the futility of relying on its wisdom and power. Isaiah 19:11-12 declares, "The princes of Zoan are mere fools; Pharaoh’s wise counselors give senseless advice. How can you say to Pharaoh, 'I am one of the wise, a son of eastern kings'? Where are your wise men now? Let them tell you and reveal what the LORD of Hosts has planned against Egypt."

These prophecies underscore the limitations of human wisdom and the sovereignty of God over the nations. Despite Egypt's might and the counsel of its leaders, the biblical narrative consistently points to the ultimate authority of God in the affairs of men.

Conclusion

Throughout the Bible, Egypt is depicted as a nation with a complex social and political structure, where princes and counsellors played crucial roles. Their presence in the biblical narrative serves as a backdrop for God's interactions with His people and His unfolding plan for redemption.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 12:15
The princes also of Pharaoh saw her, and commended her before Pharaoh: and the woman was taken into Pharaoh's house.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 19:11
Surely the princes of Zoan are fools, the counsel of the wise counsellors of Pharaoh is become brutish: how say you to Pharaoh, I am the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Gods of Egypt
... the less real, and their like might be encountered in the neighbourhood of Egypt.[***. ...
This mixed pantheon had its grades of nobles, princes, kings, and ...
/.../chapter ii the gods of egypt.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... only who were close to the frontiers of Egypt came under ... to believe that the armies
of these princes ever crossed ... We may well ask if they had also borrowed the ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... Pahurnofir, under the IIIrd dynasty; several princes of Hermopolis ... in some provincial
government office, had been often ... of vice-regency over the half of Egypt. ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

The Siege. (xxi, xxxii-xxxiv, xxxvii, xxxviii. )
... you, shall return to the land of Egypt.8. And ... but, if asked, to say that he had been
supplicating ... the Prophet obediently gave to the inquisitive princes and so ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/3 the siege xxi xxxii-xxxiv.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... his fate (462).* The chastisement of Egypt proved a ... eastern nomes of the Delta had
always constituted a ... mountains, and the sea, its princes probably exercised ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

Of Civil Government.
... although there is nothing they less perform than the duty of princes. ... Yet the Lord
declares in Ezekiel that he had given him the land of Egypt as his hire ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of civil government.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... of the Amorites,** and nothing remained to Egypt of the ... had formed an alliance with
the Syrian princes on the ... from them promises of help; he had already gone ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... and his men, without being called to account by the other princes (1 Samuel ... The number
of such caravans was considerable, for although Egypt had ceased to be a ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Purposes of God.
... justly considered as either wise or good, had he no ... of the kingdom, the governors,
and the princes, the counsellors ... your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt.5. Now ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xlvi purposes of god.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... If the hero of the dynasty who had conquered Egypt had not ventured to measure his
strength with the Median princes, and if he had courted the friendship not ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm