Topical Bible: Egypt: Inhabitants of Superstitious

◄ Egypt: Inhabitants of Superstitious ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Egypt, a prominent nation in biblical history, is frequently depicted as a land deeply entrenched in superstition and idolatry. The Bible provides numerous accounts of Egypt's spiritual practices, often contrasting them with the monotheistic faith of the Israelites.

Historical Context

Egypt, located in the northeastern corner of Africa, was a powerful and influential civilization during biblical times. It was known for its advanced culture, monumental architecture, and complex religious system. The Egyptians worshiped a pantheon of gods and goddesses, each associated with various aspects of life and nature. This polytheistic belief system is evident in the numerous temples, rituals, and artifacts discovered by archaeologists.

Biblical References

The Bible frequently references Egypt's superstitious practices, often highlighting the contrast between Egyptian idolatry and the worship of the one true God by the Israelites. In the book of Exodus, the Lord demonstrates His power over the gods of Egypt through the ten plagues, each targeting specific deities and natural phenomena revered by the Egyptians. Exodus 12:12 states, "On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn, both man and beast, and I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD."

The prophet Isaiah also speaks against the superstitions of Egypt, prophesying the downfall of its idols and the futility of its diviners. Isaiah 19:3 declares, "Then the spirit of the Egyptians will be emptied out from among them, and I will confound their plans. They will resort to idols and spirits of the dead, to mediums and spiritists."

Cultural Practices

Egyptian religion was characterized by a belief in the afterlife, which led to elaborate burial practices and the construction of grand tombs and pyramids. The Egyptians believed that the deceased needed various items and spells to ensure a safe journey to the afterlife, as documented in texts like the "Book of the Dead." This focus on the afterlife and the reliance on magical incantations underscore the superstitious nature of Egyptian spirituality.

The Egyptians also practiced divination and consulted oracles to seek guidance from their gods. This reliance on supernatural insight is evident in the account of Joseph, who, through God's wisdom, interpreted Pharaoh's dreams when the Egyptian magicians and wise men could not. Genesis 41:8 recounts, "In the morning his mind was troubled, so he sent for all the magicians and wise men of Egypt. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but no one could interpret them for him."

Moral and Spiritual Implications

The Bible often uses Egypt as a symbol of worldly power and spiritual bondage, warning against the allure of its superstitions. The Israelites' exodus from Egypt is a central narrative of liberation from both physical and spiritual oppression. In Deuteronomy 18:9-12 , God instructs the Israelites, "When you enter the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead."

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of Egypt as a land of superstition serves as a cautionary tale against idolatry and the abandonment of faith in the one true God. Through the narratives and prophecies, the Bible underscores the futility of relying on false gods and the ultimate sovereignty of the Lord over all nations and their deities.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 19:3
And the spirit of Egypt shall fail in the middle thereof; and I will destroy the counsel thereof: and they shall seek to the idols, and to the charmers, and to them that have familiar spirits, and to the wizards.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Gods of Egypt
... who give themselves up to these superstitious practices. ... bed of the stream, and brought
yet closer to Egypt. ... revealed at night only to the inhabitants of earth ...
/.../chapter ii the gods of egypt.htm

But not yet About the Good to be Got from Martyrdom must we Learn. ...
... of unrighteous men, passed over to other gods, all its inhabitants should be ... may
lead forth in like manner from the Egypt of a most superstitious world, and ...
/.../scorpiace antidote for the scorpions sting/chapter ii but not yet.htm

Concerning Jonathan, one of the Sicarii, that Stirred up a ...
... in the days of Josephus, in that superstitious way of ... day, but lies ready for its
old inhabitants the Jews ... went from Alexandria [which was itself in Egypt, in a ...
/.../chapter 11 concerning jonathan one.htm

How God Works in the Hearts of Men.
... 3. Ancient writers sometimes manifest a superstitious dread of making a simple ... will
not let you go." The people come out of Egypt, and the inhabitants of a ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 4 how god works.htm

Cambyses.
... The inhabitants themselves have at all times been very ... Cambyses on this invasion
of Egypt, was present on ... we ought to call them, the superstitious feelings of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/chapter i cambyses.htm

His Earliest Oracles. (ii. 2-iv. 4. )
... O men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem ... Long ago in Egypt God chose Israel for
His child ... how tempting these Baalim were both to the superstitious prudence of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/1 his earliest oracles ii.htm

The Absurdity and Shamefulness of the Images by which the Gods are ...
... lie a huge ruin in thrice-wretched Egypt.". ... when involved in calamities, the
superstitious worshippers of ... and cities with all their inhabitants, sinking into ...
/.../exhortation to the heathen/chapter iv the absurdity and shamefulness.htm

Apion Book 1 Footnotes
... to have been the Israelites in Egypt, see Essay ... Nor perhaps were its constant
inhabitants, in the days ... Not their law, but the superstitious interpretation of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/against apion/apion book 1 footnotes.htm

How Claudius Restored to Agrippa his Grandfathers Kingdoms and ...
... sent an order to the president of Egypt to quiet ... called Alexandrians, have been joint
inhabitants in the ... to show a contempt of the superstitious observances of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how claudius restored.htm

The Blessing of God on Filial Piety.
... a place of safety, during the troubles in Egypt. ... to the silly requisitions of a
superstitious ancestor"deny ... the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxiii the blessing of.htm