Historical Context

Egypt holds a significant place in biblical history, particularly in relation to the nation of Israel. The narrative of Israel's sojourn in Egypt is a foundational element of the Old Testament, beginning with the account of Joseph and extending through the Exodus. This period is marked by both prosperity and oppression, shaping the identity and faith of the Israelites.

Joseph in Egypt

The account of Israel in Egypt begins with Joseph, the son of Jacob, who was sold into slavery by his brothers and taken to Egypt (Genesis 37:28). Through God's providence, Joseph rose to become the second most powerful man in Egypt, serving as Pharaoh's vizier. During a severe famine, Joseph's position allowed him to provide for his family, who came to Egypt seeking sustenance (Genesis 41:41-57). This migration set the stage for the Israelites' extended stay in Egypt.

Israel's Prosperity and Growth

Initially, the Israelites were welcomed in Egypt and settled in the land of Goshen, where they prospered and multiplied. Genesis 47:27 states, "Now the Israelites settled in Egypt in the region of Goshen. They acquired property there and were fruitful and increased greatly in number." This period of growth fulfilled God's promise to Abraham that his descendants would become a great nation (Genesis 12:2).

Oppression and Enslavement

Over time, a new Pharaoh arose who did not know Joseph and viewed the growing Israelite population as a threat. Exodus 1:8-10 records, "Then a new king, who did not know Joseph, came to power in Egypt. 'Look,' he said to his people, 'the Israelites have become far too numerous for us. Come, we must deal shrewdly with them, or they will become even more numerous, and if war breaks out, they will join our enemies, fight against us, and leave the country.'" Consequently, the Egyptians enslaved the Israelites, subjecting them to harsh labor and oppression (Exodus 1:11-14).

The Birth of Moses and the Exodus

In the midst of this oppression, Moses was born. Rescued from a decree to kill Hebrew male infants, Moses was raised in Pharaoh's household but later fled to Midian after killing an Egyptian (Exodus 2:1-15). God called Moses to lead His people out of Egypt, appearing to him in a burning bush and commissioning him to confront Pharaoh (Exodus 3:1-10).

The ensuing narrative of the Exodus is a pivotal event in Israel's history. Through a series of plagues, God demonstrated His power over the gods of Egypt, culminating in the Passover and the death of the firstborn (Exodus 7-12). Pharaoh finally relented, allowing the Israelites to leave. The crossing of the Red Sea marked their deliverance from Egyptian bondage (Exodus 14:21-31).

Theological Significance

The sojourn and subsequent Exodus from Egypt are central to Israel's identity as God's chosen people. This period illustrates themes of divine providence, deliverance, and covenant faithfulness. The Exodus is frequently referenced throughout Scripture as a testament to God's power and His commitment to His promises (Deuteronomy 6:21-23; Psalm 136:10-15).

Prophetic and Eschatological References

Egypt continues to appear in prophetic literature as a symbol of worldly power and opposition to God's people. However, prophecies also envision a future where Egypt, along with Israel and Assyria, will worship the Lord together (Isaiah 19:23-25). This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's redemptive plan for all nations.

Conclusion

The narrative of Israel in Egypt is a profound testament to God's sovereignty and faithfulness. It serves as a reminder of His ability to deliver His people from bondage and fulfill His promises, shaping the identity and faith of Israel for generations.Genesis 43:15
And the men took that present, and they took double money in their hand and Benjamin; and rose up, and went down to Egypt, and stood before Joseph.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Testament of Benjamin Concerning a Pure Mind.
... So Benjamin died a hundred and twenty-five years old, in a good old ... the ninety-first
year of the departure of the children of Israel from Egypt, they and ...
/.../xii the testament of benjamin concerning.htm

Israel in Canaan.
... Jebus, on Mount Moriah, between Judah and Benjamin; and close to ... he became ruler
and judge over Israel; but no ... Canaanites, but had once dwelt in Egypt, and then ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson v israel in canaan.htm

Israel, Therefore, Avoiding the House of his Brother, Sent Forward ...
... Israel died at the age of one hundred and eighty ... of pasturage, but Joseph and the
little Benjamin remained at ... him to merchants, who were on their way to Egypt. ...
/.../life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter x israel therefore avoiding.htm

The Mystery of the Lost Brother
... said to his father: "It is of no use for us to go to Egypt, unless we take Benjamin
with us ... And Israel said, "Why did you tell the man that you had a brother ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the mystery of the lost.htm

The Kingdom of all Israel.
... of the small but fierce tribe of Benjamin, was appointed ... with the great Shishak,
King of Egypt, where he ... have learnt the idolatries from which Israel had been ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vi the kingdom of.htm

Concerning Rehoboam, and How God Inflicted Punishment Upon Him for ...
... other large cities in the tribe of Benjamin, and walled ... The priests also that were
in all Israel, and the ... But God sent Shishak, king of Egypt, to punish them ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 concerning rehoboam and.htm

And After. (xxx, xxxi, xxxix-Xliv. )
... couplet quotes the deliverance of Israel from Egypt as a ... away isles(641): Who hath
scattered Israel will gather ... now by the banishment of her Benjamin; but hears ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/4 and after xxx xxxi.htm

Chapter xlvi
... children of Israel had come to Egypt there were ... that were the prevailing clans
throughout Israel's early history ... struck with the fact that Benjamin cannot have ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlvi.htm

The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs.
... [220] The story of Joseph's sojourn in Egypt is related ... His special work on earth
He is called the Angel that intercedes for Israel, a mediator ... Benjamin (chap. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the testaments of the twelve.htm

Light through Darkness
... of the south, and in the land of Benjamin, and in ... hand to bring them out of the land
of Egypt; which My ... that I will make with the house of Israel; After those ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 38 light through darkness.htm

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