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 begins with the account of Joseph, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, who was sold into slavery by his brothers and eventually rose to prominence in Egypt as a powerful official under Pharaoh (Genesis 37-50). This period marks the beginning of Israel's presence in Egypt, which would last for several centuries.

Israel's Sojourn in Egypt

The Israelites initially settled in the land of Goshen, a fertile region in Egypt, during a time of famine. Joseph's position allowed his family to find refuge and prosperity in Egypt (Genesis 47:11). Over time, the Israelites multiplied and became a significant population within the Egyptian borders. However, a change in leadership brought about a shift in their circumstances.

Oppression and Enslavement

A new Pharaoh, who did not know Joseph, came to power and perceived the growing Israelite population as a threat. In response, he subjected them to harsh slavery, forcing them to build cities such as Pithom and Rameses (Exodus 1:8-14). The Egyptians oppressed the Israelites with hard labor, yet the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread.

The Birth of Moses and God's Deliverance

During this time of oppression, Moses was born. Rescued from a decree to kill all 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 from the burning bush to lead His people out of Egypt (Exodus 3:1-10).

The Plagues and the Exodus

Moses, along with his brother Aaron, confronted Pharaoh with God's demand to let the Israelites go. Pharaoh's repeated refusals led to a series of ten plagues that devastated Egypt, demonstrating the power of the God of Israel over the Egyptian deities (Exodus 7-12). The final plague, the death of the firstborn, compelled Pharaoh to release the Israelites.

The Passover and Departure

The institution of the Passover marked the Israelites' departure from Egypt. God instructed them to sacrifice a lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood, sparing them from the final plague (Exodus 12:1-13). This event became a lasting ordinance for Israel, commemorating their deliverance from bondage.

Crossing the Red Sea

As the Israelites journeyed out of Egypt, Pharaoh's heart was hardened once more, and he pursued them with his army. God miraculously parted the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground, while the pursuing Egyptian forces were drowned as the waters returned (Exodus 14:21-28).

Significance in Biblical Theology

The Exodus from Egypt is a foundational event in Israel's history, symbolizing God's power to save and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. It is frequently referenced throughout Scripture as a demonstration of God's deliverance and a foreshadowing of the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ. The experience in Egypt and the subsequent liberation became a central theme in Israel's identity and worship, celebrated annually in the Passover feast.

Key Biblical References

· Genesis 37-50: Joseph's rise to power and the settlement of Israel in Egypt.
· Exodus 1:8-14: The oppression of the Israelites under a new Pharaoh.
· Exodus 2:1-15: The birth and early life of Moses.
· Exodus 3:1-10: God's call to Moses to lead Israel out of Egypt.
· Exodus 7-12: The ten plagues and the hardening of Pharaoh's heart.
· Exodus 12:1-13: The institution of the Passover.
· Exodus 14:21-28: The crossing of the Red Sea and the destruction of the Egyptian army.Exodus 12:31-33
And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both you and the children of Israel; and go, serve the LORD, as you have said.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Restoration of Israel is Only Made Possible by the Second ...
... the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; But, The ... led the seed of the House
of Israel out of the ... and from all countries whither I had driven them; and ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/3 the restoration of israel.htm

The Escape from Egypt
... Moses called together all the leaders of Israel, and said to ... they had brought with
them from Egypt, for there ... in it, because they had been driven out of Egypt ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the escape from egypt.htm

Israel in Egypt
... Affrighted Israel beheld her infuriated oppressor close at her rear ... of you; you think
you must be driven back again ... Better that I had died in Egypt than that I ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/israel in egypt.htm

But not yet About the Good to be Got from Martyrdom must we Learn. ...
... do not follow them after they be driven out from before ... certainly to whomsoever the
Lord God of Israel may lead forth in like manner from the Egypt of a ...
/.../scorpiace antidote for the scorpions sting/chapter ii but not yet.htm

Out of and Into
... very God who brought you from the Egypt of darkness ... the pressure of business before
night has driven out of my ... again what it was that kept Israel out of Canaan ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the deeper christian life/iv out of and into.htm

The Redeemer's Return is Necessitated by the Present ...
... out of the land of Egypt; But, the Lord liveth, that brought up the children of
Israel from the land of the north, and from all lands whither He had driven them ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/vi the redeemers return is.htm

Israel Returning
... drawn by His love, we might be driven by our ... who had experienced that in God, the
Israel, which by ... for help, nor to seek protection from Egypt's cavalry, nor ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/israel returning.htm

Achan's Sin, Israel's Defeat
... God's power to help, or hankers after Egypt, but because ... last hour of the wretched
troubler of Israel untouched ... strong to be captured; when He is driven from us ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/achans sin israels defeat.htm

Joshua's Conquest.
... their weakness together with that of Egypt and the ... Israel contended against a far
superior civilization but ... Canaanites and upon their being driven out of their ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter viii joshuas conquest.htm

Psalm CXIV.
... 2. "When Israel came out of Egypt, and the house of ... ver.1), "Judah was His sanctuary,
and Israel His dominion ... sea saw that and fled, Jordan was driven back" (ver ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxiv.htm

What is the significance of Egypt in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What was the meaning and purpose of the ten plagues of Egypt? | GotQuestions.org

How many Israelites left Egypt in the exodus? | GotQuestions.org

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