Topical Bible: Egypt: Israel in Their Sojourn in It, Foretold

◄ Egypt: Israel in Their Sojourn in It, Foretold ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

The sojourn of the Israelites in Egypt is a significant event in biblical history, marked by divine prophecy and fulfillment. This period, which encompasses both the prosperity and subsequent enslavement of the Israelites, is rooted in God's covenantal promises and serves as a pivotal chapter in the narrative of Israel's formation as a nation.

Prophetic Foretelling

The sojourn in Egypt was foretold by God to Abraham, the patriarch of the Israelite nation. In Genesis 15:13-14, God reveals to Abraham in a vision: "Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years. But I will judge the nation they serve as slaves, and afterward they will depart with many possessions." This prophecy sets the stage for the events that would unfold in Egypt, highlighting both the period of affliction and the eventual deliverance and enrichment of Abraham's descendants.

Joseph's Rise to Power

The journey to Egypt begins with Joseph, one of Jacob's twelve sons, who is sold into slavery by his brothers. Through a series of divinely orchestrated events, Joseph rises to become the second most powerful man in Egypt, serving as Pharaoh's vizier. His position enables him to save Egypt and his own family from a severe famine. Genesis 41:41-43 describes Joseph's elevation: "Pharaoh also told Joseph, 'I hereby place you over all the land of Egypt.' Then Pharaoh removed his signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck. He had Joseph ride in his second chariot, with men calling out before him, 'Bow the knee!' So he placed him over all the land of Egypt."

Israel's Migration to Egypt

The migration of Jacob and his family to Egypt is a direct result of Joseph's position and the ongoing famine. In Genesis 46:3-4, God reassures Jacob, saying, "I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will surely bring you back again. And Joseph’s own hand will close your eyes." This divine assurance underscores the purpose of the sojourn as part of God's plan to transform Jacob's family into a great nation.

The Period of Enslavement

Initially, the Israelites prosper in Egypt, settling in the land of Goshen. However, as time passes, a new Pharaoh arises who does not know Joseph and perceives the growing Israelite population as a threat. Exodus 1:8-10 records this shift: "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.'" This leads to the enslavement and harsh treatment of the Israelites, fulfilling the prophecy of affliction given to Abraham.

God's Promise of Deliverance

Despite the oppression, God's promise of deliverance remains steadfast. The narrative of the Exodus, which follows the period of enslavement, is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant. The Israelites' eventual liberation from Egypt, led by Moses, is a foundational event that shapes their identity and relationship with God.

The sojourn in Egypt, as foretold and fulfilled, is a profound demonstration of God's sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to His promises. It serves as a reminder of the divine orchestration of history and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 15:13
And he said to Abram, Know of a surety that your seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not their's, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

"The Fullness of the Time"
... had revealed to Abraham the bondage of Israel in Egypt ... Lord went out from the land
of Egypt." Ex.12 ... As these returned to the places of their sojourn, they could ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 3 the fullness of.htm

The Patriarchs.
... Abraham had been told that his seed should sojourn in Egypt; and when the envious
sons of Israel sold their innocent brother Joseph, their sin was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson ii the patriarchs.htm

The Signs of the Redeemer's Return
... of the children of Israel from Egypt, and the ... did not profit by the announcements
of their prophets, nevertheless ... waiting for the Consolation of Israel" (Luke 2 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/chapter six the signs of.htm

Acts VII
... people who are in Egypt, and have heard their groaning, and ... wonders and signs in
the land of Egypt, and in ... Moses who said to the children of Israel, A prophet ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts vii.htm

"We have Seen his Star"
... He who had rained manna from heaven for Israel and had ... Lord supplied the means for
the journey into Egypt and the ... Their gift was the first that was laid at His ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 6 we have seen.htm

Refutation of the Jews
... before our very eyes, here in Egypt; and thereby ... see the heathen forsaking idols
and setting their hopes through Christ on the God of Israel; why do ...
/.../athanasius/on the incarnation of the word/chapter 6 refutation of the.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... have rivalled Babylon in magnificence and power: Egypt could boast ... of man and to
his long sojourn on the ... and afford us no data for guessing their dimensions. ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

Interpretation of Prophecy.
... the Old Testament prophets make of the events of the past history of Israel; that
is, to their habit of ... When Israel journeyed from Egypt to Palestine ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxviii interpretation of prophecy.htm

Scriptural Types.
... of their houses when the destroyer passed through Egypt; the opening ... over him all
the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm

The Apocalypse of Baruch.
... Christ should be not only the glory of Israel, but, as ... to inherit His glory: this
was to be their privilege; they ... that the period of affliction in Egypt was to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the apocalypse of baruch.htm