In the biblical context, Egypt holds a significant place not only as a geographical and political entity but also as a cultural and social milieu where various customs, including modes of entertaining, are depicted. The Bible provides glimpses into the Egyptian way of life, including their hospitality and social gatherings, which can be observed through various narratives and accounts.

Hospitality and Feasting

The Egyptians were known for their hospitality, a trait that is evident in the account of Joseph. When Joseph, who had risen to power in Egypt, invited his brothers to dine with him, the event was marked by a grand feast. Genesis 43:32-34 describes the setting: "They served him by himself, the brothers by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves, because Egyptians could not eat with Hebrews, since that was detestable to them. They were seated before him in order by age, from the firstborn to the youngest, and they looked at each other in astonishment. When the portions were served to them from Joseph’s table, Benjamin’s portion was five times larger than any of the others. So they feasted and drank freely with him."

This passage highlights several aspects of Egyptian entertaining: the importance of social hierarchy, the practice of serving food in a structured manner, and the abundance of provisions, as seen in the generous portion given to Benjamin. The separation of Egyptians and Hebrews during meals also underscores cultural distinctions and social norms of the time.

Cultural Practices and Social Norms

Egyptian feasts were often elaborate affairs, reflecting the wealth and sophistication of their society. The Bible, while not extensively detailing Egyptian customs, provides enough context to infer that their gatherings were occasions of significant social interaction and display. The Egyptians valued order and propriety, as seen in the seating arrangement of Joseph's brothers according to their birth order.

Moreover, the act of entertaining guests was not merely about providing food and drink but also about demonstrating status and hospitality. The Egyptians' ability to host lavish feasts was indicative of their prosperity and the central role of social gatherings in their culture.

Symbolism and Significance

In the biblical narrative, Egypt often symbolizes a place of refuge and abundance, as well as a land of temptation and idolatry. The mode of entertaining in Egypt, therefore, can be seen as a reflection of both the positive and negative aspects of Egyptian society. On one hand, it represents the provision and hospitality extended to Joseph and his family during a time of famine. On the other hand, it serves as a backdrop for the cultural and religious challenges faced by the Israelites.

The account of Joseph and his brothers in Egypt is a testament to the complex interplay of cultural exchange, social customs, and divine providence. The mode of entertaining in Egypt, as depicted in the Bible, offers insights into the values and practices of an ancient civilization that played a pivotal role in the history of the Israelites.Genesis 43:32-34
And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that is an abomination to the Egyptians.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Provinces.
... The white horses."The gold of India."Mode of gathering ... Amasis, king of Egypt, to
Polycrates ... of the plans which you have long been entertaining for extending ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/chapter v the provinces.htm

The Object of Theology
... at the same time prescribes the mode of performing ... The necessity of entertaining
fixed and determinate ideas on ... thee out of the land of Egypt;" (Deuteronomy 5:6 ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/oration i the object of.htm

The Difference Between the Two Testaments.
... such doubts if we attend to that mode of divine ... them out of the land of Egypt; (which
my ... the commandments, belonged to the New Testament; entertaining the hope ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 11 the difference between.htm

Life of Jerome.
... through Palestine and Jerusalem, on to Egypt, where they ... but from the need of
entertaining persons of ... These constantly differed; and the only mode of deciding ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/iii life of jerome.htm

Homilies on the Statues.
... Abraham, rich but not covetous: entertaining angels, [470]349; tent ... to God,
[860]401, [861]407; mode of above ... prayer, [1389]356; oppressed in Egypt to increase ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homilies on the statues.htm

Testimonies of the Ancients in Favor of Eusebius.
... is that ecclesiastical writers often use this mode of expression ... do it on account
of his entertaining the impious ... he sojourned for quite a long time in Egypt. ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/testimonies of the ancients in.htm

Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ...
... sent from Egypt and all Thebais, according to their merit, and they won crowns from
God through their great patience under many tortures and every mode of death ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iv the age of.htm

An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality.
... These considerations may be applied to account for the mode in which immortality
is ... the Deluge, the destruction of Sodom, the plagues of Egypt and deliverance ...
/.../an essay on the scriptural.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... The mass of professed Christians, whose creed and mode of worship have been provided
by ... of them; yea, as it was with the ponds and pools of Egypt, they will be ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... a military life. He knew the mode in which plunder taken from the bodies
of the slain was divided by the conquerors:". 'Or as the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

Who is the king of the North in Daniel 11? | GotQuestions.org

Is there any evidence of the exodus? | GotQuestions.org

Who is the king of the South in Daniel 11? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus