Topical Bible: Egypt: The Armies of Described

◄ Egypt: The Armies of Described ►

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Egypt, a prominent nation in biblical history, is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures, often in the context of its military might and strategic significance. The armies of Egypt are depicted in various biblical narratives, reflecting both their power and their limitations.

Military Might and Chariots

The Egyptian army was renowned for its strength and advanced military technology, particularly its use of chariots. In Exodus 14:7, the Bible describes Pharaoh's pursuit of the Israelites with "six hundred of the best chariots, along with all the other chariots of Egypt, with officers over all of them" . This passage highlights the formidable nature of the Egyptian military, which relied heavily on chariots as a symbol of power and a tactical advantage in warfare.

Divine Intervention and Defeat

Despite their might, the Egyptian armies are often portrayed as ultimately powerless against the will of God. The most notable example is the parting of the Red Sea, where the Egyptian forces, in pursuit of the fleeing Israelites, are drowned as the waters return to their place (Exodus 14:28). This event underscores the theme of divine intervention, where human strength is rendered ineffective against God's sovereign plans.

Prophetic Warnings and Judgments

The prophets frequently issued warnings and judgments against Egypt, often focusing on its military. In Ezekiel 30:4, the prophet declares, "A sword will come against Egypt, and anguish will come upon Cush. When the slain fall in Egypt, her wealth will be carried away, and her foundations torn down" . Such prophecies highlight the vulnerability of Egypt's armies in the face of divine judgment, emphasizing that reliance on military power alone is futile.

Alliances and Reliance

Throughout the Old Testament, various nations, including Israel, are tempted to rely on Egypt's military strength for protection. Isaiah 31:1 warns, "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the abundance of chariots and in the multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD" . This admonition reflects the biblical perspective that true security comes from trusting in God rather than in human alliances or military prowess.

Historical Context and Influence

Historically, Egypt's military was a dominant force in the ancient Near East, influencing the political and military landscape of the region. The Bible's depiction of Egypt's armies serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly power and the ultimate authority of God over nations and their military forces.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 14:7-9
And he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over every one of them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Egypt and Greece.
... at last killed in battle, in the manner hereafter to be described. ... Xerxes, however,
overruled his wishes, and the armies commenced their march for Egypt. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter ii egypt and greece.htm

Egypt
... While the Assyrian armies were employed elsewhere, Psammetikhos shook ... The Lord shall
be known to Egypt, and the ... might be, the God who is described in the texts ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter v egypt.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... their sources in the region just described, have not ... had more fully occupied, was
retained for Egypt. ... Mysians, Dardanians, were the national armies of these ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... of bloody conflict, in which petty armies will fight ... Syria was in the condition just
described, and thus ... Chaldaea, Egypt, Assyria, and Persia presided in turn ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... that by which Tonuatamon, King of Napata, is persuaded to undertake the conquest
of Egypt. ... the domain of the hours of night; the god is there described as a ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

The Nile and Egypt
... the western extremity of the arc described by the ... Vainly did their victorious armies
follow the Nile for ... oblong, and slightly concave floor, with Egypt in its ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

the Legendary History of Egypt
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 1. <. ...
CHAPTER III."-THE LEGENDARY HISTORY OF EGYPT. THE ...
/.../chapter iii -the legendary history of.htm

Joshua's Conquest.
... their weakness together with that of Egypt and the ... abominations which they practiced
are described in Lev ... or preparedness of the contending armies can forecast ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter viii joshuas conquest.htm

Herodotus and Xenophon.
... Plan of Herodotus's tour."Herodotus visits Egypt."Libya and ... to present the scenes
and characters described as to ... himself in the command of armies, and in ...
/.../abbott/cyrus the great/chapter i herodotus and xenophon.htm

The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Typified in the Lives of ...
... the land of Goshen, the best in all Egypt; so when ... He is described as "of a beautiful
countenance, and goodly ... King shall be accompanied by "the armies in heaven ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/4 the fact of the.htm