Topical Encyclopedia The River Nile, one of the most significant rivers in the world, holds a prominent place in biblical history and geography. It is the longest river in Africa and has been a lifeline for civilizations throughout history, particularly in Egypt. The Nile's mention in the Bible highlights its importance in the ancient world, especially in the context of the Israelites' sojourn in Egypt.The abundance of fish in the Nile is noted in the Scriptures, reflecting the river's role as a source of sustenance and economic activity. In the book of Numbers, the Israelites, during their wilderness journey, lament the loss of the variety of foods they enjoyed in Egypt, including the fish from the Nile. Numbers 11:5 records their complaint: "We remember the fish we ate freely in Egypt, along with the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic." The Nile's rich aquatic life was a vital resource for the Egyptians, providing not only food but also contributing to their economy through trade and commerce. The river's bounty is further underscored in the book of Isaiah, where the prophet speaks of the impending judgment on Egypt. Isaiah 19:8 states, "The fishermen will mourn, and all who cast hooks into the Nile will lament; those who spread nets on the water will pine away." This passage indicates the reliance of the Egyptian people on the Nile's fish and the devastating impact that any disruption to this resource would have on their livelihood. The Nile's significance is also evident in the plagues that God sent upon Egypt through Moses. The first plague, turning the waters of the Nile into blood, is recorded in Exodus 7:20-21 : "Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD had commanded; in the presence of Pharaoh and his officials, he raised the staff and struck the water of the Nile, and all the water was turned to blood. The fish in the Nile died, and the river reeked so badly that the Egyptians could not drink its water. There was blood throughout the land of Egypt." This miraculous event not only demonstrated God's power over creation but also disrupted the natural abundance of the Nile, affecting the Egyptians' primary food source. The Nile's role as a provider of fish is emblematic of God's provision and the natural order He established. The river's life-giving properties are a testament to the Creator's design, sustaining both the people of Egypt and the Israelites during their time in the land. The biblical narrative of the Nile, with its abundant fish, serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between humanity and the natural world, as ordained by God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 7:21And the fish that was in the river died; and the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink of the water of the river; and there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezekiel 29:4 Library Chaldaean Civilization The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources How were Pharaoh's magicians able to perform miracles? | GotQuestions.orgIs there extra-biblical evidence of the ten plagues in Egypt? | GotQuestions.org Who was Aaron in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Nile: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics the River Nile: Abounded in Crocodiles the River Nile: Abounded in Fish the River Nile: Abounded in Reeds and Flags the River Nile: Annual Overflow of Its Banks Alluded To the River Nile: Called: The Egyptian Sea the River Nile: Called: The River the River Nile: Called: The Stream of Egypt the River Nile: Empties Itself Into the Mediterranean Sea by Seven Streams the River Nile: Remarkable Events Connected With: Its Waters Turned Into Blood the River Nile: Remarkable Events Connected With: Male Children Drowned In the River Nile: Remarkable Events Connected With: Miraculous Generation of Frogs the River Nile: Remarkable Events Connected With: Moses Exposed on Its Banks the River Nile: The Egyptians: Bathed In the River Nile: The Egyptians: Carried on Extensive Commerce By the River Nile: The Egyptians: Drank of the River Nile: The Egyptians: Punished by Destruction of Its Fish the River Nile: The Egyptians: Punished by Failure of Its Waters the River Nile: The Egyptians: Took Great Pride In Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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