Topical Encyclopedia The River Nile, often referred to as "The Egyptian Sea" in biblical literature, holds significant historical and theological importance within the context of the Bible. It is one of the most prominent rivers mentioned in the Scriptures and is central to the narrative of the Israelites' sojourn in Egypt.Biblical References and Significance The Nile is first introduced in the Book of Genesis, where it is associated with the fertile land of Egypt. Genesis 41:1-3 recounts Pharaoh's dream, which Joseph interprets, involving seven cows coming up out of the Nile, symbolizing the years of plenty and famine. This dream underscores the Nile's role as a life-giving source, crucial for Egypt's agriculture and sustenance. In the Book of Exodus, the Nile becomes a stage for divine intervention. The river is turned to blood as the first of the ten plagues that God inflicts upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage (Exodus 7:20-21). This transformation of the Nile into blood serves as a powerful demonstration of God's supremacy over the Egyptian deities, who were believed to control the natural elements. Isaiah 19:5 prophesies the drying up of the Nile, symbolizing the impending judgment and desolation upon Egypt. This prophecy highlights the river's critical role in the nation's economy and the dire consequences of its failure. Cultural and Theological Context The Nile was revered in ancient Egyptian culture, often deified and associated with gods such as Hapi, the god of the annual flooding, which was essential for replenishing the soil. The biblical narrative, however, emphasizes the sovereignty of the God of Israel over the natural world, challenging the Egyptian pantheon and asserting the futility of idol worship. The river's mention as "The Egyptian Sea" in Isaiah 11:15 further illustrates its vastness and significance. This passage envisions a future where God will dry up the Gulf of the Egyptian Sea, allowing His people to return from exile, reminiscent of the Exodus. Symbolism and Typology In biblical typology, the Nile can be seen as a symbol of worldly power and prosperity, which stands in contrast to the spiritual deliverance and provision offered by God. The plagues upon the Nile and the subsequent liberation of the Israelites serve as a foreshadowing of Christ's victory over sin and death, liberating believers from spiritual bondage. Conclusion The River Nile, as depicted in the Bible, is more than a geographical feature; it is a testament to God's power and faithfulness. Its role in the narrative of the Exodus and its symbolic representation in prophecy underscore the overarching biblical theme of redemption and divine sovereignty. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 11:15And the LORD shall utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea; and with his mighty wind shall he shake his hand over the river, and shall smite it in the seven streams, and make men go over with dry sandals. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library How the Soldiers, Both in Judea and Egypt, Proclaimed Vespasian ... The Story of Hagar and Ishmael Egypt. The Finding of Moses The Rod that Troubled Egypt. Concerning the Waters. On the Holy Ghost and his Descent Upon the Apostles The Nile and Egypt Egypt and Greece. Canaan on Earth Resources What was the land of Goshen in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Moses in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Miriam 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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