Topical Encyclopedia The River Nile, often referred to simply as "The River" in the Bible, holds significant historical and theological importance within the biblical narrative. It is the longest river in the world, flowing through northeastern Africa, and has been the lifeblood of Egypt since ancient times. The Nile is central to the biblical account of the Israelites' sojourn in Egypt and the subsequent Exodus.Biblical References: 1. The Plagues of Egypt: The Nile River is prominently featured in the account of the plagues that God sent upon Egypt. The first plague involved the turning of the Nile's waters into blood, a divine act that demonstrated God's power over the Egyptian deities and the natural world. In Exodus 7:20-21 , it is recorded: "Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD had commanded; in the presence of Pharaoh and his officials, Aaron 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." 2. The Birth of Moses: The Nile also plays a crucial role in the account of Moses' early life. To save him from Pharaoh's decree to kill all Hebrew male infants, Moses' mother placed him in a basket and set it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. Pharaoh's daughter discovered him there, leading to his adoption into the Egyptian royal family. This event is recounted in Exodus 2:3-5 : "But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and set it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. And his sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him. Soon the daughter of Pharaoh went down to bathe at the river, and her attendants walked along the bank. Seeing the basket among the reeds, she sent her maidservant to retrieve it." 3. Symbol of Fertility and Sustenance: The Nile was not only a geographical landmark but also a symbol of fertility and sustenance for the land of Egypt. Its annual flooding deposited rich silt on the land, making it one of the most fertile regions in the ancient world. This abundance is alluded to in Genesis 41, where Pharaoh's dreams, interpreted by Joseph, predict seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. The Nile's role in sustaining Egypt's agriculture is implicit in this narrative. 4. Prophetic Imagery: The prophets also used the Nile as a symbol in their messages. In Ezekiel 29:3 , the river is mentioned in a prophecy against Egypt: "Speak to him and tell him that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I am against you, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great monster lying in the midst of his rivers, who has said, “The Nile is mine; I made it for myself.”’" This passage highlights the pride of Pharaoh and the divine judgment that would come upon Egypt. Cultural and Religious Significance: In the biblical context, the Nile represents both the life-giving provision of God and the backdrop for His mighty acts of deliverance. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over creation and His ability to use natural elements to fulfill His purposes. The river's centrality to Egyptian life and religion underscores the dramatic nature of the plagues and the deliverance of the Israelites, showcasing the power of the God of Israel over the gods of Egypt. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 41:1,3And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Cradle that was Rocked by a River. Egypt. The Finding of Moses The Cost of Being Cruel and Stubborn How Taricheae was Taken. A Description of the River Jordan, and of ... The Boyhood and Training of Moses The Rod that Troubled Egypt. The Story of Hagar and Ishmael A Description of the Desert in Diolcos, Where the Anchorites Live. The Temple of Serapis (Ad 391) Resources What was the meaning and purpose of the ten plagues of Egypt? | GotQuestions.orgDo the news reports of rivers turning blood red have anything to do with the end times? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Egypt 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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