Egypt

Egypt, known as "Mizraim" in Hebrew, is a significant nation in biblical history, frequently mentioned throughout the Scriptures. It is located in the northeastern corner of Africa, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Red Sea to the east. The Nile River, a central feature of Egypt, provided fertile land and sustenance, making Egypt a powerful and prosperous civilization.

In the Bible, Egypt is often depicted as a place of both refuge and oppression. It served as a refuge for Abraham during a famine (Genesis 12:10) and later for Joseph, who rose to prominence in Pharaoh's court (Genesis 41:41-43). The Israelites settled in Egypt during a time of famine, as Joseph invited his family to live in the land of Goshen (Genesis 47:11).

However, Egypt is also remembered as the land of Israelite bondage. The Israelites were enslaved for several centuries until God delivered them through Moses in the Exodus, a pivotal event in biblical history (Exodus 12:40-41). The plagues that God sent upon Egypt demonstrated His power and judgment against the Egyptian gods (Exodus 7-12).

Prophetically, Egypt is mentioned in various contexts. Isaiah prophesied against Egypt, foretelling its downfall and eventual submission to the Lord (Isaiah 19:1-25). In the New Testament, Egypt is noted as the place where Joseph and Mary fled with the infant Jesus to escape King Herod's massacre (Matthew 2:13-15).

Cush

Cush, often identified with the region south of Egypt, corresponds to modern-day Sudan and parts of Ethiopia. The descendants of Cush, the son of Ham, are mentioned in the Table of Nations (Genesis 10:6-8). Cush is frequently associated with wealth and military prowess in the Bible.

The Cushites are noted for their involvement in various biblical narratives. In 2 Chronicles 14:9-15, Zerah the Cushite led a vast army against King Asa of Judah, but God granted Asa victory. The prophet Isaiah also speaks of Cush, describing it as a land of tall and smooth-skinned people, a nation feared far and wide (Isaiah 18:1-2).

Cush is often mentioned in prophetic literature, symbolizing distant lands and peoples. In Ezekiel 30:4-5, Cush is listed among the nations that will fall by the sword. The Psalms also reference Cush, highlighting its future acknowledgment of God's sovereignty: "Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God" (Psalm 68:31).

In the New Testament, a notable Cushite is the Ethiopian eunuch, a high official under Queen Candace, who was converted to Christianity through the ministry of Philip the Evangelist (Acts 8:26-39). This event signifies the spread of the Gospel beyond the Jewish world, reaching the ends of the earth.

Overall, Egypt and Cush hold significant roles in biblical history, serving as both historical and prophetic symbols within the narrative of God's redemptive plan.