The Egyptians, inhabitants of the ancient land of Egypt, play a significant role in the biblical narrative. Egypt, located in the northeastern corner of Africa, is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a place of both refuge and oppression for the Israelites. The relationship between the Egyptians and the Israelites is complex, marked by periods of both cooperation and conflict.

Historical Context

Egypt was one of the most powerful and advanced civilizations of the ancient world, known for its impressive achievements in architecture, writing, and governance. The Bible often refers to Egypt as a symbol of worldly power and idolatry, yet it also serves as a place of refuge during times of famine and distress.

Biblical References

1. Abraham and Egypt: The first significant interaction between the Hebrews and Egypt occurs when Abram (later Abraham) travels to Egypt due to a severe famine in Canaan (Genesis 12:10-20). This journey sets a precedent for Egypt as a place of refuge during hardship.

2. Joseph in Egypt: One of the most detailed accounts involving Egypt is the account of Joseph, who is sold into slavery by his brothers and taken to Egypt (Genesis 37:28). Through a series of divinely orchestrated events, Joseph rises to become the second most powerful man in Egypt, saving the nation and his own family from famine (Genesis 41:41-57).

3. The Exodus: The most defining event involving the Egyptians is the Exodus, where the Israelites, under the leadership of Moses, are delivered from slavery in Egypt. The Pharaoh's refusal to release the Israelites leads to a series of plagues, culminating in the death of the firstborn and the eventual release of the Israelites (Exodus 7-12). The crossing of the Red Sea and the destruction of the Egyptian army are pivotal moments in this narrative (Exodus 14:21-28).

4. Prophetic Writings: Egypt is frequently mentioned in the prophetic books as a symbol of human pride and opposition to God. The prophets often speak of Egypt's downfall as a demonstration of God's sovereignty over the nations (Isaiah 19:1-15; Ezekiel 29:1-16).

5. New Testament References: In the New Testament, Egypt serves as a place of refuge for the Holy Family. Joseph, Mary, and the infant Jesus flee to Egypt to escape King Herod's massacre of the innocents (Matthew 2:13-15). This event fulfills the prophecy, "Out of Egypt I called My Son" (Hosea 11:1; Matthew 2:15).

Cultural and Religious Influence

The Egyptians were known for their polytheistic beliefs, worshiping a pantheon of gods and goddesses. This idolatry is often contrasted with the monotheistic faith of the Israelites. The Egyptian religious system, with its emphasis on the afterlife and elaborate burial practices, is frequently alluded to in biblical texts as a representation of spiritual bondage and false worship.

Significance in Biblical Theology

The narrative of the Egyptians in the Bible serves as a backdrop for God's redemptive plan. Egypt is both a place of bondage and a stage for divine deliverance, illustrating God's power to save and His faithfulness to His covenant people. The interactions between the Israelites and the Egyptians highlight themes of faith, obedience, and the consequences of idolatry.

Key Verses

· Genesis 12:10 : "Now there was a famine in the land, so Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while, because the famine was severe."
· Exodus 12:31 : "During the night, Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, 'Up, leave my people, you and the Israelites! Go, worship the LORD as you have requested.'"
· Matthew 2:14-15 : "So he got up, took the Child and His mother by night, and withdrew to Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: 'Out of Egypt I called My Son.'"

The Egyptians, as depicted in the Bible, are integral to understanding the unfolding of God's purposes in history, serving as both adversaries and instruments in His divine plan.4713. Mitsri -- inhab. of Egypt
... 4712, 4713. Mitsri. 4714 . inhab. of Egypt. Transliteration: Mitsri Phonetic
Spelling: (mits-ree') Short Definition: Egyptian. ... Egyptian, of Egypt. ...
/hebrew/4713.htm - 6k

Rachel's Refuge
... This was the Egyptian's first day on the housetop, and she was not happy. ... "Tell him
where Kenkenes went!". The Egyptian leaned over the parapet. "Fie! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxii rachels refuge.htm

The Complete Surrender.
... Genesis 39:1-3."Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh,
captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him at the hands of the ...
/.../murray/the masters indwelling/viii the complete surrender.htm

Joseph's Eagerness to Help Others
... Joseph was taken down to Egypt, and Potiphar, an Egyptian, one of Pharaoh's officers,
the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites. ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/josephs eagerness to help others.htm

The Powers that be are Ordained of God
... Who rules o'er just and wicked. He from ill. Culls good, He moulds the Egyptian's
heart of stone. To do him honour, and e'en Nero's throne. ...
/.../palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/cccli the powers that be.htm

The Crime of Conspiracy or Banding Together is Utterly Prohibited ...
... his anathemas (Mansi, vii., 240), or, as he wrote to Maris (in a letter famous as
one of the "Three Chapters") that God had "softened the Egyptian's heart" (ib ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon xviii the crime of.htm

Whom the Lady Miriam Sent
... upon. A few words of explanation concerning his very apparent exhaustion
were fruitful of some comfort to the young Egyptian. The ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xlvi whom the lady.htm

Joseph and his Brethren
... And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, the
captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hand of the Ishmaelites ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/i joseph and his brethren.htm

Chapter xxxix
... In Potiphar's household he becomes familiar with Egyptian life in general
and with the elements of successful business administration. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxix.htm

Hymn for the Epiphany
... And may we not with prophet's eye In such a hero Christ descry? The proud
Egyptian's might he broke And freed his kinsmen from the yoke. ...
/.../prudentius/the hymns of prudentius/xii hymn for the epiphany.htm

The Story of Benjamin.
... Within sat a young Egyptian, dressed in a robe of white linen, and wearing
a great black wig of horsehair with many small plaits. ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/the story of benjamin.htm

Egyptian's (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Egyptian's (3 Occurrences). Genesis 39:5 It happened
from the time that he made him overseer in his house ...
/e/egyptian's.htm - 7k

Club (7 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 23:21 He killed an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear
in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out ...
/c/club.htm - 9k

Snatched (15 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 23:21 He killed an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear
in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out ...
/s/snatched.htm - 10k

Plucked (46 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 23:21 He killed an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear
in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out ...
/p/plucked.htm - 21k

Benai'ah (43 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 23:21 He killed an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear
in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out ...
/b/benai'ah.htm - 18k

Egyptian (35 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Pertaining to Egypt, in Africa. 2. (n.) A native, or one of the people,
of Egypt; also, the Egyptian language. 3. (n.) A gypsy. ...EGYPTIAN KINGS (LATER). ...
/e/egyptian.htm - 19k

Benaiah (44 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 23:21 He killed an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear
in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out ...
/b/benaiah.htm - 26k

Weaver's (5 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 11:23 He killed an Egyptian, a man of great stature, five cubits high;
and in the Egyptian's hand was a spear like a weaver's beam; and he went ...
/w/weaver's.htm - 8k

Stature (22 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 11:23 He killed an Egyptian, a man of great stature, five cubits high;
and in the Egyptian's hand was a spear like a weaver's beam; and he went ...
/s/stature.htm - 15k

Spear (55 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 23:21 He killed an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear
in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out ...
/s/spear.htm - 26k

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