Topical Bible: Blessing: Temporal, from God in Egypt

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In the biblical narrative, the concept of temporal blessings from God in Egypt is prominently illustrated through the experiences of the patriarchs and the nation of Israel. These blessings, while temporary and material in nature, serve as manifestations of God's providence and favor upon His chosen people.

Joseph's Rise to Power

One of the most significant examples of temporal blessing in Egypt is found in the life of Joseph, the son of Jacob. Sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph eventually rose to a position of great authority in Egypt. This ascent is attributed to God's favor and blessing upon him. Genesis 39:2-3 states, "The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the LORD was with him and made him prosper in all he did." Joseph's ability to interpret Pharaoh's dreams further exemplifies God's blessing, leading to his appointment as second-in-command over Egypt (Genesis 41:39-41).

Provision During Famine

The temporal blessings from God in Egypt are also evident during the seven years of famine. Through Joseph's wise administration, Egypt became a place of refuge and sustenance not only for the Egyptians but also for surrounding nations, including Joseph's own family. Genesis 41:56-57 records, "When the famine had spread over all the land, Joseph opened up all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians. For the famine was severe in the land of Egypt. And every nation came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain, because the famine was severe over all the earth." This provision underscores God's blessing through Joseph, ensuring the survival of the Israelites and the fulfillment of His covenant promises.

Israel's Prosperity in Goshen

The Israelites' settlement in the land of Goshen is another instance of temporal blessing in Egypt. Invited by Pharaoh at Joseph's request, Jacob and his family were given the best part of the land to dwell in. Genesis 47:6 states, "The land of Egypt is before you. Settle your father and brothers in the best part of the land. Let them dwell in the land of Goshen." This favor allowed the Israelites to prosper and multiply, as noted in Exodus 1:7 : "But the Israelites were fruitful and increased abundantly; they multiplied and became exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them."

Protection and Deliverance

While the Israelites initially experienced blessing in Egypt, their subsequent oppression under a new Pharaoh set the stage for God's deliverance. The plagues that God sent upon Egypt were both a judgment and a means of blessing for the Israelites, as they were spared from the devastation that befell the Egyptians. Exodus 12:36 highlights the favor shown to the Israelites: "And the LORD had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they granted their request. Thus they plundered the Egyptians." This divine intervention facilitated their exodus from Egypt, marking the culmination of God's temporal blessings and the beginning of their journey to the Promised Land.

Throughout these accounts, the temporal blessings from God in Egypt serve as a testament to His sovereignty, faithfulness, and the unfolding of His redemptive plan for His people.

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Exodus 11:3
And the LORD gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh's servants, and in the sight of the people.
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Library

That we Ought to Give Ourselves to God with Regard to Things Both ...
... to God with regard to things both temporal and spiritual ... in the earnestness that
lays hold of God, determined not to let Him go until the blessing comes. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter ii that we ought.htm

The Blessing of God on Filial Piety.
... God knew, and had probably informed the prophet, that the ... to the eternal, if not
to the temporal interests, of ... it is rather a curse, than a blessing, to the ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxiii the blessing of.htm

"The Prophets of God Helping Them"
... work, they would have invited His presence and blessing. ... sent them"that their prosperity,
both temporal and spiritual ... I am the Lord their God, that brought ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 46 the prophets of.htm

The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation
... Does the (temporal) goodness of God lead them to ... Assembly of the Presbyterian
Church-declares, "God, by an ... one unto, the other not unto the blessing of eternal ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter five the sovereignty of.htm

City of God
... But Also in Connection with Temporal Prosperity, Because ... Man's Transgression Did
Not Annul the Blessing of Fecundity ... Of the Repeated Address of God to Abraham ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/

Chapter xlvii
... bestows a blessing upon the king, a blessing by way ... battebh?�'oth ""in the harvest"
"be being temporal rather than ... a token of a fine faith in God's promises ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlvii.htm

Fifth Commandment
... TEMPORAL BLESSING OR CURSE ... I believe it to be literally true that our temporal condition
depends on the ... long as you live, you will be able to serve God, to keep ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/fifth commandment.htm

The Wilderness.
... token, faith as the condition, and the blessing to all ... be roused to look for the
present temporal promise, and ... better race have been trained up, God would not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson iv the wilderness.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... Bowing the head, at the Blessing, [210]285 ... incident to, [322]241; contrary to God's
intention, [323 ... Covenant, the Old, its rewards temporal, [385]284; its glory ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

God's True Treasure in Man
... men who recognise the source of their blessing, and turn ... the things that are seen
and temporal; they are ... according to one metaphor, was God's 'son,' begotten ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/gods true treasure in man.htm