The term "Egyptian servants" in the biblical context often refers to the individuals in Egypt who served in various capacities, from household servants to those in royal service. The Bible provides several instances where Egyptian servants play significant roles in the narrative of the Israelites and their interactions with Egypt.

Historical Context

Egypt, a powerful and influential nation in the ancient Near East, was known for its advanced civilization, wealth, and complex social structure. Servitude in Egypt could range from slavery to more privileged positions within the royal court. The Israelites' experience in Egypt, particularly during their period of enslavement, is a central theme in the biblical narrative.

Biblical References

1. Joseph's Time in Egypt: One of the earliest mentions of Egyptian servants is during the time of Joseph. After being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph becomes a servant in the house of Potiphar, an Egyptian official. Genesis 39:1-4 states, "Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt, where an Egyptian named Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there. The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master."

2. The Exodus: The most significant mention of Egyptian servants is during the Exodus narrative. The Israelites, who had become enslaved in Egypt, were forced to serve the Egyptians under harsh conditions. Exodus 1:13-14 describes this servitude: "They worked the Israelites ruthlessly and made their lives bitter with hard labor in brick and mortar and with all kinds of work in the fields; in all their hard labor, the Egyptians used them