The term "The River of Egypt" is a significant geographical and historical reference in the Bible, often associated with the southern boundary of the Promised Land. It is mentioned in several passages, serving as a landmark in the delineation of territories given to the Israelites.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 15:18 : "On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, 'To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates.'" This verse is part of God's covenant with Abram, promising the land from the Nile to the Euphrates to his descendants. The "river of Egypt" here is traditionally understood to refer to the Wadi el-Arish, a seasonal river in the Sinai Peninsula, rather than the Nile itself.

2. Numbers 34:5 : "Then the border will turn from Azmon to the Brook of Egypt, where it will end at the Sea." This passage describes the southern boundary of the land allotted to the Israelites. The "Brook of Egypt" is often equated with the Wadi el-Arish, marking the southwestern limit of the land.

3. Joshua 15:4 : "It then passed along to Azmon, joined the Brook of Egypt, and ended at the Sea. This was their southern border." This verse reiterates the boundary description for the tribe of Judah, again using the "Brook of Egypt" as a key geographical marker.

4. 1 Kings 8:65 : "So at that time Solomon and all Israel with him—a great assembly from Lebo-hamath to the Brook of Egypt—observed the festival before the LORD our God for seven days and seven more days—fourteen days in all." Here, the "Brook of Egypt" is mentioned as part of the extent of Solomon's kingdom, indicating the breadth of his rule.

5. 2 Kings 24:7 : "The king of Egypt did not march out of his land again, because the king of Babylon had taken all his territory, from the Brook of Egypt to the Euphrates River." This passage highlights the geopolitical significance of the "Brook of Egypt" as a boundary between Egyptian and Babylonian influence.

Geographical and Historical Context:

The "River of Egypt" is often identified with the Wadi el-Arish, a dry riverbed or seasonal stream (wadi) in the northeastern Sinai Peninsula. This identification is based on its location as a natural boundary between Egypt and Canaan. The Wadi el-Arish flows into the Mediterranean Sea and serves as a logical demarcation line in the biblical descriptions of the land.

In ancient times, the Wadi el-Arish would have been a significant geographical feature, marking the edge of the arable land and the beginning of the desert. Its identification as the "River of Egypt" underscores its role as a boundary marker in the biblical narrative.

Theological Significance:

The mention of the "River of Egypt" in the context of God's covenant with Abram and the territorial descriptions of the Promised Land emphasizes the divine promise and the extent of the land given to the Israelites. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people.

The use of the "River of Egypt" as a boundary also reflects the historical and political realities of the ancient Near East, where natural features often defined the limits of territories and influenced the interactions between neighboring nations.