Topical Bible: Egypt: As a Power Was: Mighty

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Topical Encyclopedia

Egypt, one of the most prominent nations in biblical history, is frequently depicted as a mighty power. Its influence and strength are evident throughout the biblical narrative, serving as both a place of refuge and a symbol of oppression.

Historical Context and Influence

Egypt's might is rooted in its geographical and economic advantages. The Nile River provided fertile land, enabling agricultural prosperity and the sustenance of a large population. This prosperity allowed Egypt to develop a sophisticated civilization with advanced architecture, art, and governance. The construction of monumental structures such as the pyramids and temples attests to its engineering prowess and organizational capacity.

Biblical References to Egypt's Might

1. A Place of Refuge and Sustenance: Egypt's might is first seen in the account of Abraham, who sought refuge there during a famine (Genesis 12:10). Later, Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, rose to power in Egypt, becoming second only to Pharaoh. During another famine, Jacob and his family moved to Egypt, where they were provided for due to Joseph's position (Genesis 41:41-57).

2. Oppression of the Israelites: Egypt's might is also depicted in its oppression of the Israelites. The Pharaoh, fearing the growing number of Israelites, enslaved them and subjected them to harsh labor (Exodus 1:8-14). Despite their suffering, the Israelites multiplied, demonstrating God's providence even under Egyptian might.

3. The Exodus: The narrative of the Exodus highlights Egypt's power and God's supremacy over it. Pharaoh's resistance to Moses' demand to let the Israelites go led to a series of plagues that demonstrated God's power over the Egyptian gods and Pharaoh himself (Exodus 7-12). The parting of the Red Sea and the destruction of the Egyptian army further underscored the limits of Egypt's might in the face of divine intervention (Exodus 14:21-28).

4. Prophetic Warnings and Judgments: Egypt's might is also addressed in the prophetic literature. The prophets often spoke of Egypt as a symbol of worldly power and warned against relying on its strength. Isaiah warned Judah against forming alliances with Egypt, emphasizing that reliance on Egypt would lead to shame and disgrace (Isaiah 30:1-3). Ezekiel prophesied the downfall of Egypt, declaring that its pride and reliance on its own strength would lead to its judgment (Ezekiel 29:1-16).

5. Symbol of Worldly Power: In the New Testament, Egypt continues to symbolize worldly power and opposition to God's people. Revelation 11:8 refers to a place symbolically called Egypt, representing spiritual bondage and opposition to God's witnesses.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Egypt's religious practices and pantheon of gods often stood in contrast to the monotheistic worship of Yahweh. The plagues of Egypt, as recorded in Exodus, were direct challenges to the Egyptian deities, demonstrating the superiority of the God of Israel. This theological conflict underscored the biblical theme of God's sovereignty over all nations and powers.

Conclusion

Throughout the Bible, Egypt is portrayed as a mighty power, both as a place of refuge and as an oppressor. Its interactions with the people of Israel serve as a backdrop for demonstrating God's power and faithfulness. The biblical narrative consistently emphasizes that while Egypt was mighty, its power was ultimately subject to the will of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 30:2,3
That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt!
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

From Egypt to Sinai.
... Moses task was three fold: (1) Religious: He was to show in Egypt weakness of the ...
(2) Political: He was to overcome the power of the mighty Pharaoh and ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter v from egypt to.htm

Moses, the Mighty Intercessor
... supplanter, into Israel, a prince, who has power with God ... had brought against the
land of Egypt, and the ... The mighty thunderings and hail in their alarming and ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/iv moses the mighty intercessor.htm

The Hardening in the Sacred Scripture.
... Four centuries before Moses, God had already spoken to Abraham of this mighty Egypt
and predicted the conflict which His power would bring upon it. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxiii the hardening in the.htm

The Plagues of Egypt
... of God. You may say, These plagues of Egypt reveal God's mighty power,
but what do they reveal of his character? They reveal this ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon x the plagues of.htm

The Power of Little Things.
... Here was a weak and solitary man going down to Egypt, to meet a monarch who had
the power of life and death. ... That contemptible rod became mighty indeed. ...
/.../moody/to the work to the work/chapter vi the power of.htm

The Voice from the Bush
... that we may offer a sacrifice to Jehovah our God.' But I know that the king of Egypt
will not let you go unless he is made to do so by a mighty power. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the voice from the bush.htm

Epistle xiii. --To Hierax, a Bishop in Egypt.
... Epistle XIII."To Hierax, a Bishop in Egypt. ... them from the precipitous [921] rock
by the power of Him ... life, and what reason there is why this mighty city no ...
/.../dionysius/the works of dionysius/epistle xiii to hierax a bishop.htm

The History Books
... of the days of old, of Assyria, Babylonia, Egypt, Persia, seem ... had the little kingdom
of Judah against such overwhelming power, such mighty armies, such ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter iv the history books.htm

The Story of God's Mighty Acts
... Will ye not remember what he did at the Red Sea, how he smote Egypt and all ... we cannot
imagine them to be according to the ordinary working of his mighty power. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the story of gods mighty.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... INDEX OF SUBJECTS. Abraham, his trial in Egypt, his humility. ... Body of Christ,
its mighty power, [205]142; the reverence due to it, [206]143. ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm