Topical Bible: Egypt: As a Power Was: Treacherous

◄ Egypt: As a Power Was: Treacherous ►

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Egypt, a prominent nation in biblical history, is often depicted as a land of great power and influence. However, its role as a treacherous ally and adversary is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures. The Bible presents Egypt as a nation that, despite its might and allure, often proved unreliable and deceitful in its dealings with Israel and other nations.

Historical Context

Egypt's geographical location and fertile lands made it a significant power in the ancient Near East. Its wealth and military strength were sources of temptation for neighboring nations seeking alliances. However, the biblical narrative frequently warns against placing trust in Egypt, highlighting its propensity for betrayal and false promises.

Biblical References

1. False Promises of Security: The prophet Isaiah warns against relying on Egypt for military aid, describing it as a "broken reed" that would pierce the hand of anyone who leaned on it. Isaiah 36:6 states, "Look now, you are depending on Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff, which pierces the hand of anyone who leans on it! Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who depend on him."

2. Unreliable Ally: In Ezekiel 29:6-7 , Egypt is portrayed as an unreliable ally that fails to support those who depend on it: "Then all the inhabitants of Egypt will know that I am the LORD. For you have been a staff of reed to the house of Israel. When they grasped you by the hand, you splintered and tore open their shoulders. When they leaned on you, you broke and made all their backs twist."

3. Deceptive Diplomacy: Egypt's treachery is further illustrated in the account of King Zedekiah of Judah, who sought Egyptian assistance against Babylon. Despite initial promises, Egypt's support was fleeting, leading to Judah's downfall. Jeremiah 37:5-7 recounts, "Meanwhile, Pharaoh’s army had set out from Egypt, and when the Chaldeans who were besieging Jerusalem heard the report, they withdrew from Jerusalem. Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet: 'This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Tell the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of Me: Behold, Pharaoh’s army, which has marched out to help you, will go back to its own land of Egypt.'"

4. Symbol of Worldly Temptation: Egypt is often used symbolically to represent worldly temptation and the false security of human power. In Hosea 7:11 , Ephraim is likened to a "silly dove, without sense," calling to Egypt and Assyria for help, illustrating the futility of seeking security outside of God's provision.

5. Judgment and Consequences: The prophets frequently pronounce judgment on Egypt for its treachery and idolatry. In Isaiah 19:3-4 , the LORD declares, "The spirit of the Egyptians will be emptied out from among them, and I will confound their plans. They will consult idols and spirits of the dead, the mediums and spiritists. I will deliver the Egyptians into the hands of harsh masters, and a fierce king will rule over them,' declares the Lord GOD of Hosts."

Theological Implications

The biblical portrayal of Egypt as treacherous serves as a cautionary tale against relying on human strength and alliances over divine guidance. It underscores the importance of faithfulness to God and the dangers of seeking security in worldly powers. Egypt's role in biblical history is a reminder of the transient nature of earthly power and the ultimate sovereignty of God over all nations.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 36:6
See, you trust in the staff of this broken reed, on Egypt; where on if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all that trust in him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 29:6,7
You shall be visited of the LORD of hosts with thunder, and with earthquake, and great noise, with storm and tempest, and the flame of devouring fire.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Heavenly Contemplation Assisted by Sensible Objects, and Guarded ...
... may also be guarded against a treacherous heart, by ... What wisdom, power and goodness
are manifested therein! ... drowned?" or to have seen the ten plagues of Egypt? ...
/.../the saints everlasting rest/chapter xv heavenly contemplation assisted.htm

How Cleopatra, when She had Gotten from Antony Some Parts of Judea ...
... of her conversation, by this violent and treacherous method, would ... whereas it was
still in his power to reject ... presents, and conducted her on her way to Egypt. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how cleopatra when.htm

The Flood-Tide of Power.
... For untold centuries Egypt has depended for its very life ... live along the valley of
that treacherous mountain stream ... the Ohio, know something of the power of a ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on power/the flood-tide of power.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... by the Assyrian battalions, and that when once the desert which protected Egypt
had been ... in 675 BC, had taught the inhabitants to respect the power of Assyria ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

The Age, Birth, and Life of Moses.
... His treacherous snares King Pharaoh 'gainst us laid,. ... Then he fled from Egypt and
fed sheep, being thus ... that others suffered, learning in safety the power of God ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxiii the age birth and.htm

The Gods of Egypt
... And so men did not die in Egypt; they were assassinated ... irresistible violence"illness
being a struggle between the one possessed and the power which possessed ...
/.../chapter ii the gods of egypt.htm

The Captivity.
... priest of Anathoth, was foretelling that treacherous Judah should ... Nineveh, and Pharaoh
Necho, King of Egypt, a very ... and wishing to check the power of Babylon ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson x the captivity.htm

Innocent the Third (Ad 1198-1216)
... Fulk, by the power of his speech, persuaded most of ... undertook to convey the
child-crusaders to Egypt and Africa ... people was so cruel and so treacherous as to ...
/.../chapter xiii innocent the third.htm

Concerning the Seditions at Jerusalem and what Terrible Miseries ...
... marched over that desert which lies between Egypt and Syria ... thus cutting off the
nerves of their own power. ... a war on all sides, from these treacherous crowds of ...
/.../chapter 1 concerning the seditions.htm

Heathen Plots
... Had Nehemiah followed this treacherous counsel, he would have sacrificed ... he professed
to have in the power of God ... that came up with Israel from Egypt, were a ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 55 heathen plots.htm