Topical Bible: Egypt: Called: Sihor

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Introduction:
Egypt, a significant nation in biblical history, is often referred to by various names in the Scriptures. One such name is "Sihor," which is used to describe the Nile River or the land of Egypt itself. This entry explores the biblical references to Egypt as Sihor, its geographical and historical context, and its theological significance.

Biblical References:
The term "Sihor" appears in several passages within the Bible, often symbolizing the life-giving waters of the Nile and, by extension, the land of Egypt. In the Berean Standard Bible, Sihor is mentioned in the following contexts:

1. Joshua 13:3 : "from the Shihor east of Egypt to the border of Ekron on the north, all of it counted as Canaanite territory—the five rulers of the Philistines in Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron, as well as the Avvites."

In this passage, Sihor is used to delineate the southern boundary of the land promised to the Israelites. It highlights the geographical significance of Egypt as a neighboring nation to the Promised Land.

2. 1 Chronicles 13:5 : "So David assembled all the Israelites, from the Shihor in Egypt to Lebo-hamath, to bring the ark of God from Kiriath-jearim."

Here, Sihor is mentioned as a boundary marker, emphasizing the extent of David's influence and the unity of Israel under his reign. It underscores Egypt's proximity and its role as a geographical reference point.

3. Isaiah 23:3 : "On the great waters came the grain of the Shihor; the harvest of the Nile was the revenue of Tyre, and she became the marketplace of the nations."

This verse highlights Egypt's economic importance, with Sihor symbolizing the fertile Nile Delta. The passage reflects Egypt's role as a provider of grain and its influence on international trade.

Geographical and Historical Context:
Sihor, often identified with the Nile River, is central to Egypt's identity and prosperity. The Nile's annual flooding deposited rich silt on the land, making it one of the most fertile regions in the ancient world. This fertility allowed Egypt to become a powerful and wealthy civilization, often interacting with the Israelites throughout biblical history.

Egypt's strategic location made it a significant player in the ancient Near East. It served as a refuge for biblical figures such as Abraham (Genesis 12:10) and the family of Jacob (Genesis 46:1-7). Egypt's influence extended into the political and military realms, as seen in its interactions with Israel and other nations.

Theological Significance:
In the Bible, Egypt often symbolizes both refuge and oppression. It was a place of refuge during times of famine, as seen in the accounts of Abraham and Joseph. However, it also represents bondage and idolatry, most notably during the Israelites' enslavement and subsequent Exodus.

The use of the name Sihor in the Scriptures serves as a reminder of Egypt's dual role in biblical history. It highlights God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to use them for His purposes, whether as instruments of provision or as foils to demonstrate His power and deliverance.

Conclusion:
The biblical references to Egypt as Sihor provide insight into the nation's geographical, historical, and theological significance. As a land of both refuge and oppression, Egypt's role in the biblical narrative underscores the complexity of its relationship with the people of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 23:3
And by great waters the seed of Sihor, the harvest of the river, is her revenue; and she is a mart of nations.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
... the lonely wastes of the desert where the tracks of the traveller are lost in the
yielding sand, I will come to the river of Egypt called Sihor, [2871] that is ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cviii to eustochium.htm

Footnotes
... and we have before us some of his letters, which place his talents in a very different
light from the idea given of them in what are called his sermons and his ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm