Topical Bible: Egypt: Celebrated For: Literature

◄ Egypt: Celebrated For: Literature ►

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Egypt, a land of ancient civilization and profound historical significance, is frequently mentioned in the Bible. Known for its rich cultural heritage, Egypt was celebrated for its advancements in literature and wisdom, which played a significant role in the biblical narrative.

Biblical References to Egyptian Wisdom and Literature

The Bible acknowledges the wisdom and learning of Egypt, often contrasting it with the divine wisdom imparted to God's people. In Acts 7:22, Stephen, in his defense before the Sanhedrin, states, "So Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action." This verse highlights the esteemed status of Egyptian education and literature, which Moses, a central figure in the biblical narrative, was exposed to during his upbringing in Pharaoh's court.

The wisdom of Egypt is further alluded to in Isaiah 19:11-12, where the prophet Isaiah speaks of the counselors of Pharaoh: "The officials of Zoan are mere fools; the wise counselors of Pharaoh give senseless advice. How can you say to Pharaoh, 'I am one of the wise, a disciple of the ancient kings'? Where are your wise men now? Let them tell you and reveal what the LORD of Hosts has planned against Egypt." Here, the wisdom of Egypt is acknowledged, yet it is shown to be inferior to the wisdom and plans of the Lord.

Egyptian Influence on Biblical Texts

The influence of Egyptian literature and thought is evident in various biblical texts. The Book of Proverbs, for instance, shares similarities with Egyptian wisdom literature, such as the Instruction of Amenemope, a text that predates the biblical Proverbs. This connection suggests that the biblical authors were aware of and possibly influenced by the literary traditions of Egypt.

Egypt as a Symbol of Worldly Wisdom

In the biblical narrative, Egypt often symbolizes worldly wisdom and power, which stands in contrast to the divine wisdom granted by God. This is evident in the account of Joseph, who, through God's guidance, rises to a position of power in Egypt, surpassing the wisdom of the Egyptian magicians and wise men (Genesis 41:38-39). Pharaoh acknowledges this divine wisdom, saying to Joseph, "Can we find anyone like this man, in whom is the Spirit of God?" (Genesis 41:38).

The Role of Egypt in the Preservation of Knowledge

Egypt's role as a center of learning and literature is also seen in its function as a place of refuge and preservation. The Holy Family's flight to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15) underscores Egypt's historical role as a sanctuary and a place where knowledge and tradition could be safeguarded. This event fulfills the prophecy, "Out of Egypt I called My Son" (Hosea 11:1), further intertwining Egypt's historical and spiritual significance.

In summary, Egypt's celebrated status for literature and wisdom is acknowledged in the Bible, serving as a backdrop for God's unfolding plan and as a contrast to the divine wisdom imparted to His people. The biblical narrative recognizes Egypt's contributions to literature and learning while ultimately affirming the supremacy of God's wisdom and guidance.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 4:30
And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 7:22
And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Jewish Dispersion in the West - the Hellenists - Origin of ...
... the Museum in Alexandria, which was a home for literature and study ... [133] But in
Egypt the anniversary of ... was celebrated by a feast in the island of Pharos, in ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ii the jewish dispersion.htm

the Legendary History of Egypt
... The rejoicings which celebrated the king's return to ... to the XXth dynasties, when
Egypt had extensive ... dynasty it suggested incidents in popular literature. ...
/.../chapter iii -the legendary history of.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... The celebrated lawsuit, some details of which are preserved for ... manner in which the
government of Egypt was conducted ... in the sciences and the literature of his ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... of the Egyptians, that their popular literature was full of ... of which the tablets
discovered in Egypt give us ... Among the most celebrated names in ancient history ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

While Still Very Young, He Taught Diligently the Word of Christ.
... Alexandria, when his name became celebrated among the ... whatever valuable books of
ancient literature he possessed ... clergy of Alexandria and Egypt were unfavorable ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter iii while still very young.htm

Maximinus C??sar Having Come at that Time into the Government...
... 2. He was made a C??sar at the time of the abdication of Diocletian and Maximian,
May 1, 305, and Egypt and Syria ... A celebrated school of literature and law ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter iv maximinus caesar having.htm

The Time of his Appearance among Men.
... 3. Flavius Josephus, the most celebrated of Hebrew historians ... eighth year after the
conquest of Egypt as the ... of the whole matter, and for the literature of the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/pamphilius/church history/chapter v the time of his.htm

That all the Religion of the Pagans Has Reference to Dead Men.
... to the fact that in all the literature of the ... because games are only wont to be
celebrated in honor ... and dead men," testifies that the gods of Egypt were dead ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 26 that all the religion.htm

Estimate of the Scope and Value of Jerome's Writings.
... every day." And, when he became celebrated, he says ... well acquainted with the history
and literature of Rome ... in Palestine and the Therapeut?? in Egypt, and the ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/v estimate of the scope and.htm

The Persecution under Severus.
... his fame has been very greatly celebrated by many. ... confined, however, almost wholly
to Egypt and North ... a Greek, and educated in Greek literature." Porphyry may ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter i the persecution under severus.htm