Topical Bible: Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: The Jews Who Practised Its Idolatry to Share Its

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Egypt, a significant nation in biblical history, is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures, not only as a place of refuge and bondage for the Israelites but also as a land associated with idolatry and false worship. The prophets of the Old Testament often spoke against Egypt, warning of divine judgment due to its idolatrous practices and its influence on the Israelites.

Idolatry and Influence on the Israelites

Throughout their history, the Israelites were repeatedly warned against adopting the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations, including Egypt. Despite these warnings, there were instances where the Israelites fell into the worship of Egyptian gods, which led to severe consequences. The allure of Egypt's wealth, power, and religious practices often tempted the Israelites to stray from their covenant with Yahweh.

Prophetic Warnings and Judgments

The prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, among others, delivered stern warnings to the Israelites regarding their alliances with Egypt and their participation in its idolatry. These prophecies often included predictions of judgment not only upon Egypt but also upon those Israelites who aligned themselves with its practices.

1. Isaiah's Prophecies: Isaiah prophesied against the reliance on Egypt for military aid and the adoption of its idolatrous practices. In Isaiah 31:1 , the prophet declares, "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the abundance of chariots and in the great strength of horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or seek help from the LORD."

2. Jeremiah's Warnings: Jeremiah also warned the Israelites about seeking refuge in Egypt and participating in its idolatry. In Jeremiah 44:8 , he admonishes them, saying, "Why do you provoke Me to anger with the works of your hands, burning incense to other gods in the land of Egypt, where you have gone to reside? You will cut yourselves off and become a curse and a reproach among all the nations of the earth."

3. Ezekiel's Prophecies: Ezekiel delivered messages of judgment against Egypt and those who followed its idolatrous ways. In Ezekiel 20:7-8 , God recounts His command to the Israelites: "And I said to them, ‘Each of you must throw away the abominations before his eyes, and not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.’ But they rebelled against Me and refused to listen. They did not cast away the abominations before their eyes, nor did they forsake the idols of Egypt."

Consequences for Idolatry

The prophecies consistently warned that those who engaged in Egyptian idolatry would share in Egypt's downfall. The Israelites who turned to Egyptian gods were often subject to the same judgments pronounced upon Egypt itself. This included military defeat, exile, and the loss of God's protection and favor.

Historical Fulfillment

The historical fulfillment of these prophecies is evident in the various invasions and conquests that Egypt faced, as well as the suffering experienced by the Israelites who sought refuge there. The Babylonian conquest, in particular, saw the fulfillment of many of these prophetic warnings, as both Egypt and the idolatrous Israelites faced the consequences of their actions.

In summary, the biblical prophecies concerning Egypt serve as a solemn reminder of the dangers of idolatry and the importance of remaining faithful to the covenant with God. The Israelites' experiences with Egypt underscore the broader biblical theme of the consequences of turning away from the one true God to follow the practices of pagan nations.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 44:7-28
Therefore now thus said the LORD, the God of hosts, the God of Israel; Why commit you this great evil against your souls, to cut off from you man and woman, child and suckling, out of Judah, to leave you none to remain;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Sibylline Oracles.
... Prophecies of this calamity were prevalent among the heathen ... This concludes the oracular
utterances respecting Rome ... itself with the affairs in Egypt, Judaea, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the sibylline oracles.htm

Extracts No. vii.
... contend that for the plagues in Egypt, the dividing ... in my power, to alter one truth
respecting eternity ... presuming if these be admitted, the prophecies will not ...
/.../ballou/a series of letters in defence of divine revelation/extracts no vii.htm