“And I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands I promised them, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because Abraham obeyed me and did everything I required of him, keeping my commands, my decrees and my instructions.” – Genesis 26:4-5
The Beginning of Egypt in the Bible
As we reflect on the presence of Egypt in the Bible, we see that it has historical significance as a land of ancient civilization. It is mentioned frequently in our scriptures, often linked to both challenges and blessings. Egypt was not just a place of oppression for the Israelites, but it also has a rich story that reveals how God works through different nations. Our understanding of Egypt in biblical context helps us see the greater narrative of God’s plan of salvation, even from times of hardship and bondage.
Genesis 12:10
“Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while because the famine was severe.” – Genesis 12:10
Genesis 41:46
“Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from Pharaoh’s presence and traveled throughout Egypt.” – Genesis 41:46
Exodus 3:10
“So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” – Exodus 3:10
Matthew 2:13
“When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up,’ he said, ‘take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” – Matthew 2:13
Isaiah 19:1
“A prophecy against Egypt: See, the Lord rides on a swift cloud and is coming to Egypt. The idols of Egypt tremble before him, and the hearts of the Egyptians melt with fear.” – Isaiah 19:1
Throughout the Bible, we can discover that Egypt was at times a place of refuge for God’s people. Specifically, during moments of danger, Egypt provided shelter and security. The stories of individuals like Joseph showcase how Egypt played a role in protecting and even blessing the Israelites. When we see these actions through a biblical lens, we realize that God can use even a foreign land to accomplish His purpose of care and deliverance for His people.
Genesis 37:36
“Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard.” – Genesis 37:36
Exodus 12:51
“And on that very day the Lord brought the Israelites out of Egypt by their divisions.” – Exodus 12:51
Hosea 11:1
“When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.” – Hosea 11:1
Matthew 2:15
“And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘Out of Egypt I called my son.’” – Matthew 2:15
John 4:20
“Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.” – John 4:20
Egypt is also known for the suffering and struggles of the Israelites during their time of enslavement. Despite its historical ties to refuge, it became a place of bondage and affliction for God’s chosen people. We should acknowledge that amidst their hardship, God was fully aware of their circumstances and had powerful plans in motion to deliver them. In our times of oppression or trials, we find reassurance that God is present and ready to lead us out of the darkness.
Exodus 1:14
“They made their lives bitter with hard labor in brick and mortar and with all kinds of work in the fields; in all their hard labor, the Egyptians used