Egypt plays a significant role in the Bible, both as a place of refuge and as a land of oppression. From the story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt to the symbolic use of Egypt in prophecy, Scripture has much to say about this ancient nation. Let’s explore the biblical history and meaning of Egypt in both a literal and symbolic sense.
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What Does The Bible Say About Egypt
Exodus 1:8
“Then a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt.”
This verse marks a significant shift in the relationship between Egypt and the Israelites. The new king, who did not know Joseph or understand the impact he had on Egypt, began to oppress the Israelites.
Exodus 2:23-25
“During that long period, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out, and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God. God heard their groaning and He remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them.”
In this passage, we see God’s compassion and faithfulness towards His people. Despite their suffering, God hears the cries of the Israelites and remembers His promise to their forefathers, leading to His eventual deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt.
Exodus 12:35-36
“The Israelites did as Moses instructed and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold and for clothing. The Lord had made the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people, and they gave them what they asked for; so they plundered the Egyptians.”
These verses depict a fulfillment of God’s promise regarding the plundering of Egypt by the Israelites. Through His divine intervention, God caused the Egyptians to willingly give their possessions to the Israelites, signaling a transfer of wealth as the Israelites prepared to leave Egypt.
Exodus 14:21-22
“Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.”
In this remarkable event known as the parting of the Red Sea, God demonstrated His power and delivered the Israelites from the pursuing Egyptian army. By dividing the sea and allowing the Israelites to pass through on dry ground, God displayed His sovereignty and protected His people.
Exodus 20:2
“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.”
This verse serves as a reminder to the Israelites of their deliverance from Egypt and emphasizes God’s authority over them. God establishes Himself as their faithful and gracious deliverer, calling for their obedience and loyalty in return.
Exodus 23:9
“Do not oppress a foreigner; you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners because you were foreigners in Egypt.”
God instructs the Israelites to treat foreigners with kindness and compassion, drawing on their own experience as oppressed foreigners in Egypt. This verse underscores the importance of empathy and fairness towards those in vulnerable positions, reflecting God’s heart for justice and mercy.
Exodus 32:1
“When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, ‘Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him.'”
This verse highlights the Israelites’ temptation to turn away from God and seek alternative forms of worship. In the absence of Moses, their chosen leader, they pressured Aaron to create a golden calf, a departure from the faithfulness and trust they had displayed before.
Exodus 32:14
“Then the Lord relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened.”
Despite the Israelites’ transgression and idolatry, God graciously withheld the disaster He had promised. This verse demonstrates God’s willingness to show mercy and forgive, even in the face of great sin, highlighting His compassion and desire for restoration.
Exodus 33:11
“The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.”
In this verse, Moses’ close relationship with God is emphasized, as he is depicted speaking to God face to face. This intimate connection exemplifies Moses’ role as a mediator between God and the Israelites, fostering a deeper sense of trust and intimacy with God.
Exodus 36:7
“The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the Lord commanded to be done.”
In this passage, the Israelites are described as contributing willingly and abundantly towards the construction of the tabernacle. Their generous giving reflects a heart of obedience and devotion to God, demonstrating their desire to honor Him through their offerings.
Leviticus 18:3
“You must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices.”
God warns the Israelites against adopting the immoral practices of the Egyptians and the Canaanites. He calls them to live differently, following His laws and commandments, and not conforming to the cultural norms and practices that go against His ways.
Numbers 14:3-4
“Why is the Lord bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?’ And they said to each other, ‘We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt.'”
Disheartened by the report of the spies regarding the Promised Land, some Israelites expressed a desire to return to Egypt, fearing for their safety. This reveals their lack of faith and trust in God’s ability to fulfill His promises, showcasing the consequences of doubting His faithfulness.
Deuteronomy 6:12
“be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.”
Moses exhorts the Israelites to remember their deliverance from Egypt and to guard against forgetting the Lord. This verse serves as a reminder to remain faithful and grateful to God, even in times of abundance or prosperity, and to acknowledge His role in their deliverance.
Deuteronomy 7:8
“But it was because the Lord loved you and kept the oath he swore to your ancestors that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt.”
The deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt is attributed to God’s love and faithfulness. This verse underscores the redemption and freedom God provided for the Israelites as a result of His covenant with their forefathers, highlighting His steadfast devotion to His chosen people.
Deuteronomy 11:10-11
“The land you are entering to take over is not like the land of Egypt, from which you have come, where you planted your seed and irrigated it by foot as in a vegetable garden. But the land you are crossing the Jordan to take possession of is a land of mountains and valleys that drinks rain from heaven.”
Moses contrasts the land the Israelites are entering with the land of Egypt, emphasizing the abundant blessings and provision they will experience in the Promised Land. This verse serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness to provide for their needs and a call to trust in His provision.
Deuteronomy 17:16
“The king, moreover, must not acquire great numbers of horses for himself or make the people return to Egypt to get more of them, for the Lord has told you, ‘You are not to go back that way again.”
God prohibits the kings of Israel from accumulating horses or seeking support from Egypt. This instruction emphasizes the importance of relying on God alone for protection and provision, discouraging any dependence on foreign nations or alliance seeking.
Judges 11:16-17
“‘Israel did not take the land of Moab or the land of the Ammonites. But when they came up out of Egypt, Israel went through the wilderness to the Red Sea and on to Kadesh. Then Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, ‘Give us permission to go through your country,’ but the king of Edom would not listen. They sent also to the king of Moab, and he refused.”
This passage recounts the Israelites’ journey from Egypt and their attempts to pass through the territories of Moab, Ammon, and Edom. It reveals the challenges they faced and the resistance they encountered in their pursuit of the Promised Land, illustrating the complexities of their journey.
Psalms 105:37
“He brought out Israel, laden with silver and gold, and from among their tribes, no one faltered.”
This verse highlights God’s provision for the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. Not only did He deliver them from slavery, but He also caused the Egyptians to give the Israelites silver and gold as they left. This displays God’s ability to provide abundantly for His people.
Psalms 114:1-2
“When Israel came out of Egypt, Jacob from a people of foreign tongue, Judah became God’s sanctuary, Israel his dominion.”
In this poetic verse, the Psalmist celebrates God’s redemptive act of delivering the Israelites from Egypt and establishing them as His chosen people. The mention of Jacob and Judah signifies the unity and special relationship God had with His people, highlighting His reign and authority over them.
Isaiah 19:22
“The Lord will strike Egypt with a plague; he will strike them and heal them. They will turn to the Lord, and he will respond to their pleas and heal them”
In this prophetic verse, Isaiah speaks of Egypt’s future restoration and turning to the Lord. It suggests a coming time when Egypt will experience God’s healing and respond to His call. This verse showcases God’s redemptive nature and His desire for reconciliation.
Jeremiah 1:14
“The Lord said to me, ‘From the north disaster will be poured out on all who live in the land.'”
Jeremiah receives a prophetic message from the Lord, warning of impending disaster on the land of Egypt. This verse signifies God’s sovereignty and foreknowledge regarding the events that will unfold, serving as a reminder of His ultimate authority and control.
Hosea 11:1
“When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt, I called my son.”
Hosea uses this verse to illustrate God’s care and love for Israel. The reference to Israel’s deliverance from Egypt symbolizes the early stages of their relationship with God, depicting His nurturing and protective role as a loving Father towards His chosen people.
Matthew 2:15
“And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘Out of Egypt I called my son.'”
In this Gospel passage, Matthew identifies Jesus’ journey to Egypt as a fulfillment of the prophecy in Hosea 11:1. This connection suggests a parallel between Jesus and the nation of Israel, portraying Jesus as the true Son of God and the fulfillment of God’s promises.
Acts 7:34
“I have indeed seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt.”
Stephen recounts the story of Moses’ encounter with the burning bush when God commissions him to deliver the Israelites from Egypt. This verse captures God’s concern for His people and His active involvement in their rescue, displaying His compassion and desire for their liberation.
Hebrews 11:26
“He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt because he was looking ahead to his reward.”
This verse refers to Moses’ choice to identify with the people of God, forsaking the privileges and treasures of Egypt. Moses viewed his allegiance to God and the eternal reward promised by faith as far more valuable than any worldly possessions or status.
Revelation 11:8
“Their bodies will lie in the public square of the great city—which is figuratively called Sodom and Egypt—where also their Lord was crucified.”
This cryptic verse in the book of Revelation describes the location where the bodies of the two witnesses will be left to be seen by all. The reference to the city being figuratively called Sodom and Egypt suggests a place of wickedness and spiritual bondage, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the location.