The Live The Adventure Letter 
If you want to understand the present, or try to predict the future, you had must understand the past. Studying Ancient Egypt should be a key part of your historical studies. As far as the Bible is concerned, Egypt was one of the most significant Gentile nations on Earth. It was once a very powerful and influential force. Additionally, Egypt plays a large part of Biblical history recorded in the Old Testament. This is just one verse of many that mentions Egypt by name in the Old Testament:
“Whom the Lord of Hosts shall bless, saying, “Blessed be Egypt, my people, and Assyria, the work of my hands, and Israel, my inheritance.” (Isaiah 19:25)
For Christians, it’s even more important that we understand the history of Egypt. There are several prophecies in the Old Testament concerning Egypt. The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as well as the twelve tribes, have prominent connections to Egypt. The very history of the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people, is tied to Egypt; from the birth and rise of Moses, to their enslavement, and finally to their exodus.
When we look at Ancient Egypt, we see two key themes: prosperity and demise. Egypt grew into a mighty and powerful nation, only to be brought to its knees for one thing – disobedience to God. Do you think there’s something America can learn from Ancient Egypt, even to this very day? Let’s take a quick look.
Great Prosperity
During the time of Joseph, Egypt was likely the most powerful country in the entire world. Its rise to power can be tied to the great famine. During this critical time period and in the years following, the Israelites began to populate in Egypt in great numbers. Why? This happened quite naturally, as they came to Egypt to find food and buy grain. Simply put they came to survive.
The Israelites stayed there for roughly 200 years. They did what families do today – they put down roots, raised families, and worked. Their rich culture intermingled with Egyptian culture, no doubt.
Great Demise
After Joseph died, the Bible says a new Pharaoh, who did not know Joseph came to power (Exodus 1:8). This is interpreted to mean he did not recognize Joseph, not that he didn’t actually know him. There’s a big difference. This Pharaoh, hungry for power, took the descendants of Joseph, the Israelites, and made slaves of them. For years they suffered and toiled in slavery and bondage, both physically and spiritually.
God would see that His people would be delivered. He would use Moses to lead his people out of that bondage. He would take them out of Egypt, and into the Promised Land. But it would not be quick, nor would it be easy. Ten major plagues would practically wipe out Egypt. Egypt was reduced to a much weaker society, nearly overnight… all because a power-hungry Pharaoh refused to let God’s people go. We don’t know the exact time frame, but historians believe it occurred within a matter of weeks or months.
Learn More
This is obviously a very brief and condensed look at the richness of Egypt’s long history. For a better look, read and study the Old Testament, particularly the books of Genesis and Exodus. As you read, make a simple timeline or mental checklist outlining the rise and fall of Egypt and the movement of God’s people.
Be sure to check out our brand new Audio Adventure, The Cat of Bubastes, where we take a fantastic and exciting journey to ancient Egypt! It’s the perfect complement to your study of Ancient Egypt.
