Topical Bible: Egypt: The Country of: Called Rahab

◄ Egypt: The Country of: Called Rahab ►

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Egypt, a significant nation in biblical history, is often referred to by the poetic name "Rahab" in the Scriptures. This name, meaning "pride" or "arrogance," is used metaphorically to describe Egypt's strength and haughtiness. The term "Rahab" is notably found in the poetic and prophetic literature of the Old Testament, highlighting Egypt's role and reputation among the nations.

Biblical References:

1. Isaiah 30:7 : "Egypt’s help is futile and empty; therefore I have called her Rahab Who Sits Still." This verse underscores the futility of relying on Egypt for assistance, as the nation is depicted as inactive and ineffective despite its proud reputation.

2. Psalm 87:4 : "I will mention Rahab and Babylon among those who know Me—Philistia, Tyre, and Cush—'This one was born in Zion.'" Here, Rahab is listed among other nations, indicating Egypt's prominence and its recognition by God, yet also suggesting its ultimate subservience to God's purposes.

3. Isaiah 51:9 : "Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in days gone by, as in generations of old. Was it not You who cut Rahab to pieces, who pierced the monster through?" This passage recalls God's past deliverance of Israel from Egypt, symbolically referred to as Rahab, emphasizing God's power over even the mightiest of nations.

Historical and Theological Context:

Egypt, located in the northeastern corner of Africa, was a dominant power in the ancient Near East. Its fertile Nile Delta and advanced civilization made it a center of wealth and influence. Throughout biblical history, Egypt played a crucial role, both as a place of refuge and as an oppressor of the Israelites.

The Israelites' sojourn in Egypt, culminating in the Exodus, is a foundational narrative in the Bible. Egypt is depicted as a land of bondage from which God delivered His people through miraculous interventions. This deliverance is celebrated throughout Scripture as a testament to God's faithfulness and power.

The use of the name "Rahab" in reference to Egypt serves as a reminder of the nation's pride and the ultimate futility of its opposition to God's will. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty over all nations, regardless of their might or arrogance.

Prophetic Significance:

In the prophetic literature, Egypt often symbolizes worldly power and reliance on human strength rather than on God. The prophets frequently warned Israel against forming alliances with Egypt, urging them to trust in the Lord instead. This is evident in passages like Isaiah 30:1-3, where reliance on Egypt is portrayed as a rejection of God's guidance.

Despite its historical role as an adversary, Egypt is also included in the prophetic vision of redemption and restoration. Isaiah 19:19-25 envisions a future where Egypt, along with Assyria and Israel, will worship the Lord together, highlighting the inclusivity of God's salvation plan.

In summary, Egypt, referred to as Rahab in the Bible, is a nation of great historical and theological significance. Its portrayal in Scripture serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the ultimate futility of human pride and opposition to His divine purposes.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 87:4
I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there.
Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 89:10
You have broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain; you have scattered your enemies with your strong arm.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Rahab's Faith
... faith dauntless in courage when Moses forsook Egypt, not fearing ... be necessary, for
having betrayed my country in taking ... The minister called to see him, and said ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/rahabs faith.htm

Hebrews xi. 20-22
... of sin for a season." He called unwillingness "to ... [5.] ( Ver.27 ) "By faith he forsook
Egypt not fearing ... in captivity became in that very country more glorious ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxvi hebrews xi 20-22.htm

How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The
... that part of Idumea which bordered upon Egypt and Arabia. ... of the Amorites, which
itself was so called also from ... had already received ten in the country of the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how joshua the.htm

The Old Testament and Comparative Religion
... had a Babylonian origin, though some would trace it to Egypt. ... pronounced, or the
decisions of the country which I ... with a great primeval monster, called in some ...
/.../eiselen/the christian view of the old testament/chapter v the old testament.htm

Five Kings in a Cave
... When the children of Israel started from Egypt and had ... One day he called Robert
Ingersoll to the town where he ... of an old preacher back in the country who was a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/five kings in a cave.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... comprising the two Sidons, Bit-ziti, and Sarepta, the country from Mahalliba ... For
Egypt helpeth in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I called her Rahab ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

Letter xxii. To Eustochium.
... pronounce them naturally is a mark of country breeding. ... There are in Egypt three
classes of monks ... pass on, therefore, to the third class, called anchorites, who ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xxii to eustochium.htm

The Desolations of the Lord, the Consolation of his Saints
... Who is he that now bows before the god of Egypt? ... can never pass, even in our own
country, a ruined ... how it became the base, grovelling thing called Secularism. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the desolations of the lord.htm

The Historical Books.
... help of Jehovah, and the gift of their country to the ... Many of them were military
leaders, called to their work ... of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt.". ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm

The Letter of the Church of Rome
... to flee from the presence of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, when he ... 10 Abraham, who
was called "The Friend ... 3For he told him: "Depart from your country and from ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the letter of the church.htm