Topical Bible: Commerce: Carried on by Egyptians

◄ Commerce: Carried on by Egyptians ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Commerce in ancient Egypt was a significant aspect of its civilization, playing a crucial role in its economic and cultural development. The Egyptians engaged in extensive trade both within their borders and with neighboring regions, utilizing the Nile River as a primary conduit for transportation and trade.

Geographical Advantage and Resources

Egypt's geographical location and natural resources made it a hub for commerce in the ancient world. The Nile River, flowing from south to north, provided a natural highway for the movement of goods. The fertile Nile Delta and the surrounding regions produced an abundance of agricultural products, including grains, flax, and papyrus, which were essential for both domestic use and trade.

Trade with Neighboring Nations

The Egyptians traded with various neighboring nations, including the Canaanites, Phoenicians, and Nubians. The Bible provides insights into these interactions. For instance, in Genesis 37:25, the Ishmaelites, who were Midianite traders, are described as carrying "spices, balm, and myrrh" from Gilead to Egypt. This indicates the flow of goods into Egypt from the surrounding regions.

Egyptian Exports and Imports

Egypt was known for exporting goods such as linen, papyrus, and grain. The production of fine linen was particularly renowned, and Egyptian linen was highly sought after in the ancient world. In exchange, Egypt imported luxury items, precious metals, and other goods not readily available within its borders. Ezekiel 27:7 mentions the use of "fine embroidered linen from Egypt" as sails for the ships of Tyre, highlighting the quality and desirability of Egyptian textiles.

Role of the Pharaohs and State Control

The pharaohs played a central role in regulating commerce, often controlling trade routes and the distribution of goods. The state maintained a monopoly on certain products, such as papyrus and grain, ensuring that trade benefited the central government and supported the construction of monumental projects, including temples and pyramids.

Biblical References to Egyptian Commerce

The Bible references Egypt's wealth and trade in several passages. In Genesis 41, during the time of Joseph, Egypt's ability to store and distribute grain during a famine underscores its role as a center of commerce and sustenance. Joseph's management of Egypt's resources during the seven years of plenty and the subsequent famine (Genesis 41:47-57) illustrates the nation's economic prowess and strategic importance in the region.

Cultural and Economic Impact

The commerce carried on by the Egyptians had a profound impact on their society and the broader ancient world. It facilitated cultural exchanges, the spread of ideas, and the movement of peoples. The wealth generated from trade contributed to Egypt's ability to sustain a complex society with advancements in art, architecture, and technology.

In summary, commerce in ancient Egypt was a vital component of its civilization, deeply intertwined with its geography, resources, and political structure. The biblical narrative provides glimpses into the extensive trade networks and economic activities that characterized this ancient powerhouse.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 42:2-34
And he said, Behold, I have heard that there is corn in Egypt: get you down thither, and buy for us from there; that we may live, and not die.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

From the Flood to Abraham
... The activity and industry of the Egyptians, their power of erecting great buildings
and of executing other laborious ... Commerce was carried on extensively on ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter iii from the flood.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... were dwellers in "caves." To the Egyptians it was ... through it passed the highroad
of commerce which connected ... at Elath and Ezion-gaber, and carried from thence ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

Introduction
... as the Atlantic is the highroad of commerce and trade ... an active correspondence was
being constantly carried on from ... in "all the wisdom of the Egyptians." If we ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/introduction.htm

Editor's Preface
... war and diplomacy have come trade and commerce; Western Asia ... Theirs were the hands
which carried out the plans ... creation of a twofold race: the Egyptians of the ...
/.../history of egypt chaldaea syria babylonia and assyria v 1/editors preface.htm

The Way to the Sea
... was swept from the speaker's lips and carried astray by ... shape, her houses, her pleasures
and commerce; leave only ... Knowest thou that the Egyptians pursue thee? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xliv the way to.htm

Introduction
... took its place as a great centre both of commerce and of ... There were first the native
Egyptians, whom he describes as intelligent and ... [5] He carried away with ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/conybeare/a grammar of septuagint greek/introduction.htm

The Promised Land
... He had seen many Egyptians, but they were ... extremes was this sober thinking carried
that through ... in restocking the fields and granaries and restoring commerce. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xlvii the promised land.htm

Under Ban of the Ritual
... The idea of dignity was carried out in his ... Science, art, literature, government,
commerce, whatever the member ... After the manner of Egyptians it was understood ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter ii under ban of.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... dropped all intercourse with their native land, and became regular Egyptians. ... demands
of the consumer, the waning commerce which had been carried on from ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... Royalty"The constitution of the family and its property"Chaldaean commerce and industry. ...
The Egyptians had carried this system still further, and in ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm