Page 15 - Biblical Backgrounds student textbook

Study Section 3: Egyptian backgrounds to the Pentateuch
(Genesis 39-50, Exodus 1-12)

3.1 Connect.

The Egyptian culture and the exodus provide a tremendous wealth of information in helping
understand the way the readers of the Bible would have seen themselves, others, and how
they would have understood the books of the Bible. During the Patriarchal period, there are
major cultural differences between Canaan and Egypt. Perhaps above all, Egypt is was an
22
23
advanced civilization in comparison to the agrarian culture of Canaan. In Egypt, there was a
central government that exercised at “at least moderate control” over the stretch of land from the Nile
Valley from the Mediterranean to Asway, which is about 725 miles in total distance. Another
24
important regional difference is that, whereas in Canaan the land was watered by soil and heavy dew, in
Egypt the soil had to be irrigated. Egypt is remembered as a place of slavery. God remembered His
people and brought them out of their bondage to a good land, the land of Canaan we just covered. The
story and significance of Egypt in scripture does not end with the exodus. In this section we will see how
the Egyptian background shaped Jewish conception and later would impact the church as well.

3.2 Objectives.

1. Students should be able to identify the location and government of Egypt in the Patriarchal
Period.

2. Students should be able to explain the government of Egypt and its connection to the Old
Testament.

3. Students should describe the Egyptian religion as it relates to biblical content.

4. Students should be able to explain the foundational social and economic culture of Egypt.

5. Students should be able to articulate the origin and ongoing concept of the exodus in Jewish thought.

1.3 Egyptian backgrounds to the Pentateuch.

Most Christians will recognize the story of Abraham in Egypt. Others more readily recognize the
biblical stories of Joseph and his brothers, of Moses and the Red Sea crossing, or of the tales of
Egypt as an enemy or a ally who chose not to aid Israel when they came under attack by
Babylon. We know the stories but are perhaps only generally aware of where it was located or
what it was like in the time of the stories of Abraham, Joseph and Moses.

22 Voss, Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Manners and Customs, 45.
23 Ibid.
24 Ibid.

14