Page 26 - Advanced Biblical Backgrounds Revised

(see Jer. 44:30). This prophecy was fulfilled in 525 B.C. when the Persians under Cambyses overran
Egypt.
47

Flight of the Holy Family
When Jesus and his parents fled from Bethlehem to Egypt, it is estimated that up to one million Jews
lived in the city of Alexandria at the time. Tradition tells us that while a large population of Jews lived in
that city, Joseph and Mary probably avoided populated areas and lived somewhere in isolation. While
not in the Bible, tradition tells us that Joseph led his family into the delta about midway between the
modern cities of Port Said and Suez. It is said that they did not stay in one place for very long and lived
in caves near the Qousqam Mountains. It is said that the
angel appeared to Joseph from this cave and told him to
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return to their home in Israel.

It is apparent that Egypt played an enormous role in the
waxing and waning fortunes of ancient Hebrews from the
time of Abraham to the days of Jesus. Along with other
lands in the area, the Lord used Egypt to test and train and
preserve his people.

Giant seated statue of Ramses II from the temple
of Luxor (ancient Thebes) in upper Egypt. Ramses
II (ca. 1290–1224 B.C.) is generally thought to be
the Pharaoh of the Exodus.

Ancient Egypt 101
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hO1tzmi1V5g

Let’s Practice…

1. Where was Egypt located?

2. How was Egypt’s government different from Canaan’s?

47 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1980/09/biblical-egypt-land-of-refuge-land-of-
bondage?lang=eng
48 Ibid.

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