In Scripture, Egypt, like Babylon, is more than just a geographic area or even a culture or a civilization. Egypt, with its awesome architecture, distinctive art, wealth and glittering courts were (and still are!) a very epitome of human achievement and elegance. This was not just true in the ancient world. The discovery of King Tut's Tomb in the 1920's caused a huge response in fashion, decor, architecture, and the Arts, which has not yet abated. Western museums often gauge their quality based on the size of their "Egyptian Collection."
But, in spite of its beauty and glory, Egypt had a dark side. Its religion was tightly controlled by a hierarchy of priests who exploited the people, and wielded such power that they were able to depose and destroy the one king who did not "agree" with them. The ordinary people lived a primitive life of toil and drudgery, all to support the giant monolithic government. The beautiful art and architecture was all in service to the State, and in the end, was used to celebrate Death. Archaeologists have a rough time finding any ruins that have to do with everyday life, and have only recently been able to find the remains of some homes of working people. "Working People", meaning, a huge work camp in the shadow of the Pyramids, and the Pyramids, of course, were TOMBS.
Nevertheless, Egypt and Babylon projected an image of wealth and prosperity. Wealth and prosperity are not bad things in and of themselves. In fact, these two things are among the Promises of God in Deuteronomy 28, when the "Blessings and Curses" are pronounced. The catch is that we are not to go to "Egypt" or "Babylon" for help, but to the Lord.
Isaiah speaks of people who "Can't handle the Truth", like that famous Jack Nickelson Movie Scene ("You want me on that wall!...another coincidence?) People who want the Wealth, Prosperity, and Protection of the Lord but refuse to listen to Him, and look to others for that Blessing, still exist in our society. And, it would seem, the only one actually PROSPERING is the one preaching the false message.
Amen !!! <><
Psalm 46
To the leader. Of the Korahites. According to Alamoth. A Song.
1 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present* help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
Selah
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of the city;* it shall not be moved;
God will help it when the morning dawns.
6 The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.*
Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord;
see what desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
10 ‘Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.’
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.*
Selah
Amen, left that other site
The BBC series, I, Claudius, does a great job with good acting covering the history of this time.
Joining in prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem and for our beloved America.
Amen
AMEN! thank you. Joining together in prayer.