In spite of the ancient culture and civilization for which Egypt is famous, the feature highlighted in the Bible is that Egypt was a place of bondage out of which God redeemed his people (Exodus 6:6-7; Exodus 15:1-12; Exodus 20:2; Deuteronomy 6:12; Joshua 24:17). Throughout their history, the people of Israel celebrated their deliverance from Egypt, reminding themselves that God’s grace and power alone had saved them (Leviticus 23:43; Deuteronomy 16:1-3; 1 Samuel 10:17-18; Nehemiah 9:16-17; Psalms 106:7-12; Daniel 9:15; Amos 2:10; Micah 7:15; Acts 7:17-19; Acts 7:36; see PASSOVER).

Egypt continued to be involved in the history of God’s people, and is mentioned often throughout the period of the Old Testament period. Even the New Testament opens with a reference to Egypt, for Mary and Joseph spent a time there with the baby Jesus (Matthew 2:13-15).

The land and the people