In ancient times, the northern region of Egypt, often called Lower Egypt, was dominated by the extensive Nile River Delta and covered with uncultivated brush and papyrus. The Delta continually expanded and changed shape throughout Egypt’s history, as did the many branches of the Nile River. The Pelusaic branch, located at the eastern extreme of […]
Category Archives: Old Testament
The Final Days of the Northern Kingdom of Israel
2 Kings 16-17; 2 Chronicles 28; Isaiah 7-8 The final days of the northern kingdom of Israel were marked by a failed gamble and a desperate gambit. The failed gamble came as an attempt by Aram and Israel to compel neighboring states (including Judah) to form an alliance against the expanding Assyrian Empire around 735 […]
Patriarchs in Canaan
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all of Jacob’s sons lived in Canaan, the land that the Lord promised to give to Abraham’s descendants (Genesis 12:1-9; 15:1-21), and several of the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) and their wives were buried in the family burial cave that Abraham purchased in Hebron (Genesis 23:19; 25:9; 50:1-14). Abraham built […]
The Moabite Alliance Attacks Judah
2 Chronicles 20 During the reign of Jehoshaphat of Judah, the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites on the east side of the Dead Sea formed an alliance to attack Judah. By the time Jehoshaphat was informed of the situation, the alliance had already reached Hazazon-tamar (also called En-gedi). Jehoshaphat prayed to the Lord for help, and […]
Judges of Israel
Judges 2-16 Under Joshua’s leadership the Israelites conquered and occupied most of Canaan, but Canaanites continued to occupy many parts of the land, particularly the valleys and the coastal areas. From time to time these Canaanites oppressed the Israelites, and the Lord raised up local leaders to help the Israelites fight against them. Often these […]