My A to Z blogging theme is characters in (people from) the scriptures. Since my blog is a book blog, this theme would fit right in and help me strengthen a weakness at the same. How fantastic is that?! This challenge is a blessing. Thank you A to Z Challenge team! *Book: LDS quad combo scriptures: KJV Holy Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, Pearl of Great Price. (p)1989, (c)1979.
Pharaoh was a title given of kings of Egypt. Today we will be discussing the Pharaoh spoken of from the book of Exodus. Oddly enough, the book does not mention the Pharaoh's name but some have given the honor to Ramses I and some to Ramses II. This post will not name any but say that Yul Brynner was a cutie as Pharaoh in the famous 1956 film, The Ten Commandments. :)
In Exodus 1-10, the story goes like this ..God's chosen people, Israel, was taken into bondage by the Egyptians. There they suffered and multiplied. After 400 some years, the Lord decreed that the time had arrived for Israel's to occupy her own land. The two main characters that played a major role in the eventual exodus were Moses and the pharaoh. Moses was meek and allowed himself to be led by the hand of God giving way to succeed in delivering Israel from bondage with great and might miracles. On the flip side, the pharaoh, was self-centered, power hungry, cruel, and hard-hearted. He preferred to follow the counterfeit power of Satan, which allowed him the false belief that he was a god on earth. Bad move Mr. Pharaoh!
Interesting side note:
God promised Abraham that Israel would become numerous. To fulfill this with merely 70 person (Gen. 46:26-27), they needed time and peaceful place to multiply. Egypt was that place! The eventual bondage of Israel served a good purpose. The cruelty of the taskmasters, the hatred that existed between the Hebrews and the Egyptians, and the length of their trying servitude fused Jacob's children into a united people. Also, the hatred they felt toward the Egyptians prevented intermarriage between the Hebrews and their neighbors. To reap the benefits of the Abrahamic promises, Israel had to remain a pure race, and the Lord used this means to achieve it. --Pretty rough, but goes to show that we don't often see the whole picture but God does.
*Additional reference material used: Old Testament Student Manual: Religion 301, pg 103-108
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When we lived in Cairo years ago, we'd go to Egypt's National Museum. Ramses II would be laid out in mummy wraps. Hard to believe now, but we could touch him -- and did. You did a great job with a colossal era.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMaribeth
--Wow, that's pretty cool Kittie! ..and thanks.
ReplyDelete--You're welcom Maribeth.