—God’s Work Viewed Through the History of Egypt
When God made the covenant of the torch with Abraham, He foretold that Abraham’s descendants would live as strangers and be oppressed for 400 years in a foreign land. To fulfil this prophecy, God sent Joseph ahead to Egypt, where he rose from slavery to become the nation’s prime minister. Through Joseph, Jacob’s family of seventy entered Egypt, and nearly four centuries later, God raised Moses to deliver them—showing that He governs not only spiritual redemption but also world history itself.
1. Joseph’s Era – God’s Preparation
Joseph, sold into slavery, was exalted to power after interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams about seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Appointed ruler over Egypt, he saved many lives and brought his family to safety in Egypt. God told Jacob, “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you a great nation there” (Genesis 46:3–4).
How could a Hebrew slave become Egypt’s second-in-command? This was possible because Egypt, at that time, was ruled by the Hyksos, a Semitic people who had conquered the Nile Delta. Unlike the native Egyptians, who descended from Ham, the Hyksos were tolerant toward foreigners—especially Semites like Joseph and his family. Psalm 105:23 describes Israel entering “the land of Ham,” showing that Egypt belonged to Ham’s descendants (Genesis 10:6). However, the Hyksos’ rule created a rare window of acceptance for the Israelites to settle in Egypt. Had native Egyptians been in power, Joseph likely would have been executed or imprisoned.
Thus, even foreign conquests and dynastic changes were part of God’s plan. He shaped political history to secure His redemptive purpose: forming Israel into a great nation in a land not their own.
2. Moses’ Era – God’s Deliverance
After several centuries, the Hyksos were expelled by native Egyptian rulers, beginning the powerful 18th dynasty. It was during this time that the Israelites went from favor to slavery. Understanding the key Pharaohs helps reveal how precisely God’s plan unfolded.
Thutmose I – The Oppressor
The “new king who did not know Joseph” (Exodus 1:8) refers to Thutmose I (1539–1514 B.C.), who enslaved the Hebrews and ordered that all Hebrew boys be killed (Exodus 1:22). Moses was born during his reign, around 1527 B.C.
Hatshepsut and Thutmose III – The Rivalry
Thutmose I’s daughter, Hatshepsut, rescued baby Moses from the Nile and raised him as her own (Exodus 2:10). After Thutmose II’s short reign, Hatshepsut ruled as Pharaoh, acting as regent for her stepson, Thutmose III.
Moses, raised as a royal prince, became a rival to Thutmose III, who later sought his death after Moses killed an Egyptian overseer (Exodus 2:14–15). Moses fled to Midian, remaining there until “the king of Egypt died” (Exodus 2:23). That king was Thutmose III, whose long 54-year reign ended shortly before God called Moses to return to Egypt.
Amenhotep II – The Pharaoh of the Exodus
After Thutmose III’s death, his son Amenhotep II ascended the throne. Under his reign, God sent Moses back to demand Israel’s freedom. Pharaoh hardened his heart through ten plagues until God destroyed his army in the Red Sea (Exodus 14:28; Psalm 136:15). Although Egyptian records suggest Amenhotep II’s reign continued beyond the Exodus, this may reflect Egypt’s practice of venerating dead kings. The Bible makes clear that the Pharaoh who perished in the Red Sea was Amenhotep II himself.
Timeline Summary
- Moses was born under Thutmose I.
- He fled under Thutmose III.
- He returned and led the Exodus under Amenhotep II.
If Thutmose III had still lived when Moses returned, he would have been executed. God’s perfect timing ensured that one Pharaoh’s death made way for Israel’s deliverance.
This demonstrates that God’s providence directs even royal successions and political transitions to accomplish His purposes.
3. The Israelites in Goshen – From Privilege to Oppression
Initially, Israel lived in Goshen, a fertile area suitable for livestock. Yet the Egyptians despised shepherds, calling them to ‘ebah—“detestable” or “abominable” (Genesis 46:34). Egyptians worshiped cattle as sacred, so they viewed shepherds with contempt. Thus, from the start, the Israelites were socially isolated and disliked. Goshen also sat at Egypt’s northeastern border, making it a defensive buffer against invasion. Egyptians used the Israelites as forced labor and human shields.
Though they first lived peacefully, their growing population threatened the Egyptians, leading to enslavement and harsh treatment.
Explaining the 400-Year Affliction
From the 18th dynasty to the Exodus spanned less than 150 years, yet God told Abraham that his descendants would be afflicted for 400 years (Genesis 15:13). The key lies in Israel’s total stay in Egypt. Exodus 12:41 states that “at the end of 430 years to the very day,” Israel departed Egypt. The first 30 years were likely peaceful under Joseph before oppression began, making the remaining 400 years the period of affliction. Therefore, the prophecy was precise. The Israelites’ suffering began not only with slavery but from the moment they became unwelcome foreigners in Goshen—looked down upon and gradually subjected to discrimination.
Conclusion: God Rules Time and History
From Joseph’s rise under the Hyksos to Moses’ deliverance under Amenhotep II, every change of power served God’s plan. The Hyksos’ rule enabled Israel’s entry; the 18th dynasty’s oppression prepared the stage for redemption. God orchestrated every dynasty, every ruler, and every event. He guided redemptive history and world history together as one divine timeline. In the same way, God governs our lives today. What seems coincidental or delayed is often His unseen preparation. As He fulfilled His promise to Abraham precisely through centuries of history, so will He fulfil His promises to us.
Everything belongs to God. Everything moves in His time. And every word He speaks—He will surely bring to pass.
The Lord's Covenant Church Malaysia 