Ron's Blog

The dramatic protests in Egypt, which have resulted in deposing President Mubarak and awakening hopes of a democratic future for the nation, raise the natural question, “Where is Egypt in Bible prophecy?”

Actually there are several threads of prophetic information in the Bible about the future of Egypt.

First, as we mentioned in our previous blog, Egypt is conspicuously absent from the 38^th and 39^th chapters of Ezekiel. This section, known as the War of Gog and Magog, portrays a major future attack against Israel after the Chosen People have been re-gathered from all over the world (Ezekiel 36 and 37) and restored to their homeland. This prophecy was fulfilled by the rebirth of the nation of Israel in 1948. The attack will be led by Magog, the descendants of Noah’s grandson (Genesis 10:1-2) who migrated to the north where Russia is today. Magog’s allies will include other northern nations that descended from Magog’s brothers, as well as Persia (Elam - Genesis 10:27), plus Libya and Ethiopia (Put and Cush – Genesis 10:6). In short, it appears that this still-future war will be led by Russia and her Islamic neighbors and allies. However, Egypt (Mizraim- Genesis 10:6) is not named. This leads us to believe that Egypt will not be closely aligned with the Magog coalition when this war occurs.

But when will this conflict occur? Some prophecy scholars think it is the same as the Battle of Armageddon at the end of the Tribulation, but there are several notable differences between the descriptions of the two campaigns. It seems more likely that the Magog war will be the same as the great war of the Second Seal near the beginning of the Tribulation Period (Revelation 6:3-4). Iran’s nuclear program could be setting the scene for the fulfillment of this prophecy in the near future.

For the past three decades Israel’s progress and security has been due in part to the peace agreement they have had with Egypt. Major changes in Egypt cast doubt on the future of that peace, but the fact that the prophecy of the war of Magog does not specifically include Egypt may mean that the changes there will not be as radical as the changes that resulted from Iran’s Islamic Revolution in 1979. We can hope that the Muslim Brotherhood does not fill the leadership vacuum there and lead the Egyptians into Sharia law and increased opposition to Israel.

Two other Bible prophecies about Egypt should be mentioned.

In Daniel’s amazing 11^th chapter, Egypt is identified as the King of the South in conflict with another power, the King of the North. In the first part of the chapter (Daniel 11:5-20) the King of the North describes the Roman Empire. Rome’s struggle with Egypt is depicted there, with Israel, “the Beautiful Land,” caught in the middle. Rome would gradually decline, and be destroyed, not by battle, but by internal decay.

However, according to the second half of the chapter (Daniel 11:21-45), there will be a renewed or revived empire in the End Times, led by a contemptible person, who undoubtedly corresponds to “The Beast” of Revelation 13. Toward the end of the Tribulation Period he will conquer the King of the South, including “many countries.” In verse 42 the Bible predicts, “Egypt will not escape.” In the light of current events this end-time King of the South will most likely be a coalition of Islamic nations.

Another significant prophecy about Egypt is found in Isaiah 19. This chapter is a prediction of future punishment of Egypt that seems to go beyond what has already happened to them. It could be a picture of what will happen to them during the Tribulation Period. But it concludes with a time of belief and salvation for the nation, probably during the millennial reign of Christ.