Ancient Egyptian Hierarchy in Biblical Context and History
Ancient Egypt, referred to in the Hebrew Bible as "Misraim" (a plural form indicating the two regions of Egypt), played a significant role in biblical narratives, particularly during the time of the patriarchs and the Exodus [3, 9]. The hierarchy within ancient Egypt is reflected in biblical accounts, showing a structured society with the Pharaoh at its apex, supported by various officials and a priestly class [7, 8].
The Pharaoh held ultimate authority as the king of Egypt [7]. This is evident in the narrative of Joseph, where Pharaoh's word is law, and he has the power to elevate individuals to positions of immense power [8]. When Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dreams, Pharaoh consulted his servants and recognized Joseph's wisdom, attributing it to the "Spirit of God" [8]. This consultation with advisors, often distinguished members of the priestly order, was a common practice in ancient Egyptian state affairs [8]. Following this, Pharaoh appointed Joseph as ruler over all of Egypt, second only to himself, granting him his signet ring, fine linen, and a gold chain [8]. This demonstrates the Pharaoh's absolute power to delegate authority and integrate foreign individuals into the highest echelons of his administration.
Below the Pharaoh were various officials, including servants and princes [7]. These individuals formed the administrative backbone of the kingdom. The biblical text also alludes to a priestly class that held significant influence. The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown commentary notes that kings of ancient Egypt were often advised by the most distinguished members of the priestly order [8]. This suggests a close relationship between religious and political power in the Egyptian hierarchy.
The land of Egypt itself was geographically and administratively divided. The term "Misraim" (Egypt) is a plural form, reflecting the division into Upper and Lower Egypt [9]. This division is further highlighted by the mention of "nome against nome" in Isaiah, referring to the forty-two districts or nomes into which Egypt was divided [11]. These internal divisions could sometimes lead to conflict, as seen in prophecies of "Egyptians against the Egyptians," with Lower against Upper, or specific regions like Saitic against both [11].
The biblical narrative also places specific individuals within the context of Egypt during the wilderness period. For example, men like Eliasaph, Ahiezer, and Eliab are mentioned as living during the time of Egypt and the wilderness [1, 2, 5, 6]. Another figure, Beor, is also noted as living during this era [4]. These individuals, though not part of the Egyptian hierarchy, are situated historically within the period when Egypt was a dominant power and the Israelites were either under its influence or in transit from it.
The land of Goshen, where Jacob's family settled, is described as pasture land and was located near a chief city of Egypt, possibly Zoan or Tanis [10]. Zoan is identified as one of the oldest and most prominent cities, where God performed wonders during the plagues of Egypt [10]. This geographical detail further illustrates the structured nature of Egyptian society, with designated areas for different populations and significant urban centers. The hierarchy extended to the management of these lands and the people residing within them.
Sources
- STEPBible TIPNR “Biblical proper name: [email protected]=H0460H — Man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness (refs: #A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, only mentioned at Num.3.24; <br>only referred to )”
- STEPBible TIPNR “Biblical proper name: [email protected]=H0460G — Man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness (refs: #A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.1.14; <br>only referred to)”
- STEPBible TIPNR “Biblical proper name: [email protected]=H4714H — Man living at the time of the Patriarchs (refs: #A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.10.6; <br>only referred to as <s)”
- STEPBible TIPNR “Biblical proper name: [email protected]=H1160H — Man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness (refs: #A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.22.5; <br>referred to as <)”
- STEPBible TIPNR “Biblical proper name: [email protected]=H0295G — Man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness (refs: #A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.1.12; <br>only referred to)”
- STEPBible TIPNR “Biblical proper name: [email protected]=H0446G — Man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness (refs: #A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.1.9; <br>only referred to )”
- Jeremiah “Jeremiah 25:19 (Geneva1599) — Pharaoh also, King of Egypt, and his seruants, and his princes, and all his people:”
- Genesis (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Genesis 41:38: JOSEPH MADE RULER OF EGYPT. (Gen. 41:37-57) Pharaoh said unto his servants--The kings of ancient Egypt were assisted in the management of state affairs by the advice of the most distinguished members of the priestly order; and, accordingly, before admitting Joseph to the new and extraordinary office that was to be created, those ministers were consulted as to the expediency and propriety of the appointment. a man in whom the Spirit of God is--An acknowledgment of the being and power of the true God, though faint and feeble, continued to linger a”
- Isaiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Isaiah 19 (introduction): (Isa. 19:1-25) burden--(See on Isa 13:1). upon . . . cloud-- (Psa 104:3; Psa 18:10). come into Egypt--to inflict vengeance. "Egypt," in Hebrew, Misraim, plural form, to express the two regions of Egypt. BUNSEN observes, The title of their kings runs thus: "Lord of Upper and Lower Egypt." idols--the bull, crocodile, &c. The idols poetically are said to be "moved" with fear at the presence of one mightier than even they were supposed to be (Exo 12:12; Jer 43:12).”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 2 (Gen 24-50), section 23.12: the eastern border-land of Egypt; for on this side Jacob’s family entered, see ver. 28 . It appears as lying near the chief city of Egypt, (see Genesis 45:10 .) What that city was, may be inferred from Numbers 13:22 , which points to Zoan or Tanis. This implies, that Zoan was one of the oldest cities of Egypt, and that it held the first rank. God is said to have performed his “wonders in the field of Zoan,” ( Psalm 78:12, 43 ,) alluding to the plagues of Egypt. The land of Goshen is described as pasture land, and, As one of the ”
- Isaiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Isaiah 19:2: set--stir up. GESENIUS translates, "arm." Egyptians against the Egyptians--Lower against Upper: and Saitic against both. (See Isa 3:10). NEWTON refers it to the civil wars between Apries and Amasis at the time of Nebuchadnezzar's invasion; also between Tachos, Nectanebus, and the Mendesians, just before Ochus subdued Egypt. kingdom against kingdom--The Septuagint has "nome against nome"; Egypt was divided into forty-two nomes or districts.”