Danger of Depending on Egypt

Examples from the life of Abraham, Joseph, and Moses, to name a few, teach us many lessons about the pulls and pleasures the world has for us – yet always with perils.

This is challenging, because it’s important to note that while we are not of the world (we’ve been saved out of the system, Galatians 4:3), we still currently live in the world, “in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, as whom ye shine as lights in the world”, Philippians 2:15. We aren’t called to live solitary and secluded lives away from all civilisation. Until we are in paradise, we are still sojourners here on planet earth, mingling with our fellow travellers on the way to eternity, and still navigating the carnal culture and rule of this world.

How do I manoeuvre such a defiling scene without being defiled? How do I tiptoe through the landmines the enemy has planted in the world? Or maybe (and solemnly) the question that hits closer is, how do I stop myself from wanting the world?

The world has its attractions. We cannot deny that. Egypt gives a show of magnificence on the outside, and the scenes are pleasurable for a season. The evils of Egypt today still hide behind a guise of beauty, and it allures, entices, but then it ensnares.

The Lord Jesus Christ is always the answer, and indeed the best example, “He was in the world” (in, not from the world, as He was from heaven, nor of the world as He is God), and yet “the world knew Him not”! In one sense we take this as a sad statement of rejection, but alternatively what a commendation of God’s Son! 

Although a man on earth, He did not conform or blend into the background of that sinful setting. He willingly dwelt among men and yet stood apart and stuck out, and was violently rejected for not belonging to the world. Perhaps there is a reason Scripture tells us that at a young age, God called His Son “out of Egypt” (Matthew 2:15). It is the highest honour to, like our Saviour, stand out for being different, even if it means suffering or discomfort, as Christ encouraged His disciples in John 15:18, “if the world hate you, ye know that it hated Me before it hated you”.

Sometimes we live dangerously close to Egypt’s border, thinking we’re safe, but the closer you get, the more you begin to desire, and even start to depend on Egypt. Abraham slipped into this trap in Genesis 12, resulting in severe repercussions.

I suggest that in Isaiah 30 we are given four reasons why we should not rely on Egypt. After all, God put a sea between Egypt and His people. He would desire us to be separate and rely on Him!

1. Relying on Egypt is Sinful.

Isaiah quotes the LORD, declaring “woe to the rebellious children … that take counsel, but not of me” (v1) and rather “go down into Egypt” (v2). How sad that some, who have the privilege of seeking the resources of God, choose Egypt instead! In verse 1, He calls it adding “sin to sin”. How serious, that when we choose to rely on the ways of the world to solve our troubles, rather than God, it is just heaping “sin upon sin”. What a contrast to John 1:16, “of His fullness have all we received, and grace upon grace”! It is one sin to reject the LORD, and another sin altogether to trust in something else. Placing the world higher than the LORD is idolatry, and is sinful.

2. Relying on Egypt is Futile.

God uses a very appropriate word to describe what they trust in: “the shadow of Egypt” (v2). What has Egypt to offer anyway? Compared to the shelter found in the shadow of the Almighty, God, what is the “strength of Pharaoh” (v2)? All his promises have no power, his safety has no substance. “For the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose” (v7).

Do we trust in the fleeting shadow of this world, whose shape and form are only dependent on the rays of a far superior light, or is our trust found in the stability of the LORD God, “a sun and shield” of “grace and glory”? (Psalm 84:11).

3. Relying on Egypt is Foolish.

It is little wonder that depending on Egypt for help brought “shame” and “confusion” (v3).

When considering the history of God’s people and their bondage in Egypt, it’s hardly believable they were willing to trust those that had enslaved them. Egypt never had their best interests in heart, they were nothing but a “reproach” (v5) to them. When times got tough in the desert, the Israelites foolishly longed to be back in Egypt, the place out of which God had redeemed them! How foolish and forgetful we can be, desiring to be back in enemy territory. Rather, we are told to “stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1).

Finally, relying on Egypt is Costly.

Help from Egypt came at a price for God’s people. Isaiah declares a “burden” even on the “beasts”, “asses” and “camels” (v6), feeling pity for them who had to carry the load of riches as an attempt to purchase protection from Egypt. The worst part is they would bleed themselves dry, but it was “to a people that shall not profit them” in return. In order to be allied with Egypt, demands were made, wealth was taken, and nothing was given back. The world likewise robs us of our usefulness, time, money, energy, and intellect, providing no service in return.

What a difference to our blessed Master! “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God” (1 Corinthians 2:12). Why not rely on Him, who will reward and recompense, despite our undeserving? “Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:24).

May God help us to see the danger in trusting in Egypt. May He help us be like Moses, in Hebrews 11:25-26, who “esteemed the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt”!