Interesting Facts

• Mizraim was a son of Ham, the son of Noah [You, 5].
• The descendants of Mizraim included seven families: the Ludim, Anamim, Lehabim, Naphtuchim, Pathrusim, Casluchim, and Caphturim.
• These families of Mizraim dwelt by the river Sihor, which is identified as the brook of Egypt.
• The descendants of Mizraim built cities and named them after themselves.
• The Egyptians later developed a custom of taxing both the living and the dead.

Genealogy

• Mizraim was a son of Ham, who was one of the three sons of Noah [You, 5].
• His brothers were Cush, Put, and Canaan [You, 5].
• The children of Mizraim were Ludim, Anamim, Lehabim, Naphtuchim, Pathrusim, Casluchim, and Caphturim.
• The Pelishtim, Azathim, Gerarim, Githim, and Ekronim were descendants of the children of Pathros and Casloch.

Historical Context

The emergence of Mizraim and his descendants occurs in the post-diluvian era, following the division of the earth amongst the sons of Noah. Mizraim’s portion lay to the west of Cush, in the region of the brook of Egypt. His sons established themselves and built cities, marking the early settlement of the land that would become known as Egypt. Later in the narrative, the Egyptians appear as a settled civilization with kings and established customs, such as the exaction of taxes. The sojourn of Abram into Egypt during a famine illustrates early interactions between the descendants of Shem and the people of Egypt. The rise of Joseph in Egypt marks a significant period where an Israelite held a position of great power, governing the land for forty years and being highly regarded by the Egyptians. During this time, the Israelites prospered in Egypt. However, after Joseph’s death, a shift in historical memory led to a new generation of Egyptians who oppressed the Israelites, forgetting the benefits Joseph had brought to their land. This transition underscores the theme of changing relationships and the impact of historical amnesia on societal dynamics. The narrative also hints at interactions and potential conflicts between Egypt and other emerging nations.

Narrative

The narrative introduces Mizraim primarily as an ancestral figure, one of Ham’s sons who was allotted a specific territory where his descendants settled and multiplied. The focus then shifts to the Egyptians as a collective, whose story becomes intertwined with the patriarchs and their descendants. They are initially depicted in the context of Abram’s visit, where Pharaoh’s actions towards Sarai resulted in divine intervention. The most significant interaction, however, is through the story of Joseph. The Egyptians are shown to be capable of both great respect and eventual oppression towards the Israelites. Under Pharaoh, Joseph rises to become a powerful governor, and the Egyptians hold him in high esteem, demonstrating their capacity to accept and honor a foreigner in a position of authority. This period is one of mutual benefit, with the Israelites dwelling securely in Egypt. The narrative takes a dark turn after Joseph’s passing, as the Egyptians, having forgotten his contributions and the history of the Israelites’ arrival, begin to afflict them with harsh labor and take away their possessions. This act of ingratitude and oppression sets the stage for the later narratives of the Israelite exodus. The Egyptians are also portrayed as a people with their own customs, beliefs, and interactions with neighboring nations, their fate often tied to their relationship with the chosen lineage of Abraham. Their narrative arc reveals a complex dynamic of power, memory, and shifting allegiances.