From My Perspective - - -

For eighteen days, citizens of Egypt assembled in Cairo and gave voice to their frustrations and desire for changes in their government and leaders. Interestingly, Time Magazine on February 12th, 2011, headlined their account of these activities: “Egypt's Last Pharaoh? The Rise and Fall of Hosni Mubarak.”In a brief summary, the following appears: “By the time he finally resigned Friday, Muhammad Hosni Sayyid Mubarak had ruled Egypt longer than anyone since Muhammad Ali Pasha, the Albanian-born viceroy of the Ottoman Empire credited with bringing Egypt into the modern age. Mubarak was a son of the soil, born 82 years ago on the Nile delta, but in his three decades as its president, the Land of the Pharaohs surrendered its position as leader of the contemporary Arab world. Egypt remained by far the most populous Arab nation, but its historic power to inspire the masses was crimped, beaten and subdued along with the citizens who restored it in the space of a fortnight, simply by assembling, day after day, and chanting for him to leave.” President Mubarak finally surrendered to the inevitable and was flown out of Egypt.

The use of Pharaoh to define and describe the exiled President is subtle and succinct. The title means: “the title of the ancient Egyptian kings; a tyrant, or any person who uses power or authority to oppress others.” By using the ancient title, the Editors of Time effectively designated President Mubarak as one who is “a tyrant” in addition to his title of President (which they imply is more of an ancient king). The Cultural Dictionary contains the following: “The title of the kings of ancient Egypt. In the story of Joseph and his brothers, a pharaoh puts Joseph in charge of his entire kingdom. In the Book of Exodus, a pharaoh repeatedly refuses the request of Moses to let the Israelites leave the country and does not give in until after the worst of the ten plagues of Egypt” There is considerable reference made regarding the Pharaohs in the Bible, namely, the books of Genesis and Exodus.

In Genesis, Joseph has been sold into slavery by his jealous and antagonistic brothers. In the passing of time and events, Joseph gains the attention of Pharaoh and is soon elevated to a high position and office of power and authority. By the influence of Joseph and the willingness of the Pharaoh, preparations are made for a period of time – yet to come – when famine would be the reality. Joseph’s idea was that Egypt should plan for that event in history and save food and grain for the day of hunger and starvation. If Joseph was correct, all of the world would come to Egypt for food and grain allocation. The Bible records that Joseph was right and Pharaoh was pleased that he had surrendered to the inevitable by his allowing for the preparation and planning made under Joseph. After Joseph’s brothers have come to Egypt seeking relief and supplies, in Genesis 45:5-9 are these words: “do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land… God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God…” Then these words in Genesis 50:20-21, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children. And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.”

The Book of Exodus gives the account of Moses coming before Pharaoh with a word from God, “Let my people go!” After his refusal to do so, an God sending ten plagues throughout the land, the Pharaoh surrendered to the inevitable and let God’s people go. One can only hope and pray that what is occurring in Egypt today may bring about multitudes surrendering to the inevitable and turning to The One and Only True God – finding in Him peace, safety and refuge. May this not just be a political moment, but a spiritual victory as well!  Consider these things with me!