Bible Dictionary
River of Egypt
The expression “River of Egypt” may refer either to the Nile or, in descriptions of Israel’s boundary, to the seasonal brook or wadi called Wady el-‘Arish.
Definition
The expression “River of Egypt” can refer to two different watercourses. In Genesis 15:18 it denotes the Nile or its eastern branch. In descriptions of Israel’s boundary, the term refers to the seasonal brook or wadi now called Wady el-‘Arish.
Biblical Usage
The Nile marks the broad setting of the promised boundary in Genesis, while the brook of Egypt appears in boundary descriptions in Numbers, Joshua, Kings, Isaiah, and Ezekiel.
Historical Background
Wady el-‘Arish is a desert stream flowing rapidly during the winter or rainy season. It lies on the border region between Egypt and Palestine.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(1.) Heb. nahar mitsraim, denotes in Gen. 15:18 the Nile, or its eastern branch (2 Chr. 9:26). (2.) In Num. 34:5 (R.V., “brook of Egypt”) the Hebrew word is nahal, denoting a stream flowing rapidly in winter, or in the rainy season. This is a desert stream on the borders of Egypt. It is now called the Wady el-‘Arish. The present boundary between Egypt and Palestine is about midway between this wady and Gaza. (See Num. 34:5; Josh. 15:4, 47; 1 Kings 8:65; 2 Kings 24:7; Isa. 27:12; Ezek. 47:19. In all these passages the R.V. has “brook” and the A.V. “river.”)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>See BROOK OF EGYPT.</p>