Tag: Christian Evidence

The Bible & The Pyramids (PT. 1)

Dale Pollard

Spoilers! The Bible never mentions the pyramids by name. This seems a little odd since many important events took place in Egypt. Abraham visits, Joseph rose to power, and later the Israelites are enslaved there (Gen. 12, 41). Because of Egypt’s prominence in scripture, I’m sure the author isn’t the only reader that’s wondered about the pyramids and the biblical record.

The foundational Hebrew term for Egypt in the Old Testament is Mizraim, and it’s mentioned 639 times (Strong’s H4714, BLB). According to the old McClintock & Strong, the name Mizraim could be connected to a term meaning “two mounds or fortresses.” The encyclopedia notes that the name is in a dual form and came to signify the two regions—Upper and Lower Egypt.

That reference to the two mounds/fortresses is intriguing as Egypt is famous for its huge pyramids—two of them. The Great Pyramid (481 feet) sits next to the Khafre pyramid (448 feet) and both dwarf the other sand triangles in the area. Amazingly, they also happen to be the oldest.

While McClintock & Strong doesn’t make the claim that Mizraim literally means “pyramids,” the association with Egypt with its great monumental structures has led some to find the wording at least worth noting. Maybe it’s not too much of a stretch to say that the Hebrew name for Egypt was based on the two mound-like fortresses that Egypt is still known for today.

BONUS NUGGET

Pre-Flood Builders & Mizraim

In medieval-Islamic and Near Eastern historical chronicles by writers like al-Tabari and Ibn ‘Abd al-Hakam, a tradition is recorded multiple times. According to ancient legend, the Great Pyramids were built before the Great Flood by an ancient king warned of a coming global cataclysm. Based on those accounts, the pyramids survived the Deluge and Mizraim (or Masar/Mesr) was led to occupy the region once again. He reclaimed the pyramids and used the antediluvian architecture and astronomical knowledge stored inside. Even though none of that can be taken as inspired fact– it gets cool points. 

Books by the Pollards

A Tiny Spark Snail Mail Club (Kathy Pollard)

Implications of God’s Existence

Neal Pollard

“God is.” God is real. God is alive. God is watching. God is in control. All these ideas and an infinite number besides are implicit in the fact of God’s existence. That God is implies other things.

God can work through every event of life among men to accomplish His sovereign purpose (Rom. 8:28).  God, in an amazingly intricate way, weaves together the innumerable actions and occurrences that transpire in daily life on every continent according to His will. He does not make or force anyone to do anything, but He can work through even tragedies caused by men to effect good. The problem comes when one tries to define goodness on his or her terms rather than the transcendent good that is larger than the single person.  Strength in trial, character in tragedy, example in spite of great loss or pain are all transcendent good that can occur even in the reverses we face in our individual lives.

God has not left us alone (Rom. 8:35-39).  Deism suggests that God created it all, then took a Divinely giant step backward forever out of our affairs. Yet, God isn’t aloof and indifferent to man. This was best proven at the cross of Calvary. It is proven in the perfect Word He has left to guide us. It is proven through the strength derived from prayer. It is proven by the fellowship and companionship provided through the church He eternally purposed (cf. Eph. 3:9-11).

God holds us accountable (Rom. 14:12). What a privilege to be counted as part of the human race, made in the likeness of God (Jas. 3:9), and to be recipients of countless blessings! So “…from everyone who has been given much shall much be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more” (Luke 12:48). Especially is this true in relationship to God. He has given us life, an everlasting spirit, material and spiritual blessings in abundance, talent, time, and opportunity. For all of these resources, we shall give an account for our stewardship of them.

Only a fool would deny what is so clearly seen (Ps. 14:1; 53:1; Heb. 11:3). Since God is, we must respond appropriately. We should do so both from gratitude and a sober realization that His existence requires our proper response.