IT IS NOT ABOUT HISTORY OR GEOGRAPHY  
It is impossible to understand the Bible without a solid understanding of the symbolism of Egypt, Babylon and Canaan. We are not personally rebuked, corrected or trained in righteousness if we think of Egypt and Babylon in historical or geographical terms. We must understand the symbolism of these two powerful nations.

The Bible mentions Egypt five hundred and seventy times, Babylon appears two hundred and fifty-time times and Canaan eighty-nine times. Added together, they are mentioned more times than the Bible mentions Jerusalem, and almost as many times as it mentions Jesus. We can be sure, therefore, that references to these nations are not there only for historical or geographical instruction. They are there to instruct us in righteousness.

These powerful nations subdued and controlled Israel and other neighboring nations, but they must not be viewed in simple political and economic terms. For purposes of Bible study, we must remember that reference to them is essentially spiritual, and that we can learn something about righteousness by studying the many scriptures in which they appear. This is the goal of New Covenant disciples who desire to understand the spiritual meanings of these two great nations.

STUDY TIP: Before looking at Egypt and Babylon in particular, it is necessary to first understand the symbolic meanings of Cities, Kingdoms and Nations in general throughout the Bible.