Mud Bricks and Temples

The book of Exodus tells us that Pharaoh was threatened by how quickly the Hebrew people were growing. “In all their work,” it says, “they ruthlessly made them work as slaves” (Exodus 1:14). They were forced to make mud bricks for the construction of Pithom and Raamses in the brutal Egyptian sun.

As it turns out, the same process of making mud bricks is still used in parts of Egypt. This morning, we had an opportunity to learn how it’s done and even get our own hands a little dirty. As I slabbed the mixture of dirt, straw, and water into the brick molds, I thought about what it would be like to do this a thousand times over – day after long day. I already had sweat trickling down my back after less than an hour in the relatively mild heat. I couldn’t even imagine what it must have been like to be a Hebrew slave.

We spent the afternoon at two temples. The first, the Colossi of Memnon, was built by King Amenhotep III around 1350 BC. The second, Medinet Habu, was built by Ramesses III around 1200 BC.

The former is in the early stages of archaeological uncovering. There is more below the surface than there is yet above. However, the two mammoth statues that marked the entrance to the temple grounds have been largely reconstructed and they are incredible.

Medinet Habu, though, is simply breathtaking. From the moment you walk through the entry gate, you are overwhelmed with the magnificence of the compound. Every square inch of the towering walls is etched with the splendor of Ramesses III. Scene after scene depicts victory over his enemies and the honor shown him by the gods. Even the original paint has been preserved in many of the interior rooms.

As I took in the grandeur of these ancient remains, I thought about the message Ramesses III was sending. It was all about him. It was all for his honor, his glory, his name.

Before we left our hotel this morning, we read from Psalm 145. It says,

“I will extol you, my God and King,
and bless your name forever.
Every day I will bless you
and praise your name forever and ever.
Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised,
and his greatness is unsearchable” (v. 1-3, ESV).

The Hebrews didn’t build Medinet Habu or the Colossi of Memnon, for that matter. But they were commissioned to build for the honor, the glory, the name of the Pharaoh that enslaved them.

This is our story. We were once slaves who built for the honor, the glory, the name of a tyrant king called “sin” (Romans 6:17). Oh, we may have managed to build a couple of magnificent structures but, in the end, they will all become what Medinet Habu is – ruins.

Today, I am grateful.I am grateful that I am no longer a slave to sin. I am grateful that I am no longer bound to the service of another – or even the service of myself. I am grateful that I am free to extol my God and King, to bless and praise His name, to praise the One whose greatness is unsearchable.