Contrasts in Greatness

Our third full day in Egypt started with sunshine, blue skies and a tasty breakfast. We boarded the buses and drove to visit Karnak Temple. Karnak is the largest temple complex every built by mankind in both the ancient and modern world with over 250 square miles of property. This temple is the second most popular site to visit in Egypt after the Pyramids. Interestingly enough, Jonathan compared a diagram of Karnak with a diagram of the Israelite tabernacle and temple of the same time period. The difference in size was shocking, with Israel’s holy sites being about 5% the size of Egypt’s.

This area of Luxor was the capital of ancient Egypt called Thebes. The “Theban Triad” of Egyptian gods Amun, his consort Mut and their son Khonsu were worshipped at this temple. At this site you can see an overview scale model of the complex, then walk among the many temples, chapels, pylon gates and pillars. Each succeeding Pharaoh would build more impressively here than the one before, resulting in astounding size and grandeur. When visiting Egypt, you will quickly learn that nothing here was done small, always on a grand and imposing scale, to send of message of power and intimidation.

One of the larger pylon walls at Karnak depicts a military battle between Egypt and its enemy; it is in fact the visual portrayal of 2 Chronicles 12 where Shishak, king of Egypt attacked Jerusalem and King Rehoboam with 1200 chariots and 60,000 horsemen. Only when the king humbled himself did the Lord’s anger subside and keep him and his army from being completely vanquished.

How interesting and ironic is God’s economy. At the same time Egypt was building at this grand scale and conquering armies and nations, God’s chosen people were small, powerless without Him and unimposing in comparison. Psalm 33, which Jennifer shared with our group this morning says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance…No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to delver them from death and keep them alive in heaven. We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.” God is enough for his people, both then and now.

After Karnak we made our way to visit a local papyrus shop. We were given a demonstration on how it was made and enjoyed seeing and purchasing some of the beautiful artwork.

We then went to board our Nile cruise boat, the Movenpick. A lovely hospitality drink of hibiscus tea was served for us before we went to our rooms. Then that afternoon we enjoyed tea, coffee and cookies while soaking up the rays on the sun deck.

Our last site of the day was Luxor Temple, which was much smaller than Karnak but impressive in its own way. The outer court, inner court and Holy of Holies reminded us of the Israelite temple design.

Our busy day ended with some Egyptian cultural experiences: carriage rides through the streets and market of Luxor, a delicious dinner aboard the boat, then entertainment with a whirling dervish dancer! We are smiling, enjoying getting to know one another, and learning a great deal. Now for some rest before another full day tomorrow.