The absence of the majestic pyramids of Giza and other ancient Egyptian monuments from the narrative of the Old Testament, despite its focus on the Israelites’ time in Egypt, can be attributed to several key factors:
1. **Chronological Mismatch**: The pyramids, including those at Giza, were constructed primarily during the Old Kingdom period (2686-2181 BCE). This era predates the events recounted in the Old Testament by over a thousand years. The biblical narrative mainly focuses on the Israelites’ experiences in Egypt during the time traditionally dated to the 13th century BCE, known as the Late Bronze Age. By this period, pyramid construction had largely ceased, with the focus shifting to other forms of royal and religious architecture.
2. **Focus on the Israelites**: The Old Testament is centered on the story of the Israelites, their relationship with God, and their journey from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land. It is not intended to provide a comprehensive historical or architectural account of ancient Egypt. Therefore, while the narrative mentions elements like the Nile River and the labor of brick-making (Exodus 1:11), which were relevant to the Israelites’ experience, grand monuments like the pyramids did not serve a direct narrative purpose.
3. **Theological Concerns**: The pyramids were closely tied to the pharaohs’ divinity and their perceived right to rule as god-kings. In contrast, the Old Testament emphasizes monotheism — the belief in one God. Mentioning the pyramids could potentially complicate this theological message by acknowledging the Egyptian beliefs in divine rulership and polytheism. Therefore, the biblical authors may have intentionally omitted such references to maintain the clarity of monotheistic principles.
4. **Perspective and Purpose of the Text**: The Old Testament is a collection of religious teachings, laws, and historical events that were passed down through generations. Its focus was on conveying theological truths and the history of the Israelite people. Describing the architectural marvels of ancient Egypt, however impressive, did not align with this primary purpose. Thus, these structures were likely considered part of the landscape or backdrop of the narrative rather than needing specific mention.
5. **Alternative References**: While the Old Testament does not directly mention the pyramids, some scholars speculate that the Hebrew term “migdol” (Strong’s Concordance H4024), which can refer to towers or fortified structures, might indirectly allude to them. However, there is no definitive evidence linking “migdol” explicitly to the pyramids as we understand them today.
In conclusion, the absence of references to the pyramids in the Old Testament reflects the text’s focus on the Israelites’ religious and historical journey rather than providing a comprehensive account of ancient Egyptian civilization. This absence does not diminish the historical significance of either the biblical narrative or the Egyptian monuments, each representing distinct aspects of their respective cultures and histories.