Egyptians tend to communicate indirectly and are generally not comfortable expressing negative emotions to others. Eye contact is also not important in Egyptian culture. Personal space is not a common concept for Egyptians in general, especially within the family. The Ancient Egyptians were polytheistic, which is believing in more than one God, and are thought to have had thousands of gods and goddesses. The rulers controlled how people lived their lives, how they treated other people, how they farmed and worked, and all their beliefs about the afterlife. The ancient Egyptians believed that when they died their spiritual body would continue to exist in an afterlife very similar to their living world. However, entry into this afterlife was not guaranteed. The dead had to take on a dangerous underworld journey and face the final judgment before they entered the afterlife. An Egyptian’s daily life is to get dressed in linen, eat a diet consisting mainly of grains, vegetables, and beer. They play sports and board games, and live in buildings made from mud bricks.

Thutmose III was a skilled warrior who brought the Egyptian Empire to the peak of its power by conquering all of Syria. He crossed the Euphrates to defeat the Mitannians, and traveled through the south along the Nile River to Napata in Sudan. He was known as the greatest pharaoh. The spoils from Thutmose III’s military campaigns widely enriched Egypt’s treasury and made him the richest man in the world at the time. But he also secured human capital from his captured lands. The sons of conquered rulers were taken to Egypt and tried at court. Thutmose III possessed the standard qualities of a great ruler. A brilliant general who never lost a battle. He was also the top administrator and statesman. He was an accomplished horseman, archer, athlete, and a discriminating patron of the arts.

How is God’s sovereignty displayed in the lives of the Patriarchs? First, was with Abraham. God told Abraham that through him He would encourage a great nation, known as Israel, and that through that nation “all the nations of the earth would be blessed.” And so Abraham, based on this covenant of God, left his land in Mesopotamia and made a challenging journey to Canaan to fulfill that vision. Second, was with Isaac. Isaac knew that God was sovereign. He was an example of God’s sovereign and miraculous service. Isaac, himself, knew that. Instead of worrying, becoming anxious, or sleeping with Rebekah’s maid to father a son, Isaac takes his concern to God in prayer. Lastly, it was displayed by Jacob. By faith, Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. Jacob, the younger brother, had the precedence and primary blessing. He did this to symbolize the high sovereignty of God.

Unlike the Greeks, Romans, and other civilizations, I believe that there is one God, who is in three people – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God the Father created the world and judges. God is the Father of Jesus Christ who came as a human to earth as an example of how Christians should be, and to save people from the punishment of sin through his death. According to Genesis 1:26–27, Paul says “of general revelation that it reveals God’s wrath on sinners”. General revelation comes to us through the natural world, which is also called natural revelation, and through our own nature. Look for God in every situation daily. Whether it is big or small, look for him. If you are just walking down the street, look for the beautiful things he has made. When you are with your friends or family, thank him for putting those people in your life. God created the world, we should show lots of respect to him.

My favorite part of the world tour this week was learning about Africa. One reason is because it has many geographical features such as the Nile River, Lake Victoria, safaris and rainforests, deserts, and so many other interesting geographical sights and features. There were also many ancient structures that might still be around today such as The Great Pyramid of Giza, Khami Ruins, Luxor Temple, and more structures that may or may not be around today. We don’t have much knowledge of Ancient African Civilizations probably because no records have been found or because they might have been destroyed by European settlers. 

Some ancient people of Africa were Carthaginins, Bantus, Pygmies, and Kalhari Bushmen. There were two civilizations Nibian and the Noks. The Nubian civilization developed in Sudan. The Nok civilization developed in Nigeria. The Nubians traded and interacted with the Egyptians and the Noks were good with iron and terracotta pottery.

If I lived in the time of the Tower of Babel and God confused our languages I would want to be in the Semitic Tribe. When we were ready to move I would move to any place the others wanted to go. I would lead my tribe to victory gathering food and materials for shelter. Once we found a spot we would build places to live. We would craft weapons and some defensive items. We would go out hunting and discover new plants, animals, fruits and minerals every new land we search. I would go out and find different minerals to help get stronger weapons. We would build watchtowers to look out for dangerous threats. Every day we would shift who would be on the watch tower so the other can get sleep. I would always be prepared for enemy or animal attacks and soon will craft armor for more defense. We would be victorious.