Don’t Go Down to Egypt.

In Scripture, "going down to Egypt" is a recurring theme. Egypt was often a place of rescue during times of famine or crisis. Abraham went down to Egypt when there was famine in the land (Genesis 12:10). Jacob was told, “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt” (Genesis 46:3). Joseph was sent ahead to Egypt to prepare a place of refuge for his family (Genesis 45:5-7). But Isaac, during his own time of famine, was clearly told by God, “Do not go down to Egypt; dwell in the land that I shall tell you of” (Genesis 26:2).

Egypt represents natural provision and worldly security. It looks like safety, stability, and opportunity—but it is not the Promised Land. The fascinating thing is that God allowed different men of God to go into Egypt in specific seasons. But every time, it was for a purpose and only under divine instruction.

The danger with Egypt is not entering it. The danger is overstaying. When you overstay in Egypt, you shift from being helped to being enslaved. Egypt becomes a trap. What was once a temporary refuge can quickly turn into a place of bondage? Egypt was never meant to be the final destination—it’s not the place of promise, only a place of temporary rest (Exodus 1:13-14).

There are moments in life when God allows you to enter into a business, a relationship, or an arrangement—not because it’s your destiny, but because it will sustain you for a season. That thing may be your Egypt. It looks helpful, but it’s not your inheritance. The challenge is when people make Egypt their home and their identity. They become dependent on a system God never called them to stay in.

Some kings in Israel even sent emissaries to Egypt to ask for help in times of war (2 Kings 18:21). They gave Egypt a place it was never meant to occupy. And the moment Egypt becomes your source of help instead of God, you lose sight of His instruction.

When you examine every instance of someone going to Egypt in Scripture, you’ll notice that each time they were directed by God. Without His instruction, Egypt was off-limits. That brings us to today. How does Egypt apply to us in the 21st century?

Egypt today symbolizes any system or place we turn to for security outside of God’s direction. For some, it may be a country. For others, it may be a job, a deal, or a compromise that feels safe. But the truth remains: If God didn’t send you there, it won’t bless you.

This is especially relevant for many in Africa. Africa is a continent full of resources, yet when people want to prosper, they often look to the West. They say, “If I go there, I can make money and help my family.” But the real question is: Did God tell you to go?

Remember, Isaac was told not to go down to Egypt—and he stayed. He sowed in the land during a famine and reaped a hundredfold (Genesis 26:12-14). How? Because prosperity does not come from location—it comes from obedience. God causes people to prosper (Deuteronomy 8:18). It is not about where you are, but about who sent you.

Psalm 23 says, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). If there is lack in your life, check who is leading you. When you follow the Shepherd, He leads you to green pastures, even in the midst of famine. He may send you to the West—or He may tell you to stay right where you are.

It’s not about opportunity. It’s about instruction. The Bible says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). So many people chase rest, security, or money by leaning on their own plans. They go down to Egypt emotionally, not spiritually.

If you are praying about your next move—whether it’s relocating, changing careers, or making a major decision—don’t be quick to chase Egypt. Seek the Lord. Ask Him for direction. There is a specific place, a specific assignment, a specific path God has designed just for you (Jeremiah 29:11).

Obedience to that path is what leads to provision and peace.

My prayer is that God helps you discover your true place of strength. It’s not in foreign lands. It’s not in systems that appear strong. It’s in walking closely with the One who knows the way. Prosperity and peace are found in obedience—not location.

God bless you.