Egypt and The Bible: The Outstretched Arm of the LORD Online Event
By examining a range of images and texts from ancient Egypt, we find that Egyptian pharaohs were frequently depicted with an outstretched arm, ready to strike down their enemies. This iconic pose symbolized the pharaoh’s role as the supreme, divine ruler of Egypt. In the book of Exodus, however, the LORD intentionally repurposes this familiar imagery to make a bold theological statement. When God “stretches out His hand” against Egypt, He is directly challenging Pharaoh’s supposed divinity. The message becomes unmistakable: Pharaoh is not God—the LORD is. A contextual reading of Exodus 7 reveals how this powerful reversal unfolds.
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Speaker
Dr. Oliver Hersey: Dr. Hersey began serving as the eleventh president of Jerusalem University College in 2021. Having been shaped by his own experiences in the Holy Land, Dr. Hersey desires to help students better understand the Bible by providing them with opportunities to study in Israel the geographical, cultural, and historical contexts of God’s Word. He is a pastor in the Reformed Church of America, previously serving as the Director of Discipleship and Teaching at Calvary Church in Orland Park, IL. With over 20 years of combined experience in fields related to education, research, pastoring, coaching and management, Dr. Hersey is driven to help grow both people and organizations for service in God’s kingdom.
Dr. Hersey earned his B.A. in Secondary Education: Mathematics and Spanish from Calvin College; his M.A. in Biblical Archaeology and Ancient Near Eastern Languages (Summa Cum Laude) from Trinity International University; and his Ph.D. in Theological Studies: Old Testament and Ancient Near Eastern History and Languages from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Throughout the course of his education, he received multiple awards for his leadership and academic research.
Dr. Hersey is married to Andra Hersey, who is an LCSW with over 15 years of experience serving in schools and private practice. They are the proud parents of two children. As a family, the Herseys enjoy playing sports, dancing, hiking, and exploring new places.
Continue Learning with JUC Online Course: Ancient Egypt and the Bible
Explore the rich history and vibrant culture of ancient Egypt—from the Predynastic Period to the time of Cleopatra. This hybrid course offers an in-depth survey of Egypt’s historical timeline (4th millennium BCE to 30 BC), with special emphasis on its deep connections to the people, places, and events of the Bible, particularly the land of Canaan and Israel.
Join live class sessions—and take part in engaging discussions led by expert instructor Dr. Paul Wright. A field study component enhances your learning, allowing you to experience Egypt’s legacy in a dynamic and immersive way.
Dr. Oliver Hersey
