In regard to presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson’s reported comments on the Egyptian pyramids, I first of all need to declare my respect for this great medical doctor and his stand on the Bible (although I disagree with some of his views on the book of Genesis, like the length of the days of creation). I should also state that I am not publicly supporting or opposing any particular candidate for president, and I do not believe someone should vote for a candidate simply because they happen to have an R (Republican), D (Democrat) or I (Independent) next to their name on a ballot. As a Bible-believing Christian, I judge what each candidate believes against the absolute authority of the Word of God and vote accordingly.
The construction of the pyramids is not specifically mentioned in the Bible. What we believe about their purpose does not impinge on any biblical doctrine. People are free to have different interpretations in regard to how these impressive structures were built and for what purposes, just as what occurs in the secular world when scientists have disagreements over their various models. Importantly for Christians, they should not knowingly compromise God’s Word in any way when they offer their interpretations.
I would not personally accede to Dr. Carson’s idea that the biblical Joseph used pyramids for grain storage (as reported by the media). From all I have read in the Christian and secular literature about Egyptian archaeology (and we have two staff members who are knowledgeable in this area who would concur with me), the pyramids were built in accordance with Egyptian religious beliefs and were primarily tombs for the royal dead, supposedly to ensure their well-being in the afterlife. Grain and other items were placed in these elaborate tombs in the belief the deceased person would need them for life after death. Also, it seems the greatest of the pyramids were built centuries before the time of Joseph.
Just as Christians can respectfully disagree on their interpretations of extra-biblical topics like the pyramids, not surprisingly both Christians and non-Christians can have different interpretations of the same evidence (just like the issue of origins: creation vs. evolution) as they try to understand the past. Christians like Dr. Carson who believe the Bible is a true history book can also differ among themselves in regard to some of the models they develop as they try to use God’s Word to interpret the past. Models are always subject to change, though for Christians the starting point of God’s Word is not subject to change.
Ultimately, what Dr. Carson believes about the pyramids is insignificant compared to what he believes about the relevant issues of today (e.g., the debate over marriage and abortion) as they relate to the Word of God. I admire any candidate, fallible men and women that they are, who will stand up for a worldview built upon God’s Word, even if we have our theological differences and hold contrary views of historical events.
FAQs
The construction of the pyramids is not specifically mentioned in the Bible. What we believe about their purpose does not impinge on any biblical doctrine.
What came first, the pyramids or the Great Flood? ›
Yes, the pyramids pre-date the Ark of the Covenant by about 1500 years. The pyramids were very, very old by the time Moses is alleged to have lived, and they were there for a thousand years before Abraham.
Does the Bible mention dinosaurs? ›
There are later descriptions of creatures in the Bible that could be referring to dinosaurs. One example is the behemoth of Job 40:15-19. Even in fairly modern history there are reports of creatures which seem to fit the description of dinosaurs.
What is the most plausible answer to how Egyptians built the pyramids? ›
The most plausible one is that the Egyptians employed a sloping and encircling embankment of brick, earth, and sand, which was increased in height and length as the pyramid rose; stone blocks were hauled up the ramp by means of sledges, rollers, and levers.
How old is the earth according to the Bible? ›
Concerning the age of the Earth, the Bible's genealogical records combined with the Genesis 1 account of creation are used to estimate an age for the Earth and universe of about 6000 years, with a bit of uncertainty on the completeness of the genealogical records, allowing for a few thousand years more.
Why is the sphinx not mentioned in the Bible? ›
The construction of the pyramids and the Sphinx is not specifically mention in the Bible because their purpose does not impinge on any biblical doctrine. Was the pyramid of Egypt built before Moses and Joseph, and what is the connection of Ramses with the pyramid in Moses' time?
What is the real reason the pyramids were built? ›
How does the pyramid fit into early Egyptian life? Pyramids today stand as a reminder of the ancient Egyptian glorification of life after death, and in fact, the pyramids were built as monuments to house the tombs of the pharaohs. Death was seen as merely the beginning of a journey to the other world.
How old are the pyramids in the Bible? ›
Long Answer: In its physical existence, the pyramids were built a millennia (around 2500BC) before the first line of the Jewish scriptures (approx. 1250BC) were written.
Does the Bible mention other planets? ›
The other planets are individualized in the Bible only by implication. The worship of gods connected with them is denounced, but without any manifest intention of referring to the heavenly bodies.
Does the Bible mention animals going to heaven? ›
Several Bible verses depict animals in heaven:
The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.
QED, right? Except, no.
Could pyramids be built today? ›
Not particularly, modern materials and technology makes a pyramid relatively easy to build. What made it difficult for the ancient Egyptians to build the pyramid is the manpower limit. With modern equipment lifting heavy stone blocks would be child's play.
Why can't we recreate the pyramids? ›
With modern-day tools and know-how, scientists have not determined a way to recreate the pyramids, even on smaller scales, with the same precisions as those who built the originals. The technology to do so, in that era, simply didn't exist according to historical teachings.
Which was built first, Stonehenge or the pyramids? ›
For comparison, construction on Stonehenge is believed to started around 3100 B.C.E., while the famed Pyramids of Giza are thought to have been erected around 2600 B.C.E. at the earliest. That makes the roundel at least 1,000 years older than Stonehenge and several thousand years older than the pyramids.
Did the pyramids exist at the time of Moses? ›
According to historical and biblical accounts, the construction of the Egyptian pyramids predates the time of Moses and Joseph. The pyramids were built during the Old Kingdom period of ancient Egypt, which lasted from around 2686 to 2181 BCE.
What does the Bible say about ancient Egypt? ›
Early Egypt in the Bible
Egypt is mentioned initially as being of help to the early Israelite ancestors. Abraham found refuge there during a famine (Genesis 12). Jacob and his family did the same after Joseph was made second-in-command under the Pharaoh for having interpreted his prophetic dream.
What does the Torah say about the pyramids? ›
Although they are not specifically mentioned in either the Haggadah or in the Torah, Egyptian pyramids have come to be associated with the Pesach story. That many modern Haggadot include illustrations of the pyramids points to how these structures play a key role in our collective memory.
Did Israelites build the pyramids in Egypt? ›
It's certainly true that the Israelite people spent centuries doing construction work for the ancient Egyptians. However, they did not build the pyramids. Instead, they were likely involved in building new cities and other projects within Egypt's vast empire.
