The conformation of Egypt is peculiar. The Nile forms at the Mediterranean what is called the Delta (from the Greek letter Δ reversed); it had formerly seven mouths (Isa. 11:15), but now there are only two branches, which unite, and the river has been traced southward for more than 1500 miles. On each side of the valley in which the river runs is a range of hills, outside of which is mostly desert. The Nile valley is rarely more than twelve miles wide. The Delta and the valley are very productive. As to rain the country differs materially from Palestine, which “drinketh water of the rain of heaven”; for in Egypt, except by the sea-coast, it rarely rains, the land being watered from the river, which rises once a year, overflowing its banks in many places, and, as it retires, leaving a rich sediment on the soil. Canals convey the water to more distant parts. The land is watered “by the foot,” that is, by removing the soil, and letting the water flow.
The Delta, and as far south as Noph (Memphis, 29° 51' N), is Lower Egypt: and from Noph southward to the first Cataract (24° N) is Upper Egypt. The emblematic crowns representing the two districts were not the same; but the two were united in one crown when a king reigned over all Egypt. As there were many changes by different dynasties the same boundaries may not always have been preserved. Cush, or ETHIOPIA, extended much farther south, but is often mentioned in scripture along with Egypt (Psa. 68:31; Isa. 11:11; Isa. 20:4; Isa. 43:3; Isa. 45:14; Nah. 3:9). Ethiopian kings appear to have reigned in Egypt, and are included in their list of kings.
Hall of Columns at Karnak, Photo
Hall of Columns at Karnak, by Seti I, Dyn. XIX