Heresy was a foundation of Egypt's spiritual impurity. Pharaoh, its king, was the strongest ruler in his day, and he attributed all of his power to himself.[141]

On the one hand, the character trait of heresy that is found in Egypt is also attributed to the kingdom of Edom. However, on the other hand, the witchcraft of Egypt frees a person from all restraints, leading him to think that he can do whatever he wants to do. This is basically the same result as being 'pere’, unbridled, ignoring rules and rulers, which is the character trait of Yishmael. Much as Egypt based its culture on witchcraft and fantasy, so too, Yishmael, described as "a wild man whose hand is in everything," creates his own order. He is drawn by his own will, and sees no reason to set limits for his actions.