A very interesting book documenting the biblical history of Moses in Egypt, his escape and return to lead the Exodus, and the effects on the reign of Amenhotep III.
Scott writes well and clearly. His style is the newer format of not using footnotes for his statements, though he does have a bibliography in the appendix. That made it harder for me to verify what he asserted. I had heard some things before such as dating the Exodus in the Middle Kingdom period of Amenhotep III, not Ramses. And the evidence of Joseph being a high official at Avaris. Some of Scott's research followed the conclusions reached by Tim Mahoney and presented in his Exodus movies.
However, I hadn't heard the evidence of Abraham being Abisha, or Joseph being called Salatis and establishing the Hyksos dynasty, or Moses being Amenmose, the heir apparent to Ahmose I.
Scott also suggested some alternate theories of interpretation on Abraham and Moses. He said Abraham's omition of being Sarah's husband may have been strategic. He knew as her husband he would die, so he presented himself as her brother to win an audience with Pharaoh for negotiations (pgs 10-11). Scott also suggested that Moses's questions to God at the burning bush weren't ones of insecurity but rather objections to strategies he wasn't familiar with from his Egyptian military training. He had no authority anymore; he needed to know what God he represented; and he needed weapons or signs for proof and words of power (pgs 104-105).
It was an interesting, logically presented perspective that was easy to follow. I need to read some of the resources listed in the appendix and see if I come to the same conclusions.
This amazing book is both a historical reconstruction of the rise of Moses and, simultaneously, a dramatization of his life before and during the exodus.
The historical photo fit is exciting and seems quite convincing... However, about 60% through the historical references become sparse, and the fictionalized account takes over.
What about the mass child graves found at Goshen? Solomon's posts made of edomite red Rock on each side of the sea?
I do recommend the book for sure but hope for a revision that includes more historical references like the impuwser papyrus.
Excellent for building faith in the Exodus story though.
The book reads as if it is a story, which really helps you encounter the story of Moses and Exodus. The author helpfully brings the word to life and you can experience the story with your senses as you hear the likely context to the biblical text.
This said, I feel it would benefit from stronger referencing as it can be hard at points to separate what's the author's interpretation from historical and biblical fact. Furthermore, rather than treating the archaeology as receipts the argument would have been stronger throughout if the evidence from archaeology is presented first and then expanded.
Moreover, some of the narrative derives from sources other than archaeology and history such as rabbinical writings. This is particularly noticeable early on when considering the fall of Avaris and the role of the Ephraimite cavalry. I'm not convinced Ephraim abandoned Avaris at the point the author mentions and the link to Ezekiel, although interesting and potentially profound, the supporting evidence provided isn't possibly strong.
This said, I enjoyed reading it and helped bring the story to life in a coherent and historically focused manner. I particularly liked how the author portrayed the evolution of Amenmose (Son of Amun - strictly speaking Born of Amun) to Moses - adopting the identity of "the son". Therefore, as well as meaning drawing out (since that's what he did) it also further foreshadows The Son who would lead Israel and entire humanity out for good of their ultimate bondage to the land of ultimate rest.
The author uses clear and engaging language to retell and enrich the biblical account of Israel's 430 years in Egypt. By weaving together archaeological discoveries and historical context, the book brings the biblical narrative to life while highlighting God's sovereign plan to preserve and redeem His people. It is an enjoyable and thought-provoking read, especially for those who love history, archaeology, and the Bible. Highly recommended.
The first half of the book is 5 stars. It lays out in great detail the hidden history of the hebrews in Egypt. The second half of the book is more of a cobbled together speculative narrative. It’s not bad - other than the superabundance of quotation marks - it simply doesn’t line up with the subtitle. I wish it would have continued throughout. Definitely worth the read, if only for the first half.
This book presents a different take on the Exodus. It gives us a different look into the background of the times that is so new for most of us. We get to see the details behind how Egypt was and also we get a glimpse of what Moses' in - laws , the Midianites were like.
If you want to go deeper into the meaning behind God's actions during the Exodus, then get this book. There is a whole deeper level of understanding to be had from scripture. YouTube channels like BLK SHP and John 14:6 are pouring out this understanding to a world that needs it.
It reads kinda like a YouTube video essay. It makes sense why. An interesting captivating narrative of the Exodus. Overall not the jaw-dropping mind bending revelation it tries to be but also not a terrible read either.
Thoughful research and well crafted diaglogue bring the story of the Exodus and the Bible into sharper clarity and a realistic historical review that just seems obvious once read. Well done and recommended !!!
A well researched and beautifully written archeological exploration of the Exodus and the patriarch Moses, Anyone interested in Biblical history and the archeological exploration which underpins its historicity would enjoy and benefit from this fine work.
This book was a very interesting read. The author did a great job connecting the archeological evidence and historical evidence with the Bible. I couldn’t put it down till I finished it.