The Miracles of Exodus: A Scientist's Discovery of the Extraordinary Natural Causes of the Biblical Stories

by Colin J. Humphreys

The Real Story of the Exodus Colin Humphreys, a world-renowned Cambridge University scientist, reveals for the first time the concrete, scientific truth behind the Exodus miracles.

Genres: Religion, Christian, History, Nonfiction, Science

368 pages, Paperback

First published March 25, 2003

Reviews

[Renato Grun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Algumas das mais fascinantes viagens pelo mundo da bíblia podem ser encontradas em enciclopédias bíblicas, comentários e mapas sobre o assunto. Mas nenhum deles, ou muito raros, são os que buscam as bases científicas de um dos maiores de seus acontecimentos: o êxodo.

Escrito por Colin Humphreys, um eminente físico britânico, Os Milagres do Êxodo emprega a física, a astronomia, a biologia juntamente com outros recursos científicos para mostrar que os mistérios e milagres descritos no livro de Êxodo possuem todos eles, elementos naturais, muito mais possíveis de ocorrer que quaisquer explicações ou soluções mágicas. Elaborado como uma trama detetivesca, o autor proporciona uma verdadeira viagem pelos sítios arqueológicos do Êxodo, revelando lugares e expondo soluções para eventos chaves da saga bíblica.

A primeira parte começa, por exemplo, descrevendo um dos grandes milagres ocorridos na chegada dos hebreus ao fim de sua longa jornada pelo deserto, a travessia do Jordão. Humphreys relaciona esta travessia com a mais famosa travessia (a do Mar Vermelho) e a explica trazendo para análise pistas sugeridas pelo texto, bem como os conhecimentos historiográficos modernos elucidando o que teria causado o fenômeno. Nela, ele faz uma busca para localizar a cidade daquele evento encaixando a descrição do texto bíblico, fazendo uso de livros, mapas e léxicos em uma investigação minuciosa e instrutiva.

Em seguida, Humphreys leva o leitor a um dos mais abrangentes estudos sobre os anos obscuros de Moisés, a sua estadia em Midiã, lançando luzes sobre sua fuga do Egito, vinculando às rotas de comércio documentadas nos livros topográficos (que segundo o autor, Moisés provavelmente tinha conhecimento), e como isso se relaciona com a peregrinação posterior com o povo pelo deserto até dar no Sinai. Ele menciona as bases científicas da sarça ardente e como as modernas compreensões do Sinai se encaixam nas definições de um vulcão em erupção. A pesquisa sobre as rotas de comércio também possibilitam conhecer todos os lugares da trajetória tomada por Moisés até chegar Midiã, trazendo a baila nomes de lugares e cidades antigas para os termos modernos e atuais, bem como as relaciona aos pontos onde se encontrava água potável, disponível aos comerciantes e viajantes de então.

As dez pragas que caíram sobre o Egito também são elucidadas tomando por base os modernos conhecimentos científicos. Uma das partes mais interessantes é a sua solução elaborada para a morte dos primogênitos (também explicada em termos naturais), cuja maior parte dos pesquisadores bíblicos rara ou dificilmente consegue explicar. O capítulo que trata do número de pessoas do êxodo é bastante importante para desfazer mitos das traduções e uma das pouquíssimas explicações sobre o tema, disponíveis em língua portuguesa.

A quarta parte se debruça sobre o itinerário do êxodo até chegar no Sinai (não o tradicional, como se postula). Humphreys resgata a trajetória dos hebreus lançando mão não só de mapas e comentários bíblicos, mas com o conhecimento do clima e topografia da região, o que o leva em outra direção, diferente do Sinai tradicional. Todas as pegadas o levam a uma rota distinta da conhecida, cujo foco acaba dando num Sinai vulcânico, elaborado mais tarde, e com detalhes pormenorizados, pelo autor. Essa explicação é interessantemente entrelaçada com as explicações naturais da coluna de fogo a noite uma coluna de fumaça de dia que os guiava, uma clara alusão as explosões vulcânicas que teriam guiado o povo. Um capítulo à parte sobre a estratégia do Faraó e a resposta de Moisés também localiza o Mar Vermelho e sua travessia, novamente, em termos naturais, fazendo o leitor imaginar o texto bíblico mais natural e humanamente possível.

Por fim a última parte localiza o monte Sinai de acordo com a rota traçada no livro, elucidando, entre outras coisas, a narrativa da água que saía da rocha, bem como a história das codornizes fazendo uso de conhecimentos climáticos e obras de referência sobre vulcões, dando forma a um argumento forte e coeso de que a descrição do Sinai não é nada mais do que um vulcão em erupção. Sem dúvida alguma, um dos grandes livros sobre o êxodo e, sem exagero, merece uma maior atenção do público interessado nestes temas.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating view of the Exodus from a Cambridge University scientist who decides to take the Bible 'at its word', with the help of his scientific training and experience.

[Subhaan · Rating 5 out of 5]

While a theologian may assert that the stories are not grounded in reality but they contain narratological, Colin Humphreys shows that the events which took place have a basis in reality and he provides a comprehensive study of the events which took place to the point that it felt as if you were walking in the footsteps of Moses. The Miracles of Exodus: A Scientist's Discovery of the Extraordinary Natural Causes of the Biblical Stories by Colin Humphreys is a remarkable book in my point. The investigative style of the book is something which I have not come across previously but I was enthralled by the breadth of research and investigation which went into this book. Not only is it accessible for the layman but it goes into an incredible amount of detail about the exodus in a methodical and systematic way. As I read the book, I found myself agreeing with many of the points raised in the book and I found the arguments presented to be grounded in reality as opposed to being far fetched religious fantasies which one may expect when reading a book of this kind.

The book relies heavily on history, archaeology, geography, and science to such an extent that I find it odd that anyone would disagree with the points raised. The plausibility of the exodus is not something which I doubted but reading this book has certainly reinforced my opinion of the event and it has provided a different lens to which the stories in the Abrahamic tradition can be viewed.

There are not many criticism I have of this book but I do feel that including maps would have substantially improved the book and I feel as though the section regarding the parting of the Red Sea could have been developed further. Despite these small ammendments, it's a fantastic book and it's highly enjoyable to read.

[Reeds · Rating 1 out of 5]

Revelation 11:19 “And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.”
These things that we think of as elements of nature or weather are things that are around God all the time in His temple. It just makes sense that they would come with Him when He descended onto the mount of God/Horeb/Sinai. There is no need to explain them away as just being a volcano rather than them being part of the presence of God.
Job 38:22-23 “Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? Or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail, Which I have reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war?”
Lean into God, don’t try to explain away His wonders.
Exodus 3:20 “And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go.”
Exodus 9:16 “And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.” (God talking to Pharaoh)
Deuteronomy 7:19 “The great temptations which thine eyes saw, and the signs, and the wonders, and the mighty hand, and the stretched out arm, whereby the LORD thy God brought thee out: so shall the LORD thy God do unto all the people of whom thou art afraid.”
Deuteronomy 26:8 “And the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders:”

II Timothy 3:5 “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”
It is sad that someone would claim to be a Christian and then set out to drain all the power of God out of what He did.
Isaiah 45:23; Romans 14:11; Philippians 2:10

[Michael Norwitz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is very much a mixed bag for me.

Humphreys has done an enormous amount of research, both in literature and on-site in Israel and Saudi Arabia, trying to track down the path the Hebrews took in their wanderings over the course of the Exodus. I find his arguments in this capacity both useful and compelling (with the caveat that others, like my wife, who have studied the issue more extensively than I have, may have counter-arguments).

He also is a Biblical literalist, in a way that almost no Jews are ... in fact it's a staggeringly Christian book, down to repeated reference to the 'Old Testament' which is absolutely NOT how Jews think of the Torah. His attempts therefore to find 'rational, naturalistic' explanations for the 'miracles' of the Exodus fall flat, as he makes no attempt to argue for the historicity of Moses as an individual nor any of the other events of the Torah (beyond what is required to fit what he considers a 'scientific' take on them). I acknowledge that if I were writing a novel set in this period with Moses as a character, I might find some of the information illuminating, but only as a way to lend credence to a fantasy.

[Esther O'Neill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Acquired by accident, not bought, new or second hand, or borrowed, just left behind by a visitor, I had assumed that this wasn't for me. Opening it at last, I realised my mistake, and like many other readers, struggled to put it down. Natural causes for apparently miraculous events has strong appeal. Every stage of the author's careful analysis is as gripping as any thriller, inviting the reader to take part in a profoundly scientific journey, on the page, in the landscape, in the laboratory and field walking with archaeologists.
Reading why the Mount Sinai of Exodus was almost certainly a volcano- a named volcano, the author's revised route for Exodus made sense. Ten plagues ? The biological nature of each plague and necessary sequence is carefully defined, including the reasons offered for the death of Egypt's firstborn sons. . Parting of the Red Sea ? Entirely possible and credible.

[Jill Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colin J. Humphreys is a distinguished scientist who was one of my husband's materials science lecturers at Oxford, which is why we acquired the book. I thought it was going to be one of those books where an arrogant scientist tells you either that none of the events in the Bible could have happened, or that they were all perfectly natural coincidences. I couldn't have been more wrong. Humphreys has made a detailed study over many years of the Exodus events. He concludes that there is absolutely no reason not to accept the historicity of any of the material in Exodus. A challenging but engaging read. Well worth investigating.

[Roger Downey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about the Exodus

Colin Humphreys takes you on a journey that is very familiar to anyone who has read the Old Testament account of Moses and the Israelites escape from Egypt. He makes a very strong case for Mount Sinai not being the traditional mountain but a volcano in Arabia. He does this by using the descriptions provided in the the books of Exodus and Numbers. A thoroughly enjoyable read!

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was very interesting discovering natural plausible explanations of so many incredible events in the Exodus account that Humphreys argues are miracles only because of timing. Some of the detective work around routes and places were not the most exciting though, in fairness, the author does suggest that the reader skip particular sections if they're not 'into' such things. This book certainly resulted in a number of enjoyable dinner time discussions in my family!

[Reese Walling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating journey through the book of Exodus looking at naturalistic explanations to many of the miraculous events, retracing the trek the Israelites took from Egypt to Sinai (a radically different and convincing route than what you find in the back of most Bible’s), and discovering where the real Mount Sinai is located (far from the Sinai peninsula).

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thorough and convincing

A great read. I appreciated the careful detail of all the events described, and the clear explanations based on modern science. This is my second time reading through it, and I continue to be strongly convinced by the author’s accounting of the Exodus.

[Sashya Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Humphreys proves, succinctly, that faith and logic are not mutally exclusive. Loved the section about manna...

[Kayleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absolutely mind blowing collection of ideas; I truly think everything in this book is true or close to it.

[Jill Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually really loved this book. It was informative. Exploratory. Written by a scientist who loves this research. It is dated, sure, but funny and accessible.

Merged review:

I actually really liked this book. I picked it up for a dollar at a book sale not knowing anything about it, but it was written by a scientist who is really passionate about this topic.
See other account.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like math. I like science. And I like the Bible. So this book is just perfect for me; it’s by a serious scientist from Cambridge University, England, and it’s about a really serious study of a famous story in the Bible.

Actually, Colin Humphreys is more than “just” a serious scientist. He’s the sort of person who will take a trip to the Red Sea to investigate whether his theories might be true. And then he’ll write about the trip in a gently personal style, giving the reader a chance to share his excitement in his discoveries.

Have you heard the story that the Red Sea crossing really happened in a sort of muddy puddle? I remember learning that the ancient Hebrew texts read “Reed Sea” or lake rather than Red Sea, but Humphreys asks the rather obvious question, why was it ever mistranslated. After all, the Hebrews who wrote, read, and presumably believed “Reed Sea” are the self-same people, centuries before Christ, who translated their own words into Greek, rendering the Hebrew “Reed Sea” into “Red” in Greek. Is it more logical to assume they made a very English mis-translation, or that the two names referred to the same body of water, much as Netherlands and Holland both refer to the same country? Of course, if that’s the case, there should be part of the Red Sea that’s both red and reedy, and so he takes a trip…

I loved the lively, enthusiastic text. I loved the rigorous but comfortably explained logic. I loved the sense of adventure as each step in the Exodus journey became something real and relatable, even the plagues of Egypt, even the smoke on the mountain. And I found myself in awe, rather like the disciples when Jesus calmed the waves, of a God who could so perfectly control nature.

Of course, the alternative conclusion is that an awful lot of coincidences led to either the real events of the Exodus, or the imagined events being so scientifically plausible and verifiable. I like simple conclusions, and I view the author’s analysis as pointing to the actions of God. But the reader is never told what to believe. A true scientist, Professor Humphreys lets the evidence speak for itself and keeps his personal opinions out of the way.

After reading this book, I can finally imagine a version of Exodus that makes sense. I’ve wanted for so many years to touch that column of fire and smoke. Now I know why I can’t, and the answer truly delights me.

[Frank Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

It may have been a subconscious bond between Physicists, but I loved the book. Humphreys managed to do multiple things in this book that I did not think possible. He made the book interesting and even exciting at times. He remained an attitude that was faithful to scripture, while also searching for explanations that were entirely scientific. Many of his arguments I believe are excellent and should be paid attention to. Some were unfortunately weaker, and ignored significant passages in the bible. Thus, one really needs to conduct a critical read of the Exodus account in parallel to reading this book in order to see how well his arguments actually fit with scripture. It is unfortunate that he ignores some of the obvious problems, and at least passively pretends that they did not exist. For example, the bible talks about the pillar of cloud/fire lifting over the tabernacle as a sign that it was time for the Israelites to move to another camp, and leading them on. How this can fit with the cloud from a fixed volcano is a mystery to me.

[Claire A · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that Mr. Humphreys raises some very interesting and persuasive points and theories. Some details, as to the why of the burning bush, the location of Mr. Sinai, the significance of various words used in the Bible take on new meaning. In my opinion, he makes a very good argument. Whether Colin Humphreys is right or wrong, I do not know. But for sure, he makes the reader think about things we have always taken for granted. I would love to see them make a documentary of the book to be shown on the History Channel or National Geographic. At around the time of Easter and Passover, the program would probably gather a great audience!

[David Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Miracles of Exodus: A Scientist’s Discovery of the Extrordinary Natural Causes of the Biblical Stories by Colin J. Humphreys (HarperOne 2003)(222.12). The author, an actual Cambridge scientist, applies the scientific methods of logic and deduction to the problem of explaining the miracles described in the Biblical book of Exodus. Though the author's logic often seems tortured, his explanations may be the most plausible ones ever posited. This book will be better received by the true believer than by the skeptic. My rating: 7.5/10, finished 2004.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super interesting. I got on a kick to find scientific studies for the "miracles" in the bible (i.e. parting of the red sea, burning bush, etc). I picked up about 7 different books and this one was my fav. The author takes you step by step into Egypt and surrounding areas and descibes possible scientific reasons for the miracles.

[Dmcconkey · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book written by an English Baptist layman, who is an engineer, that explores alternatives for the exodus. Seeks to show how the miracles are possible – but affirms the miraculous through the intensity and timing.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author gives what he believes are the natural events that fit with the plagues of Eqypt, Moses, and the Israelites exit from Eqypt, the Red Sea Crossing, and where he places Mt. Sinai.

[Miya · Rating 4 out of 5]

The detail and accuracy was great. I enjoyed the perspective of this book, and the resources that he stated. I wish more church people would research what they "believe."

[Ayelet · Rating 3 out of 5]

The arguments are convincing but I don't know enough about geology, etc. to question any of his arguments.