THE PHARAOH OF THE EXODUS
& THE MERNEPTAH STELE
Thutmose III - The Pharaoh of the Oppression in Exodus
The Pharaoh of the oppression in Exodus is traditionally identified as the ruler who enslaved the Israelites and ordered the killing of Hebrew male infants, as described in Exodus 1:8-14. While scholars and historical sources propose different candidates, Thutmose III checks all the marks of the Pharaoh.
1. Thutmose III (Early Exodus – ~1446 BCE) a. Supported by some biblical chronologies aligning the Exodus with 1 Kings 6:1 (480 years before Solomon's temple). b. Thutmose III (reigned 1485–1431 BCE) is identified as the Pharaoh of the oppression, with his son Amenhotep II as the Pharaoh of the Exodus. c. His long reign (54 years) matches the timeline of Moses' 40-year exile in Midian. d. Oppression involved forced labor in building projects, including the store cities of Pithom and Raamses (Exodus 1:11).
2. Chronology Early Date (~1446 BCE): The Exodus is tied to Thutmose III's reign, supported by biblical timelines and the Merneptah Stele (1208 BCE), which mentions Israel in Canaan.
3. Oppression TacticsThe Pharaoh enforced brutal policies to suppress Israelite growth, including: a. Forced labor in brickmaking and construction (Exodus 1:11-14). b. Drowning male infants in the Nile (Exodus 1:22). c. Despite these measures, the Israelite population continued to grow, leading to further escalation.
1. Thutmose III (Early Exodus – ~1446 BCE) a. Supported by some biblical chronologies aligning the Exodus with 1 Kings 6:1 (480 years before Solomon's temple). b. Thutmose III (reigned 1485–1431 BCE) is identified as the Pharaoh of the oppression, with his son Amenhotep II as the Pharaoh of the Exodus. c. His long reign (54 years) matches the timeline of Moses' 40-year exile in Midian. d. Oppression involved forced labor in building projects, including the store cities of Pithom and Raamses (Exodus 1:11).
2. Chronology Early Date (~1446 BCE): The Exodus is tied to Thutmose III's reign, supported by biblical timelines and the Merneptah Stele (1208 BCE), which mentions Israel in Canaan.
3. Oppression TacticsThe Pharaoh enforced brutal policies to suppress Israelite growth, including: a. Forced labor in brickmaking and construction (Exodus 1:11-14). b. Drowning male infants in the Nile (Exodus 1:22). c. Despite these measures, the Israelite population continued to grow, leading to further escalation.
This is the Pharaoh that oppressed Israel and chased Moses out of Egypt.
THE MERNEPTAH STELE
How It Connects To Thutmose III
The Merneptah Stele (c. 1208 BCE) is a critical artifact for dating the Exodus. Here's how it connects to Thutmose III's candidacy:
1. The Stele's Significance Earliest Extra-Biblical Reference to Israel: The Stele mentions "Israel" as a people in Canaan, using a determinative hieroglyph indicating a nomadic or non-urbanized group. It establishes that Israel was established in Canaan by 1208 BCE, meaning the Exodus must have occurred earlier.
2. Thutmose III and the Early Exodus Theory (~1446 BCE)Proponents of Thutmose III as the Exodus Pharaoh argue: a. Biblical Chronology: 1 Kings 6:1 dates the Exodus 480 years before Solomon's temple (c. 966 BCE), placing it around 1446 BCE—during Thutmose III's reign (1485–1431 BCE) b. Merneptah's Israel: If the Exodus occurred in 1446 BCE, Israel would have conquered Canaan by c. 1400 BCE, allowing ~200 years for settlement before Merneptah's inscription. The Stele's description of Israel as a people (not a state) aligns with the post-conquest period of Judges. c. Thutmose III's Campaigns: His conquests in Canaan (e.g., Megiddo) during the late 15th century BCE correlate with biblical descriptions of Egyptian dominance before the Exodus.
3. Reconciling Thutmose III with the Stele a. Post-Exodus Settlement: An early Exodus under Thutmose III allows ample time for Israel's establishment in Canaan, matching the Stele's reference to a semi-nomadic group. b. Thutmose III's Death: If he drowned in the Red Sea (Exodus 14:28), his mummy's survival (now in the Cairo Museum) would pose a problem. However, the Bible does not explicitly say that he went into battle. Exodus 14:23 says, "Then the Egyptians took up the pursuit, and all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen went in after them into the midst of the sea. Customs of the time would have been that he sent them ahead while he stayed on the shore and directed the chase.
THE MERNEPTAH STELE INFO
The Merneptah Stele(c. 1208–1207 BCE) is a pivotal artifact for understanding ancient Near Eastern history and biblical chronology. Here's a synthesis of its origins, discovery, and significance:
Creation and Purpose- Commissioned by Pharaoh Merneptah (reigned 1213–1203 BCE), son of Ramesses II, to commemorate his military victories. - Material: A repurposed black granite slab originally inscribed for Amenhotep III (14th century BCE), later flipped and reused by Merneptah.- Inscription: Hieroglyphic text detailing campaigns against Libyan tribes and Sea Peoples, followed by a brief account of victories in Canaan: "Canaan is plundered with every hardship. Ashkelon is taken, Gezer is captured, and Yano'am is reduced to nothing. Israel is laid waste; his seed is no more." - Key Detail: "Israel" uses a determinative hieroglyph indicating a **people** (not a city-state), marking the earliest known extra-biblical reference to Israel.
Discovery and Current Location- Found in 1896 by British archaeologist Flinders Petrie in the mortuary temple of Merneptah at Thebes (modern Luxor).- Dimensions: 10 feet tall, 5 feet wide, and over a foot thick.- Current Home: Egyptian Museum, Cairo (JE 31408), relocated during the 2021 Pharaohs' Golden Parade.
Historical Significance1. Earliest Mention of Israel: - The Stele confirms Israel's presence in Canaan by the late 13th century BCE, aligning with biblical accounts of the post-Exodus settlement. - Israel is depicted as a distinct ethnic group, likely in the central highlands during the period of the Judges.
2. Military Context: - Merneptah's Canaanite campaign targeted city-states (Ashkelon, Gezer) and nomadic groups (Israel, Shasu). - Associated reliefs at Karnak Temple may depict these battles. However, scholars debate whether they show Merneptah's forces fighting Israelites or generic Canaanites.
3. Chronological Debate: - Early Exodus Theory (~1446 BCE): Aligns with Thutmose III's reign, suggesting Israel was established in Canaan long before Merneptah's Stele. - Late Exodus Theory (~1250 BCE): Links to Ramesses II, with Merneptah's mention of Israel reflecting their recent arrival.
Scholarly Impact- The Stele refutes claims that Israel emerged only in the 9th century BCE, supporting biblical timelines- Israel's portrayal as a people without a king or urban centers matches the biblical Judges period.
"ISRAEL"
Sources A[1] The Pharaoh of the oppression | St-Takla.org https://st-takla.org/bible/dictionary/en/p/pharaoh-oppression.html[2] Who was the Pharaoh of the Exodus? - The Israel Bible https://theisraelbible.com/who-was-the-pharaoh-of-the-exodus/[3] From Slavery to Sabbath—The Story of Exodus - Knowing Scripture https://knowingscripture.com/articles/from-slavery-to-sabbath-the-story-of-exodus[4] Exodus: The Oppression of Israel | Dr. Claude Mariottini https://claudemariottini.com/2021/11/01/exodus-the-oppression-of-israel/[5] Thutmose III was Pharaoh of the Exodus in 1446 BC - Bible.ca https://www.bible.ca/archeology/bible-archeology-exodus-date-1440bc.htm[6] [PDF] THE TIME OF THE OPPRESSION AND THE EXODUS https://biblicalelearning.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Rea-OppressionEgypt-GTJ.pdf[7] Exodus 14:5-29 Pharaoh received a report that the ... - Bible.com https://www.bible.com/bible/406/EXO.14.5-29.ERV[8] The Pharaohs of the Exodus - Knowing the Bible https://www.knowingthebible.net/topical-studies/the-pharaohs-of-the-exodus[9] The Exodus Pharaoh EXPLAINED! - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JusQxiTXnE[10] Exodus 5:6-13 ERV - Bible.com https://www.bible.com/bible/406/EXO.5.6-13.ERV[11] Pharaohs of the Oppression - Answers in Genesis https://answersingenesis.org/archaeology/ancient-egypt/pharaohs-of-the-oppression/[12] The Exodus - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Exodus[13] Exodus 1 NIRV - The Israelites Become Slaves in Egypt https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+1&version=NIRV[14] Exodus 1:1-10:5 NIV - The Israelites Oppressed - Bible Gateway https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+1%3A1-10%3A5&version=NIV[15] Who Was the Pharaoh of the Exodus? | ArmstrongInstitute.org https://armstronginstitute.org/files/W1siZiIsIjIwMjMvMDQvMDIvNHUyNWlyczZvZF9TY3JlZW5zaG90XzIwMjNfMDRfMDJfYXRfMTAuMTcuNTJfYW0ucG5nIl0sWyJwIiwidGh1bWIiLCIyMDQ4eDIwNDg-Il0sWyJwIiwiZW5jb2RlIiwianBnIiwiLXF1YWxpdHkgODAiXV0/965765e099523e9e/Screenshot%202023-04-02%20at%2010.17.52%20am.jpg.jpg?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi3msO3y8uMAxXdF1kFHWsII_YQ_B16BAgEEAI[16] Pharaohs in the Bible - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pharaohs_in_the_Bible[17] Exodus 3:9 And now the cry of the Israelites has reached Me, and I ... https://biblehub.com/exodus/3-9.htm[18] Exodus 20:2 "I am the LORD your God, who brought you ... - Bible Hub https://biblehub.com/exodus/20-2.htm[19] Book of Exodus | Guide with Key Information and Resources https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-exodus/[20] Amenhotep II and the Historicity of the Exodus Pharaoh https://biblearchaeology.org/research/exodus-from-egypt/3147-amenhotep-ii-and-the-historicity-of-the-exodus-pharaoh?highlight=WyJpaSIsImlpJ3MiLCJpaSdzY2FwaXRhbCIsImlpJyIsImlpJywiLCJ0aGUiLCIndGhlIiwidGhlJ2tpbmciLCJ0aGUnMCciLCJ0aGUneWFod2VoIiwidGhlJ3dhdGVycyIsInRoZSdzY2hvbGFycyciLCJ0aGUnZmllcnkiLCJhbWVuaG90ZXAiLCJhbWVuaG90ZXAncyJd
Sources B[1] Q&A – Was Thutmose III the Pharaoh of the Exodus? https://bitesizedexegesis.com/2017/02/20/qa-was-thutmose-iii-the-pharaoh-of-the-exodus/[2] [PDF] Merneptah Stele (1205) - Generation Word https://www.generationword.com/notes/joshua/00-Joshua-Date_of_the_Exodus.pdf[3] Thutmose III was Pharaoh of the Exodus in 1446 BC - Bible.ca https://www.bible.ca/archeology/bible-archeology-exodus-date-1440bc.htm[4] Merneptah_Stele https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merneptah_Stele[5] Dating the Exodus - The BAS Library https://library.biblicalarchaeology.org/sidebar/dating-the-exodus/[6] Biblical chronology, Exodus and Merneptah - Groups.io https://groups.io/g/AncientBibleHistory/topic/biblical_chronology_exodus/75712205[7] Top Ten Discoveries Related to Moses and the Exodus https://biblearchaeology.org/research/chronological-categories/exodus-era/4919-top-ten-discoveries-related-to-moses-and-the-exod[8] Thutmose - EXPEDITION 44 https://expedition44.com/tag/thutmose/[9] Who Was the Pharaoh of the Exodus? | ArmstrongInstitute.org https://armstronginstitute.org/882-who-was-the-pharaoh-of-the-exodus[10] Merneptah Stele: Proving Israel's 3200-Year Existence https://armstronginstitute.org/122-merneptah-stele-proving-israels-3200-year-existence[11] The Exodus Never Happened: r/DebateReligion - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/DebateReligion/comments/o98wlm/the_exodus_never_happened/[12] Top 10 Artifacts Show Biblical Exodus was Real History | Israel https://www.patternsofevidence.com/2019/06/01/artifacts-show-biblical-exodus/[13] Israel and the Hebrews in Archaeology - Bible History https://www.biblehistory.net/newsletter/Israel.htm[14] Why Can't We Date the Exodus? Part 2: Merneptah and the Book of ... http://biblemythhistory.com/why-cant-we-date-the-exodus-part-2-merneptah-and-the-book-of-judges/[15] The Merneptah Stele: Beyond Apologetics - Biblical Historical Context https://biblicalhistoricalcontext.com/beyond-apologetics/merneptah-stele/[16] The Merneptah Stele - Answers in Genesis https://answersingenesis.org/archaeology/merneptah-stele/[17] The Exodus: Fact or Fiction? - Biblical Archaeology Society https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-topics/exodus/exodus-fact-or-fiction/[18] Israelite Origins: Late Date Exodus - Biblical Historical Context https://biblicalhistoricalcontext.com/israelite-origins/israelite-origins-late-date-exodus/
Sources B[1] Q&A – Was Thutmose III the Pharaoh of the Exodus? https://bitesizedexegesis.com/2017/02/20/qa-was-thutmose-iii-the-pharaoh-of-the-exodus/[2] [PDF] Merneptah Stele (1205) - Generation Word https://www.generationword.com/notes/joshua/00-Joshua-Date_of_the_Exodus.pdf[3] Thutmose III was Pharaoh of the Exodus in 1446 BC - Bible.ca https://www.bible.ca/archeology/bible-archeology-exodus-date-1440bc.htm[4] Merneptah_Stele https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merneptah_Stele[5] Dating the Exodus - The BAS Library https://library.biblicalarchaeology.org/sidebar/dating-the-exodus/[6] Biblical chronology, Exodus and Merneptah - Groups.io https://groups.io/g/AncientBibleHistory/topic/biblical_chronology_exodus/75712205[7] Top Ten Discoveries Related to Moses and the Exodus https://biblearchaeology.org/research/chronological-categories/exodus-era/4919-top-ten-discoveries-related-to-moses-and-the-exod[8] Thutmose - EXPEDITION 44 https://expedition44.com/tag/thutmose/[9] Who Was the Pharaoh of the Exodus? | ArmstrongInstitute.org https://armstronginstitute.org/882-who-was-the-pharaoh-of-the-exodus[10] Merneptah Stele: Proving Israel's 3200-Year Existence https://armstronginstitute.org/122-merneptah-stele-proving-israels-3200-year-existence[11] The Exodus Never Happened: r/DebateReligion - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/DebateReligion/comments/o98wlm/the_exodus_never_happened/[12] Top 10 Artifacts Show Biblical Exodus was Real History | Israel https://www.patternsofevidence.com/2019/06/01/artifacts-show-biblical-exodus/[13] Israel and the Hebrews in Archaeology - Bible History https://www.biblehistory.net/newsletter/Israel.htm[14] Why Can't We Date the Exodus? Part 2: Merneptah and the Book of ... http://biblemythhistory.com/why-cant-we-date-the-exodus-part-2-merneptah-and-the-book-of-judges/[15] The Merneptah Stele: Beyond Apologetics - Biblical Historical Context https://biblicalhistoricalcontext.com/beyond-apologetics/merneptah-stele/[16] The Merneptah Stele - Answers in Genesis https://answersingenesis.org/archaeology/merneptah-stele/[17] The Exodus: Fact or Fiction? - Biblical Archaeology Society https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-topics/exodus/exodus-fact-or-fiction/[18] Israelite Origins: Late Date Exodus - Biblical Historical Context https://biblicalhistoricalcontext.com/israelite-origins/israelite-origins-late-date-exodus/