Scholars of the Hebrew Bible have in the last decade begun to question the historical accuracy of the Israelite sojourn in Egypt, as described in the book of Exodus.

The reason for the rejection of the exodus tradition is said to be the lack of historical and archaeological evidence in Egypt. Those advancing these claims, however, are not specialists in the study of Egyptian history, culture, and archaeology. In this pioneering book Israel in Egypt: The EVidence for the Authenticity of the Exodus Tradition, James Hoffmeier examines the most current Egyptological evidence and argues that it supports the biblical record concerning Israel in Egpyt.

Hoffmeier begins his study with a methodological critque of the "minimalist" position and examines the biblical traditions themselves, with special attention to source-critical issues. He then considers the evidence from recent excavations in the Nile Delta which reveal the presence of a large Semitic population during the period 1650-1525 B.C. and argues that the Hebrews could have been one distinct ethnic group among the expatriates.

Drawing on extra-biblical texts, inscriptions, artifacts, and recent infrared satellite photographs, Hoffmeier provides a convincing reconstruction of the Israelite sojourn. He defends the plausibility of the Joseph story and discusses the role of Moses in history. Finally, he traces the probable route of the Exodus itself.

Scholars of the Hebrew Bible have in the last decade begun to question the historical accuracy of the Israelite sojourn in Egypt, as described in the book of Exodus. The reason for the rejection of the exodus tradition is said to be the lack of historical and archaeological evidence in Egypt. Those advancing these claims, however, are not specialists in the study of Egyptian history, culture, and archaeology. In this pioneering book, James Hoffmeier examines the most current Egyptological evidence and argues that it supports the biblical record concerning Israel in Egypt.

James K. Hoffmeier is Professor of Bible Studies and Archaeology at Wheaton College, Illinois.

"This is historical research at its best, with constant attention to primary sources...[Hoffmeier] retains a broad perspective and leaves no stone unturned in his quest to have the epigraphic and archeological evidence shed light on the biblical record of Israel's sojourn in and exodus from Egypt."--Gary Rendsburg, Cornell University

"Israel in Egypt is one of those rare works that one cannot read without taking notes on nearly every page. For biblical scholars, who are seriously interested in the Exodus and the issues revolving around the historicity of the Bible, especially regarding the origins of Israel, Israel in Egypt could not be more highly recommended."--Near East Archaeological Society Bulletin

"This is historical research at its best, with constant attention to primary sources...[Hoffmeier] retains a broad perspective and leaves no stone unturned in his quest to have the epigraphic and archaeological evidence shed light on the biblical record of Israel's sojourn in and exodus from Egypt."--Gary Rendsburg, Cornell University

"This volume is a bold and important attempt to infuse the current debate with a reasoned appraisal of biblical, archaeological, and philological evidence. Hoffmeier is uniquely qualified to make such an attempt because he is one of the few scholars who can handle both the Egyptian evidence and the biblical materials."--Asbury Theological Journal

"This volume will become a classic text for a positive and conservative evaluation of the literary and archaeological evidence for the 'historicity' of the Israelites in Egypt."--Walter D. Zorn, Lincoln Christian College and Seminary

"This well-presented case brims with the type of knowledge most never bother to attain."--J. Julius Scott, Wheaton College

"The best and most good-spirited defense yet of the conservative position that takes the Biblical "Exodus-Conquest" narratives literally as history."--William G. Dever, University of Arizona

"Hoffmeier's study represents the fruit of many years of study in Egyptology and the Old Testament. The work is a substantial contribution to the ongoing discussion on the subject of Israel's presence in Egypt and represents a view that is in harmony with an appreciation of the Bible as a valuable historical source....This is an excellent volume for introducing the subject it covers."---Denver Journal

"Hoffmeier's book is an important contribution to the study of the Hebrew experience in Egypt. Its two major strengths are the author's powerful refutation of hyper-critical views on the narrative and his presentation of the latest Egyptological data."--Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society

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