An abundance of archaeological and historical evidence links the Exodus events to the collapse of Egypt's mighty 18th Dynasty
Steven Collins
The dating of the Israelite Exodus from Egypt has always seemed difficult, as attested by the fact that the range of proposed timeframes for this important event spans two centuries or more. As a result of this wide swing in historical placement, Exodus pharaohs from Tuthmosis III (15th century BCE) to Rameses II (13th century BCE), and many between, have been suggested. But what lies behind this categorical lack of scholarly consensus concerning the historical identification of such a momentous and watershed biblical event? I have demonstrated that finding the Exodus within ANE history turns on asking the right question (which other scholars have systematically failed to ask): If the Exodus events happened as the Torah portrays them, and all the related catastrophes actually occurred in Egypt, what would be the ensuing fate of the ruling Dynasty? My "historical synchronisms" approach to the Exodus provides a clear answer to this critical question.
Steven Collins, PhD, is among the world’s foremost biblical archaeologists. He is Director of the School of Archaeology at Veritas International University and serves as Consulting Research Professor in the College of Archaeology, Trinity Southwest University. He is Director and Chief Archaeologist of the Tall el-Hammam excavations in Jordan, now completing its 16th season. Prior to Tall el-Hammam, Dr. Collins excavated at other sites in Israel and Palestine.
