Five Views on the Exodus: Historicity, Chronology, and Theological Implications

Five Views on the Exodus looks at competing views on the historicity, chronology, and theological implications of the exodus. The biblical account of the Israelite exodus from Egypt is one of the most enduring narratives ever told and is a foundational event for several world religions. It resonates across cultures with its timeless themes of redemption and deliverance. It is also the only explanation the Bible gives for Israel's origin.Despite its unique legacy, many scholars regard the exodus as fictitious or a cultural memory that may not be a historical event. Even among those who believe the exodus happened, there is no consensus regarding its date. Five Views on the Exodus brings together experts in the fields of biblical studies, Egyptology, and archaeology to discuss and debate the most vexing questions about the exodus. Each offers their own view and offer constructive responses to other leading views on the exodus.The five views presented here include:Early Date: The Exodus Took Place in the Fifteenth Century BC (Scott Stripling)Late Date: A Historical Exodus in the Thirteenth Century BC (James K. Hoffmeier)A Hyksos Levite Led Exodus in the Time of Ramesses II (Peter Feinman)Alternative Late Date: The Exodus Took Place in the Twelfth Century BC (Gary A. Rendsburg)The Exodus as Cultural Memory: A Transformation of Historical Events (Ronald Hendel)Review'Mark Janzen has brought together an ecumenical group of scholars representing the major views of the date of the exodus. His work will become the starting point for all those who wish to examine the evidence and arguments, especially for the early and late dates as well as the view that a historical exodus cannot be proven. The 'five views' format is ideally suited for engaging criticism and responses to this basic historical question for the Hebrew Scriptures. Students and scholars will benefit from this frank assessment of the major views in the field.' -- Richard S. Hess, professor of Old Testament and Semitic languages, Denver Seminary 'A pioneering achievement! All too often, biblical scholars attend only to the voices that harmonize with their own. Here we take front row seats as five leading experts present their views of the exodus in learned, lucid, and accessible prose, and then respond to and critique one another. The format is a welcome innovation in the publication of biblical scholarship for a broad audience.' -- Joshua Berman, professor of Hebrew Bible, Bar-Ilan University 'Featuring five current scholarly views, this book is a reader's feast on the biblical exodus. Ranging across gaps, problems, and interpretations of the textual, archaeological, and scientific data, the work reveals the complex nature of the issues in a robust and forensic manner. The book is an essential text for study of the historical exodus.' -- Dr. Karin Sowada, Department of Ancient History, Macquarie University 'This stimulating volume brings together experts from evangelical and nonevangelical scholarship to debate the date of Israel's exodus from Egypt--one of the most important and controversial issues in biblical archaeology. No other work offers the latest interaction on the exodus in such an accessible format. An ideal textbook for courses on the book of Exodus.' -- Jerry Hwang, associate professor of Old Testament, Singapore Bible College 'Five Views on the Exodus offers a thorough investigation of the historical details of the exodus that helpfully identifies and demonstrates the methodological, theological, and disciplinary commitments that fuel an ongoing debate about a formative biblical event. Written by experts who offer a mass of evidence for consideration, this book is an essential resource for anyone entering the discussion.' -- Michelle Knight, assistant professor of Old Testament and Semitic languages, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School 'It is always a treat when experts in various disciplines engage each oth