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

by Zondervan, Scott Stripling (Contribution by), James K. Hoffmeier (Contribution by), Gary A. Rendsburg (Contribution by), Peter Feinman (Contribution by)

Overview

Gain a thorough understanding of the 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 constructive responses to other leading views:

• 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)

The Counterpoints series presents a comparison and critique of scholarly views on topics important to Christians that are both fair-minded and respectful of the biblical text. Each volume is a one-stop reference that allows readers to evaluate the different positions on a specific issue and form their own, educated opinion.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780310108740
Publisher:	Zondervan Academic
Publication date:	04/13/2021
Series:	Counterpoints: Bible and Theology
Pages:	304
Product dimensions:	5.30(w) x 8.00(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

James K. Hoffmeier (Ph D, University of Toronto) is professor of Old Testament and Near Eastern archaeology at Trinity International University Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. He is the author of Ancient Israel in Sinai and Israel in Egypt, and coauthor of Faith, Tradition and History.

Table of Contents

About the Editor and Contributors 1

Abbreviations 9

Bible Versions 11

Introduction Mark D. Janzen 13

1 The Fifteenth-Century (Early-Date) Exodus View Scott Stripling 25

Responses

James K. Hoffmeier 53

Peter Feinman 60

Gary A. Rendsburg 66

Ronald Hendel 71

Rejoinder 76

2 The Thirteenth-Century (Late-Date) Exodus View James K. Hoffmeier 81

Responses

Scott Stripling 109

Peter Feinman 115

Gary A. Rendsburg 121

Ronald Hendel 124

Rejoinder 129

3 The Thirteenth-Century Hyksos/Levite-Led Exodus View Peter Feinman 135

Responses

Scott Stripling 161

James K. Hoffmeier 166

Gary A. Rendsburg 172

Ronald Hendel 175

Rejoinder 178

4 The Twelfth-Century Exodus View Gary A. Rendsburg 183

Responses

Scott Stripling 210

James K. Hoffmeier 216

Peter Feinman 222

Ronald Hendel 228

Rejoinder 231

5 The Exodus as Cultural Memory View Ronald Hendel 235

Responses

Scott Stripling 256

James K. Hoffmeier 261

Peter Feinman 268

Gary A. Rendsburg 274

Rejoinder 280

Conclusion Mark D. Janzen 283

Author Index 287

Key Sites Index 293

Scripture Index 295

Editorial Reviews

'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

'It is always a treat when experts in various disciplines engage each other in respectful dialogue, and especially so when the topic is this fascinating and when their conclusions are this divergent. The editor and contributors are to be commended for having this conversation, even if at times it is uncomfortable, and for inviting the rest of us to listen in.'

Bill T. Arnold

'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

'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

'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

'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

'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

'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 other in respectful dialogue, and especially so when the topic is this fascinating and when their conclusions are this divergent. The editor and contributors are to be commended for having this conversation, even if at times it is uncomfortable, and for inviting the rest of us to listen in.'-- Bill T. Arnold, Paul S. Amos Professor of Old Testament Interpretation, Asbury Theological Seminary

'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

'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

From the Publisher