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.
#216348 in Books 1999-03-18Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.00 x .40 x 9.10l; .85 #File Name: 019513088X280 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. An excellent response and resource.By Matthew LawrenceJames K Hoffmeier's Israel in Egypt is a great archeological book. With the Exodus tradition being hammered by the minimalist critics of the Old Testament; it's time that these critics get the response. Israel in Egypt though not entirely destroys the arguments that the critics of the Exodus tradition hold; it certainly will challenge them to not underestimate the evidence that points more to the authenticity of the Exodus. James K Hoffmeier goes into quite a large amount of detail to prove his point; he looks at the evidence and concludes that there're in fact; key links that makes the Exodus story more credible then what the critics propose. The large amount of detail is backed up with a huge supply of sources and references to scholars both in the field of Biblical Archeology and Egyptology. It clearly shows that Hoffmeier has done his research and in an academic format. It's a good book for those seeking and already believers in the Exodus story. I would highly recommend it.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Balanced; Compelling SurveyBy CustomerHoffmeir convincingly; while cautiously; lays out a wide range of evidences while require the reader to look very seriously at the Exodus narrative as historically-based. He uses; not just the Biblical records; but also Egyptian and other Near-Eastern documents; as well as archaeological studies; to construct a well-reasoned work.And he does not simply lay out his position unchallenged; but presents alternative arguments in a fairly objective manner (while still discussing factors which would lead the reader to dismiss many of them).Worth the read for Biblical adherents and skeptics alike.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Hoffmeier provides good arguments in favor of the Semitic entrance and exit ...By Steve"Israel in Egypt" is a comprehensive work about the authenticity of the Exodus tradition (as the book's subtitle). Professor James K. Hoffmeier has found compelling evidence in ancient Egytpian texts and organized a very well documented critic to the so called Source-Criticism of the Pentateuch.Additionally; Prof. Hoffmeier provides good arguments in favor of the Semitic entrance and exit from Egypt around the New Kingdom. Although I consider some of his arguments as biased in some way; I think it results impossible to deny the veracity of; at least; the historical value of the book of Exodus; and the realistic main outlines portraited in the biblical narrative of the sojourn of Ancient Israel in Egypt.
