In a tomb at Beni Hassan in Egypt a scene is found of a migration of Semitic people entering into Egypt – women, children, animals and a man with a hand-held instrument, like the one David played before the Ark of the Covenant.

These Semitic people are clearly different from the depictions of the Egyptians all around them, for they have fairer skin, sharper features and the men have pointed beards. These depictions date to the time of Joseph and those characterised are wearing multi-coloured coats. This painting acts as an interesting confirmation of the description that the Bible gives us of Joseph and his family.


In addition, in the Bible's Land of Goshen, excavations have revealed a Semitic city called Avaris. Avaris was a huge city and the foundations of many structures have been found. The Semitic people who lived here became powerful and their leaders ruled vast areas of land and to the amazement of many, several royal seals were also found here bearing a name from the Bible – Jacob.

The Bible says, ‘Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with their burdens, and they built for Pharaoh supply cities, Pithom and Raamses’ Exodus 1:11. The cities of Avaris and Ramesses were found in the same area of the Bible's land of Goshen. In Avaris they also found houses that were of the same design later found in Israel.

The people who lived in Avaris were a Semitic people called the Hyksos and they left Egypt in one mass Exodus, being expelled by Pharaoh Ahmose. Some people believe that the Hyksos are the Hebrew slaves, stating all the similarities and noting that after they left Egypt, they disappeared from history. Whilst others think that the Hebrews lived amongst the Hyksos and it was their departure that explains the beginning of the fierce persecution of the Hebrews by the Egyptians.

So the Egyptians made the children of Israel serve with rigor and they made their lives bitter with hard bondage – in mortar, in brick and in all manner of service in the field. Exodus 1:13-14.

In ancient Thebes, Egypt, there is a tomb where Semitic slaves are depicted. In Rekhmire's Tomb, several Semitic men are shown in service. In the text they are identified as ‘captives’. One scene shows a Semitic man making bricks and overseeing these men is a tall Egyptian and the text says, “The rod is in my hand, be not idle.” In the Bible the children of Israel are beaten for not fulfilling their quotas and they are told, "You are idle."

‘Israel in Egypt - The Exodus Mystery DVD’
Enter ancient Egypt and search for the evidence for the Bible's Exodus. Go.

‘The Exodus Evidence Book’
Experience a photographic search for the Bible’s Exodus. 100+ colour photos. Go.