The Exodus

The parting of the Red Sea is central to the Exodus story, but no-one has proved conclusively where the crossing took place. We know that the starting point for the Exodus was the area of Ramesses, and one traditional idea is that the Hebrews headed south and crossed the tip of the Red Sea. Another theory is that ancient Israel crossed over the Gulf of Ababa.

In the Hebrew text, the body of water that the Hebrews crossed is literally called "Yam-Suph." This was translated as the Red Sea, but many believe its true meaning was always “Sea of Reeds." The Sea of Reeds interpretation of the Bible opens up new possibilities and gives us four more options for the crossing – the Northern lake, the El-Ballah Lake, Lake Timsah, or the Bitter Lake.

Many have tried to use the details that the Bible gives us to identify locations where the Hebrews travelled, but none have been able to present a credible scenario that can be tested, tried and be accepted by the body of opinion. Therefore, trying to find ‘the exact’ location of the crossing, without any reliable ancient inscriptions is at present impossible.

However, the Bible does indicate that Mount Sinai is in the Sinai Peninsula and because most scholars now believe the “Sea of Reeds” interpretation of the Red Sea is most accurate, one of the lake crossings is most likely.

'Then Moses let his father-in-law depart (from Mt. Sinai) to his own land (Midian)’ Exodus 18:27. Midian is found in today's Saudi Arabia, therefore the Bible indicates that Mount Sinai must be in the Sinai Peninsula and the Red Sea crossing point before the Sinai Peninsula.

‘ByFaith – In Search of the Exodus DVD’
Watch trailers and see the evidence for the Bible's Exodus. Go

‘The Exodus Evidence In Pictures - The Bible’s Exodus Book’
The Hunt for Ancient Israel in Egypt, The Red Sea, The Exodus Route and Mount Sinai. The Search for Proof: Can we find any Archaeological Data to Validate the Biblical Account of Joseph, Moses and the Hebrew Exodus from Ancient Egypt? Go

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Mount Sinai and the Exodus

Where is Mount Sinai? Is Mount Sinai in Saudi Arabia or in the Sinai Peninsula?

The Bible explains that Moses fled from Egypt aged forty years old and lived in Midian for forty years, Acts 7:23,30. Midian has been identified to be in modern Saudi Arabia.

During the time of Solomon, the Gulf of Aqaba (which separates the Sinai Peninsula and Saudi Arabia) was called the Red Sea; but references in the Bible to the Gulf of Aqaba using this title are few. However, if the Gulf of Aqaba is the Red Sea that the Hebrews crossed, then Mount Sinai would be located Saudi Arabia!

Paul said that Mount Sinai was ‘in Arabia’ Galatians 4:25. However, we must remember that Paul did not use a twenty-first century map, but he was a child of the Roman age, holding Roman citizenship and he used Roman names to record locations. The informal name which the Romans used to call the Sinai Peninsula was Arabia, and when Rome finally wrestled control of the Sinai Peninsula from the Nabataean Kingdom (of Petra) in the second century, they named their new province according to their traditional names - Arabia Petrea or Arabia for short.

The Bible itself indicates that Mount Sinai, also known as Mount Horeb, is located in the Sinai Peninsula and not in Saudi Arabia. In Exodus chapter 18, Moses' father-in-law leaves Midian to visit Moses at Mount Sinai and the Bible says, ‘Then Moses let his father-in-law depart (from Mount Sinai), to his own land (Midian)’ Exodus 18:27.

In addition the story of Moses' meeting with Aaron on Mount Sinai, indicates that the location of the mountain is in the Sinai Peninsula. Now the Lord said to Moses in Midian, "Go return to Egypt" and it came to pass on the way that the Lord met him, Exodus 4:19. Therefore Moses left Median, which is in Saudi Arabia and heads towards Egypt. And the Lord said to Aaron (who was in Egypt), "Go into the wilderness to meet Moses." So he went and met him on the mountain of God, Exodus 4:27.

This passage shows that Mount Sinai must be in the Sinai Peninsula, because Moses found the mountain on the way to speak to pharaoh in Egypt, not on his way south in Saudi Arabia.

‘ByFaith – In Search of the Exodus DVD’
Watch trailers and see the evidence for the Bible's Exodus. Go

‘The Exodus Evidence In Pictures - The Bible’s Exodus Book’
The Hunt for Ancient Israel in Egypt, The Red Sea, The Exodus Route and Mount Sinai. The Search for Proof: Can we find any Archaeological Data to Validate the Biblical Account of Joseph, Moses and the Hebrew Exodus from Ancient Egypt? Go

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Joseph in Egypt

Is there any evidence to confirm the Bible’s account of Joseph in Egypt?

The story of the life of Joseph has been an inspiration to millions, but where is the evidence? According to the Bible, Joseph was a dreamer who was sold as a slave and taken to Egypt where he became a household slave of Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh.

One ancient Egyptian papyrus contains some information about Asiatic slaves that relates to Joseph’s experience. It contains at least 95 entries, including names, nationalities and jobs that these slaves carried out. The first thing that we note is that some of the names on this list are similar to those within the Bible, the second, is that the job descriptions given to these slaves can be compared to the story of Joseph. The title of one of the slaves is a ‘House Servant’ - the Bible begins with Joseph as a servant in Potiphar’s house then follows his advancement to become the ‘Overseer of his House,’ Genesis 39. This papyrus now in a Brooklyn museum, serves as a confirmation of the title and duties of Joseph!

The Bible then explains that pharaoh was troubled by dreams and it was Joseph’s ability to interpret these dreams that led to his promotion and the Bible is exactly right when it proposes that dreams and their interpretations were of the utmost importance to leaders in ancient Egypt.

Perhaps one of the most interesting pieces of the puzzle concerning the rise of Joseph to power is the exact detail that the Bible gives us concerning the process of becoming prime minister. Joseph is given the symbol of authority in Egypt – he receives a ring, the royal seal…he is then given garments of fine linen and a gold chain is placed around his neck. In Egypt, this exact process can be found in Egyptian history, as our ancient relief re-creation below shows.

As prime minister of Egypt, Joseph prepared the nation for seven years of plenty, followed by seven years of famine. Today we know that ancient Egypt was one of the very few peoples on earth at that time that had the administrative ability to do such a thing and the ruins of such store houses can be found in Egypt.

When Egyptologists first examined the Ramesseum in Thebes, they discovered all the way around the perimeter of the temple chambers which were used for agricultural surplus – the first explorers even called this Joseph’s storehouse. One text from around 3300 years ago reads that this temple is, “Supplied with every good thing, with granaries reaching the sky.” We now know that this temple dates, as the name suggests, to hundreds of years after Joseph, but it does show that Egypt not only had storehouses, but that they had the ability to hold vast amounts of surplus and distribute it as required – just as the Bible describes.

‘ByFaith – In Search of the Exodus DVD’
Watch trailers and see the evidence for the Bible's Exodus. Go

‘The Exodus Evidence In Pictures - The Bible’s Exodus Book’
The Hunt for Ancient Israel in Egypt, The Red Sea, The Exodus Route and Mount Sinai. The Search for Proof: Can we find any Archaeological Data to Validate the Biblical Account of Joseph, Moses and the Hebrew Exodus from Ancient Egypt? Go

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The Hebrew Slaves In Egypt and the Hyksos in Avaris

Was ancient Israel kept as slaves in Egypt? Has archaeology revealed anything?

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.”

‘ByFaith – In Search of the Exodus DVD’
Watch trailers and see the evidence for the Bible's Exodus. Go

‘The Exodus Evidence In Pictures - The Bible’s Exodus Book’
The Hunt for Ancient Israel in Egypt, The Red Sea, The Exodus Route and Mount Sinai. The Search for Proof: Can we find any Archaeological Data to Validate the Biblical Account of Joseph, Moses and the Hebrew Exodus from Ancient Egypt? Go

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The Bible's Joseph and Archaeological Data

Is this the face of Joseph?

The Bible describes Joseph as a Semitic man from the land of Canaan who wore a multi-coloured coat. In a tomb at Beni Hassan in Egypt, there is a wonderful confirmation of the Bible’s description of Joseph, showing Semitic people entering Egypt wearing multi-coloured coats.

The Bible tells us that ancient Israel lived in the Nile Delta and archaeologists digging there have found some interesting artefacts. One of the most interesting discoveries is the broken statue found in a tomb, buried for over three-thousand years.

The statue was of a Semitic leader, who held the symbols of Egyptian power. He was painted with light skin, coloured hair and his coat was multicoloured. The tomb and statue were badly damaged, and there is no name on the statue. But it is very interesting that the Bible describes that Joseph was a Semitic man, who became a leader in Egypt - and this statue was found in the right place, was dated to the right time and bears the features that one would expect to find for Joseph.

By comparing the technical details of this statue, we began to restore what this man may have looked like to his contemporaries. Breaking down the three dimensions of the original statue and by comparing physical anthropology, as well as cultural and archaeological data, ByFaith Media for the TV series 'ByFaith - In Search of the Exodus' began the process of facial reconstruction.

Over 3500 years ago, this Semitic man became powerful in the Bible’s land of Goshen. Could he be, as some believe Joseph or could he be one of his descendants?

‘ByFaith – In Search of the Exodus DVD’
Watch trailers and see the evidence for the Bible's Exodus. Go

‘The Exodus Evidence In Pictures - The Bible’s Exodus Book’
The Hunt for Ancient Israel in Egypt, The Red Sea, The Exodus Route and Mount Sinai. The Search for Proof: Can we find any Archaeological Data to Validate the Biblical Account of Joseph, Moses and the Hebrew Exodus from Ancient Egypt? Go

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The Pharaoh of the Exodus

Who was the Exodus Pharaoh that Moses and ancient Israel challenged in the Exodus account?

The first reference to ancient Israel outside of the Bible is found in the time of Pharaoh Merneptah. For this reason some have suggested that he must be the Exodus Pharaoh, but the Bible indicates an earlier period for the Exodus and his reference is regarding a war with the people of Israel, not an exodus from Egypt.

The Bible says that ancient Israel built the supply cities of Pithom and Rameses, Exodus 1:11. For hundreds of years Pi-Rameses, the capital of Rameses II was identified as one of these biblical cities. One eye witness account of the city of Rameses said, “It is a splendid city without any rival…their storehouses are filled with barley and corn which towers up to the sky.”

The Bible’s use of the name Rameses has been the primary reason for scholars to judge that Rameses II must be the Exodus Pharaoh; however the name Rameses was in use long before Rameses II and the Bible itself called the land of Goshen the land of Rameses in the time of Joseph, Genesis 47:11. At the same time, if we take the biblical timeline literally, Rameses II would have lived around two hundred years after Israel’s Exodus took place.

Pharaoh Ahmose has also been called the Exodus Pharaoh for famously expelling a Semitic people group from Egypt, who were called the Hyksos. Some believe these were the Hebrew slaves, most scholars do not.

Finally, if we take the biblical timeline literally, Pharaoh Thutmosis III could have been the Exodus Pharaoh and he was very cruel, being called the ‘Napoleon of Egypt.’ Another candidate is Pharaoh Amenhotep II, who using Egyptian high chronology also fits in at the right time.

‘ByFaith – In Search of the Exodus DVD’
Watch trailers and see the evidence for the Bible's Exodus. Go

‘The Exodus Evidence In Pictures - The Bible’s Exodus Book’
The Hunt for Ancient Israel in Egypt, The Red Sea, The Exodus Route and Mount Sinai. The Search for Proof: Can we find any Archaeological Data to Validate the Biblical Account of Joseph, Moses and the Hebrew Exodus from Ancient Egypt? Go

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Is this the face of the Pharaoh of the Exodus?

Who was the Exodus Pharaoh and what did he look like?

The first reference to ancient Israel in Egypt is found after the time of Ramesses II. This is one of the reasons why Ramesses II has often been identified as the Pharaoh of the Exodus. But the Bible suggests that the Exodus took place hundreds of years before Ramesses II lived.

The Valley of the Kings was the burial place for the Pharaoh’s of Egypt for hundreds years and somewhere in the valley, the Pharaoh of the Exodus was buried. But who was he? In the valley there are sixty-two tombs, but which one belongs to the Exodus Pharaoh?

The biblical text seems to indicate that there are ten hidden clues to reveal who the Pharaoh of the Exodus was; even though these clues are often read they are often overlooked. The ten clues are as follows: 1) He must come to power before the biblical date for Moses' return to Egypt. 2) He must be preceded by a Pharaoh known as a great oppressor. 3) His first born son must die and another succeeds him as Pharaoh. 4) There must be evidence that he used large numbers of slaves. 5) He must be a great builder... 6) A military man... 7) A powerful charioteer... 8) A cruel and stubborn man and 9) He must be double-minded at times. 10) Finally, there must be limited military action during his reign due to the losses at the Red Sea. Many of these conditions could apply to several Pharaoh’s, but very few could meet all of them.

Is this the face of the Pharaoh of the Exodus?

Using the Scriptures, scholars have been able to date the Exodus to the year 1446B.C. However many secular scholars reject the Bible and its timeline, so very few look into this period of history for evidence of the Exodus or for the Exodus Pharaoh. However, using Egyptian high chronology one Egyptian Pharaoh turns up in the right place, at the right time. His name is Pharaoh Amenhotep II and he meets all of the ten conditions! Without any biblical inscriptions mentioning his name, we cannot know for certain if he was the Exodus Pharaoh, but we can confirm that he meets all the conditions as set by the biblical text.

Pharaoh Amenhotep II has left posterity with numerous images of himself. By pinpointing key characteristics and by comparing these images with details of physical anthropology, cultural and archaeological data, ByFaith can reveal for the first time in 3500 years, what Amenhotep II may have looked like to his contemporaries. This could be the face of the most likely candidate for the Pharaoh of the Exodus! Pharaoh Amenhotep II.

‘ByFaith – In Search of the Exodus DVD’
Watch trailers and see the evidence for the Bible's Exodus. Go

‘The Exodus Evidence In Pictures - The Bible’s Exodus Book’
The Hunt for Ancient Israel in Egypt, The Red Sea, The Exodus Route and Mount Sinai. The Search for Proof: Can we find any Archaeological Data to Validate the Biblical Account of Joseph, Moses and the Hebrew Exodus from Ancient Egypt? Go

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Moses in Egypt

The lost years of Moses in Egypt

In our quest to search for Moses in Egypt, we know that no images of Moses or inscriptions of the name of Moses have yet been found. However the Bible says that Moses spent forty years here, so what did he do, what did he learn and are there any clues that will help us to understand how this influenced him?

The Bible says that Moses was adopted into Pharaoh's house and the Egyptian records show that this was not the great exception to the rule, but it was a normal practice for this period of Egyptian history. The Amarna letters tell us that children from other nations and kingdoms were often brought into Pharaoh's house and given an Egyptian education. The Egyptians did this so that they could spread their influence amongst its smaller neighbours. Therefore the account of Moses being brought up in Pharaoh's house fits in perfectly with the sources that we have from that time, but also there is something interesting about Moses' name. See Exodus 1:5-10 and Acts 7:23.

The Bible explains that the name Moses literally means 'drawn out' because Pharaoh's daughter 'drew him out of the water.' We've always understood the name Moses from the Hebrew perspective, but the Bible tells us that Pharaoh's daughter, an Egyptian, gave Moses his name and research into that name reveals something exciting - Moses shared an Egyptian royal name of the New Kingdom!

During the period of the Hebrews enslavement and the Exodus, five Pharaohs of Egypt appear who share a similar name with Moses. Pharaoh Ahmose, Thutmosis I, Thutmosis II, Thutmosis III and Thutmosis IV. When the name of Moses and the name of these Pharaohs were translated in English, the spellings varied depending on the scholars, but the root meaning stayed the same. Just as these Pharaohs were the children of their gods, so the name of Moses shows that he was a child of Egypt.

‘Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was mighty in words and deeds’ Acts 7:22.

The lost years of Moses in Egypt are still a mystery, but a little knowledge of ancient Egypt during the New Kingdom can reveal a great deal about the life that he most probably would have lived. In the Tombs of the Nobles in Thebes, Egypt, the tomb of Sennefer reveals more about the world into which Moses was raised. Sennefer was the mayor of Thebes during the lifetime of Moses. He was rich, powerful and lacked nothing and images from his tomb shows the glory of Egypt during the time that the Bible places Moses in this country.

It is the Bible itself that tells us about the most important decision that Moses ever made. We know from the Bible that he was well educated and was mighty in words and deeds. Moses could have shared in the wealth of Egypt, but in the end he turned his back on the great treasures and fame of Egypt in order to serve his destiny. Moses chose to be a man of God and abandoned the life of ease and the treasures of Egypt, to suffer with his people in pursuit of the purposes of God. Hebrews 11:23-29.

‘ByFaith – In Search of the Exodus DVD’
Watch trailers and see the evidence for the Bible's Exodus. Go

‘The Exodus Evidence In Pictures - The Bible’s Exodus Book’
The Hunt for Ancient Israel in Egypt, The Red Sea, The Exodus Route and Mount Sinai. The Search for Proof: Can we find any Archaeological Data to Validate the Biblical Account of Joseph, Moses and the Hebrew Exodus from Ancient Egypt? Go

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Ancient Israel – the Evidence in Egypt

Is there any archaeological evidence in Egypt for the existence of ancient Israel?

For some time the experts told the world that ancient Israel was nothing more than a myth, a creation of some vivid minds around 500 years before Christ was born. But unfortunately for the ‘experts’ the archaeologica record reveals that ancient Israel was a distinct people over 3200 years ago as the Bible suggests and we have the proof in stone!

Pharaoh Merenptah was the son of Ramesses II. His temple in ancient Thebes is in a terrible state. However, in this temple Merenptah recorded on a large stone the battles that he had in the land of Canaan. This record is called the Merenptah Stele and is now in the Egyptian museum. The stele itself is dated to 1207BC and at the bottom of the stone Pharaoh Merenptah speaks of his war with Israel saying, ‘Israel is laid waste, it’s seed is no more.’

This record indicates that Israel was well established in Canaan by 1200BC, but it also shows the unreliability of Egyptian records. Pharaoh Merenptah boasts that he has committed genocide against Israel – wiping them off the face of the earth. This is a clear case of propaganda and makes us wonder what other records in Egypt have been falsified.

The stele dates to the time of the Judges in the Bible and the word ‘Israel’ is written with the determinative for ‘a people’ rather than ‘a nation’. The Bible tells us that the time of judges was a time of chaos where central leadership broke down, as every man did what was right in their own eyes. So the Bible and the stele agree on this.

‘In those days there was not a king in Israel; everyone did what was right in their own eyes’ Judges 17:6.

The Egyptian record of Pharaoh Merenptah also helps to confirm the story of the Bible. In Judges 1:29, we learn that ancient Israel was not able to take the city of Gezer. But Pharaoh Merenptah, with much greater military might managed to take the city that was too strong for Israel. The stele says, ‘Gezer has been captured.’

The Merenptah stone also teaches us about the ‘Russian Roulette’ element of archaeology. The Merenptah stele proves that there was an ancient people called Israel living in their land by 1200BC, but if this stone was still buried in Egypt, the next mention of Israel outside of the Bible is found four hundred years later!

If the Merenptah stele was still buried, archaeologists would be telling us now that ancient Israel only existed by the time of 800BC, based on the Moabite stone and later Assyrian records. However, the Merenptah stone gives us a permanent date for the existence of ancient Israel that cannot be dismissed – the Bible was right after all and perhaps there are other artefacts still buried in Egypt that will one day reveal more!

‘ByFaith – In Search of the Exodus DVD’
Watch trailers and see the evidence for the Bible's Exodus. Go

‘The Exodus Evidence In Pictures - The Bible’s Exodus Book’
The Hunt for Ancient Israel in Egypt, The Red Sea, The Exodus Route and Mount Sinai. The Search for Proof: Can we find any Archaeological Data to Validate the Biblical Account of Joseph, Moses and the Hebrew Exodus from Ancient Egypt? Go

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Experience a Photographic Search for the Bible’s Exodus

Join two authors and television broadcasters on their four year quest to investigate the mystery of the Hebrew exodus out of Egypt.

Has archaeology provided us with any data to indicate that Joseph, Moses and ancient Israel were in Egypt? What was the Red Sea, where was the exodus route and can Mount Sinai be found today? These are the questions that must be answered in this exciting photographic expedition in Egypt.

Witness in full colour pictures, scenes of Semitic people with multi-coloured coats entering Egypt, find Semitic settlements in the Bible’s land of Goshen and discover how archaeological finds combined with computer technology can help reveal the face of Joseph and the exodus pharaoh!

See photos of ancient slaves making bricks, discover how lost cities were found, plus enter the tombs and the temples of pharaohs. Hunt with our explorers as they search for the Red Sea, trace the possible exodus routes and watch as they examine the first reference to ancient Israel found outside of the Bible!

Paul Backholer is a British broadcaster and the founder of ByFaith Media. He is the director of ByFaith Television which airs in several languages on multiple platforms around the world and is the producer of several Christian documentaries. Paul studied in a British Bible college and has travelled to over thirty-five nations.

‘ByFaith – In Search of the Exodus DVD’
Watch trailers and see the evidence for the Bible's Exodus. Go

‘The Exodus Evidence In Pictures - The Bible’s Exodus Book’
The Hunt for Ancient Israel in Egypt, The Red Sea, The Exodus Route and Mount Sinai. The Search for Proof: Can we find any Archaeological Data to Validate the Biblical Account of Joseph, Moses and the Hebrew Exodus from Ancient Egypt? Go

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The Exodus Evidence Book - In Pictures The Bible’s Exodus

The Exodus Evidence In Pictures - The Bible’s Exodus: The Hunt for Ancient Israel in Egypt, The Red Sea, The Exodus Route and Mount Sinai.The Search for Proof: Can We Find Any Archaeological Data To Validate The Biblical Account of Joseph, Moses and the Hebrew Exodus From Ancient Egypt?

The Exodus Evidence Chapters / Contents

The Search for the Exodus
Why is there so much Scepticism?
The Story of Israel in Egypt
Ancient Egypt and the Bible
The Pyramids and Abraham
Joseph and His Multi-Coloured Coat
The Famine and Joseph as Prime Minister
Semitic Settlements in Avaris
Who were the Hyksos?
Is this the Face of Joseph?
The Lost Years of Moses in Egypt
Making Bricks - Semitic Slaves
The Lost City of Pi-Ramesses
Was Ramesses II the Exodus Pharaoh?
The Pharaoh of the Oppression
The Valley of the Kings and the First-Born Son
Seeing the Face of the Exodus Pharaoh
The Bible Plagues and Egyptian History
Where was the Red Sea?
Is Mount Sinai in Saudi Arabia?
The Exodus Route
Searching for Mount Horeb
Snowstorm on the Mountain of God
The Pharaoh who Fought Ancient Israel
Israel Found in Egyptian Hieroglyphics
Archaeology and the Exodus
ByFaith - In Search of the Exodus

‘ByFaith – In Search of the Exodus DVD’
Watch trailers and see the evidence for the Bible's Exodus. Go

‘The Exodus Evidence In Pictures - The Bible’s Exodus Book’
The Hunt for Ancient Israel in Egypt, The Red Sea, The Exodus Route and Mount Sinai. The Search for Proof: Can we find any Archaeological Data to Validate the Biblical Account of Joseph, Moses and the Hebrew Exodus from Ancient Egypt? Go

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ByFaith - In Search of the Biblical Exodus of Ancient Egypt DVD

Exodus Intro

A three-thousand year old mystery will come alive as the epic tale of the biblical exodus will be tested and tried on the walls of Egyptian tombs and temples. The story of the exodus, as chronicled in the Bible, is one of the most controversial events of biblical history. Now two British explorers head to Egypt as the Middle East enters into another crisis, to search through ancient relics to find the evidence for the exodus account.

The Bible's Exodus Story

A three-thousand year old mystery will come alive as the epic tale of Joseph, Moses and the ancient people of Israel will be tested and tried on the walls of Egyptian tombs and temples. The story of the biblical exodus is central to the faith of hundreds of millions worldwide and has fascinated mankind for centuries. Now two British adventurers will explore the most famous of all ancient civilisations, entering the tombs of the Pharaohs and examining temples, seeking for the evidence for one of the most controversial events in world history. On their way they will test the many theories that have been presented over the years and ask which scenario truly fits the biblical record. The team fly over ancient Thebes, search the central deserts of Egypt and hike up Mt. Sinai in a snow storm, all to discover the truth of the exodus. On their search they find startling evidence which proves that God's people were in their land by at least 1200BC.

The Exodus Locations and Findings

Scholars have found no direct references to the Bible's exodus, however we know that the Pharaohs were the most conspicuous censors in history - defeats became victories, loses went unrecorded and successes were copiously exaggerated. Therefore our team began their research with one proposition - if the Exodus account is true, what would one expect to find? Discoveries. Scenes of a Semitic people group entering Egypt wearing multi-coloured coats. A scholarly confirmed reference to ancient Israel in Pharaonic Egypt. A broken statue of a Semitic leader in Egypt who wore a multi-coloured coat. Possible re-creation of the face of Joseph based on the statue. Possible re-creation of the face of the Exodus Pharaoh. Scenes of Semitic slaves making bricks. Semitic settlements in the Nile Delta. The Red Sea crossing options. The plausible Exodus Routes. A snow-stormed Mt. Sinai. Locations include the Pyramids of Giza, the land of Goshen, (where the Israelites were enslaved), the Valley of the Kings, the central deserts and the temples of ancient Thebes. Now it's your turn to see the evidence and judge for yourself.

‘ByFaith – In Search of the Exodus DVD’
Watch trailers and see the evidence for the Bible's Exodus. Go

‘The Exodus Evidence In Pictures - The Bible’s Exodus Book’
The Hunt for Ancient Israel in Egypt, The Red Sea, The Exodus Route and Mount Sinai. The Search for Proof: Can we find any Archaeological Data to Validate the Biblical Account of Joseph, Moses and the Hebrew Exodus from Ancient Egypt? Go

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ByFaith - In Search of the Exodus DVD Episodes

'ByFaith - In Search of the Exodus' is a two DVD set, containing eight 25-30 minute episodes, which follows the journey of two adventurers who seek for the physical evidence of the exodus account. Also available is the best of ByFaith - In Search on the Exodus on 1 DVD.

Episode 1: Investigating the Bible's Exodus.
Episode 2: A Secret Location - Joseph in Egypt.
Episode 3: The Forbidden Home of the Hebrew Slaves.
Episode 4: Quest for the Lost City of Ramesses.
Episode 5: The Missing Pharaoh of the Exodus.
Episode 6: The Secret Life of Moses in Egypt.
Episode 7: The Red Sea Crossing and Exodus Route.
Episode 8: Ancient Israel - the Discovery.

‘ByFaith – In Search of the Exodus DVD’
Watch trailers and see the evidence for the Bible's Exodus. Go

‘The Exodus Evidence In Pictures - The Bible’s Exodus Book’
The Hunt for Ancient Israel in Egypt, The Red Sea, The Exodus Route and Mount Sinai. The Search for Proof: Can we find any Archaeological Data to Validate the Biblical Account of Joseph, Moses and the Hebrew Exodus from Ancient Egypt? Go

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The Exodus Team

The ByFaith exodus team consists of the two Brothers - Paul Backholer and Mathew Backholer

Our explorers are two British brothers who have spent four years 'In Search of the Exodus' studying ancient literature, analysing the best research and entering the tombs and temples of the Pharaohs. Together they explore the most famous of all ancient civilisations, looking at Egyptian history to discover the facts which can be found from ancient relics and documents.

‘ByFaith – In Search of the Exodus DVD’
Watch trailers and see the evidence for the Bible's Exodus. Go

‘The Exodus Evidence In Pictures - The Bible’s Exodus Book’
The Hunt for Ancient Israel in Egypt, The Red Sea, The Exodus Route and Mount Sinai. The Search for Proof: Can we find any Archaeological Data to Validate the Biblical Account of Joseph, Moses and the Hebrew Exodus from Ancient Egypt? Go

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By Faith and the Exodus in the Bible's book of Hebrews

'By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones. By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter. Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned' Hebrews 11:22-29.

‘ByFaith – In Search of the Exodus DVD’
Watch trailers and see the evidence for the Bible's Exodus. Go

‘The Exodus Evidence In Pictures - The Bible’s Exodus Book’
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Moses and the Exodus in the Bible - from Egypt to Midian

'The child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water' Exodus 2:10.

'It came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren' Exodus 2:11.

'He said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared and said, Surely this thing is known' Exodus 2:14.

'Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian and he sat down by a well' Exodus 2:15.

'Moses was content to dwell with the man (in Midian) and he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter' Exodus 2:21.

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‘The Exodus Evidence In Pictures - The Bible’s Exodus Book’
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The Bible Story - Moses at Mount Sinai

'Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God. And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites. Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them. Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt. And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain. And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you' Exodus 3:1-14.

And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, the LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations. Go, and gather the elders of Israel together, and say unto them, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared unto me, saying, I have surely visited you, and seen that which is done to you in Egypt: And I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, unto a land flowing with milk and honey. And they shall hearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath met with us: and now let us go, we beseech thee, three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God. And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand. And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go. And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty. But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians' Exodus 3:15-22.

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‘The Exodus Evidence In Pictures - The Bible’s Exodus Book’
The Hunt for Ancient Israel in Egypt, The Red Sea, The Exodus Route and Mount Sinai. The Search for Proof: Can we find any Archaeological Data to Validate the Biblical Account of Joseph, Moses and the Hebrew Exodus from Ancient Egypt? Go

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The Oppression of Israel: The Hebrew Slaves Make Bricks in Egypt

'Afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness. And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go. And they said, The God of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go, we pray thee, three days' journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the LORD our God; lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword. And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens. And Pharaoh said, Behold, the people of the land now are many, and ye make them rest from their burdens. And Pharaoh commanded the same day the taskmasters of the people, and their officers, saying, Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves. And the tale of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish ought thereof: for they be idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go and sacrifice to our God. Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words. And the taskmasters of the people went out, and their officers, and they spake to the people, saying, Thus saith Pharaoh, I will not give you straw. Go ye, get you straw where ye can find it: yet not ought of your work shall be diminished.

So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw. And the taskmasters hasted them, saying, Fulfil your works, your daily tasks, as when there was straw. And the officers of the children of Israel, which Pharaoh's taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, and demanded, Wherefore have ye not fulfilled your task in making brick both yesterday and to day, as heretofore? Then the officers of the children of Israel came and cried unto Pharaoh, saying, Wherefore dealest thou thus with thy servants? There is no straw given unto thy servants, and they say to us, Make brick: and, behold, thy servants are beaten; but the fault is in thine own people. But he said, Ye are idle, ye are idle: therefore ye say, Let us go and do sacrifice to the LORD. Go therefore now, and work; for there shall no straw be given you, yet shall ye deliver the tale of bricks. And the officers of the children of Israel did see that they were in evil case, after it was said, Ye shall not minish ought from your bricks of your daily task. And they met Moses and Aaron, who stood in the way, as they came forth from Pharaoh: And they said unto them, The LORD look upon you, and judge; because ye have made our savour to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us. And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, LORD, wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people? why is it that thou hast sent me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all' Exodus 5:1-23.

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‘The Exodus Evidence In Pictures - The Bible’s Exodus Book’
The Hunt for Ancient Israel in Egypt, The Red Sea, The Exodus Route and Mount Sinai. The Search for Proof: Can we find any Archaeological Data to Validate the Biblical Account of Joseph, Moses and the Hebrew Exodus from Ancient Egypt? Go

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The Ten Plagues of the Exodus

'Then the LORD said unto Moses, now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land' Exodus 6:1.

The Judgment on Egypt, Exodus 5:1–9, 7:8–13.
Plague of Blood, Exodus 7:14–25.
Plague of Frogs, Exodus 7:25–8:11.
Plague of Lice, Exodus 8:16–19.
Plague of Flies, Exodus 8:20–32.
Plague of Livestock Death, Exodus 9:1–7.
Plague of Boils, Exodus 9:8–12.
Plague of Hail, Exodus 9:13–35.
Plague of Locusts, Exodus 10:1–20.
Plague of Darkness, Exodus 10:21–29.
Death of the Firstborn, Exodus 11:1–12:36.

‘ByFaith – In Search of the Exodus DVD’
Watch trailers and see the evidence for the Bible's Exodus. Go

‘The Exodus Evidence In Pictures - The Bible’s Exodus Book’
The Hunt for Ancient Israel in Egypt, The Red Sea, The Exodus Route and Mount Sinai. The Search for Proof: Can we find any Archaeological Data to Validate the Biblical Account of Joseph, Moses and the Hebrew Exodus from Ancient Egypt? Go

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Moses and the Parting of the Red Sea

'Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians, And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians. And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen' Exodus 14:21-26.

'Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them. But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore. And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses' Exodus 14:27-31.

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Watch trailers and see the evidence for the Bible's Exodus. Go

‘The Exodus Evidence In Pictures - The Bible’s Exodus Book’
The Hunt for Ancient Israel in Egypt, The Red Sea, The Exodus Route and Mount Sinai. The Search for Proof: Can we find any Archaeological Data to Validate the Biblical Account of Joseph, Moses and the Hebrew Exodus from Ancient Egypt? Go

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Moses and Israel at Mount Sinai

'In the third month, when the children of Israel were gone forth out of the land of Egypt, the same day came they into the wilderness of Sinai. For they were departed from Rephidim, and were come to the desert of Sinai, and had pitched in the wilderness; and there Israel camped before the mount' Exodus 19:1-2.

'Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount. And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly. And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice. And the LORD came down upon mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and the LORD called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up. And the LORD said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish' Exodus 19: 17-21.

‘ByFaith – In Search of the Exodus DVD’
Watch trailers and see the evidence for the Bible's Exodus. Go

‘The Exodus Evidence In Pictures - The Bible’s Exodus Book’
The Hunt for Ancient Israel in Egypt, The Red Sea, The Exodus Route and Mount Sinai. The Search for Proof: Can we find any Archaeological Data to Validate the Biblical Account of Joseph, Moses and the Hebrew Exodus from Ancient Egypt? Go

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Moses and the Ten Commandments

'God spake all these words, saying, "I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage" Exodus 20:1-2.

I am the Lord your God.
You shall have no other gods before me.
You shall not make for yourself an idol.
You shall not make wrongful use of the name of your God.
Remember the sabbath and keep it holy.
Honor your father and mother.
You shall not murder.
You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not steal.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.
You shall not covet (lust after and desire) your neighbour's wife.
You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbour. Exodus 20.

‘ByFaith – In Search of the Exodus DVD’
Watch trailers and see the evidence for the Bible's Exodus. Go

‘The Exodus Evidence In Pictures - The Bible’s Exodus Book’
The Hunt for Ancient Israel in Egypt, The Red Sea, The Exodus Route and Mount Sinai. The Search for Proof: Can we find any Archaeological Data to Validate the Biblical Account of Joseph, Moses and the Hebrew Exodus from Ancient Egypt? Go

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Joseph's multi-coloured coat and Joseph in Egypt

'Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made a multi-coloured coat for him' Genesis 37:3.

'The Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh's officials, the captain of the guard' Exodus 37:36.

'Joseph was brought down to Egypt and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither' Genesis 39:1.

'Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound and he was there in the prison' Genesis 39:20.

'Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh. Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it. Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace' Genesis 41:14-16.

'Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt. Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt' Genesis 41:41-43.

'Now the Israelites settled in Egypt in the region of Goshen. They acquired property there and were fruitful and increased greatly in number' Genesis 47:27.

‘ByFaith – In Search of the Exodus DVD’
Watch trailers and see the evidence for the Bible's Exodus. Go

‘The Exodus Evidence In Pictures - The Bible’s Exodus Book’
The Hunt for Ancient Israel in Egypt, The Red Sea, The Exodus Route and Mount Sinai. The Search for Proof: Can we find any Archaeological Data to Validate the Biblical Account of Joseph, Moses and the Hebrew Exodus from Ancient Egypt? Go

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