Board index ‹ The Exodus

[Barber]

Hello. I am a Christian having some big questions about my faith.

It seems nowadays, the issue of whether the Exodus actually happened is hotly debated with many respectable scholars believing that it did not happen, or at least being open to this conclusion.

If the Exodus did not happen, does this bring into question the whole of the Christian faith? If there were no chosen people and no Abraham, could Christianity still work theologically?

[jimwalton]

There are many evidences that the Exodus happened. The questions are what form did it take (all at once or gradually), when did it take place, and who was involved. There are a few records from Egypt that tell us of large Semitic populations in the country and of the leaving on occasion of large population groups. There is evidence of the sudden emergence of a non-Canaanite population in the hill country of Canaan. There is evidence of Hazor being burned by this new population infusion.

While there is no direct evidence of the Exodus, I would question whether (1) Egypt would record such a monumental failure of their government for posterity to see and mock, and (2) whether a small population (25,000) of nomads wandering for 40± years in a wilderness, carrying everything with them would really be discoverable 3000 years later.

In addition, there are so many historically verified references in the story of the Exodus, it's difficult to dismiss the narrative as fictional or mythological.

Also, there are obviously Jews in the world ("chosen people"). I find reasons to believe there was a historical Abraham and Moses. And there obviously was a nation of Israel (there are many archaeological evidences of the monarchy and from there forward in history).

I don't see anywhere near enough contrary facts to motivate me to question my faith. In contrast, I see enough plausibility and evidence to hang on to my faith with confidence.

[Dude]

Why did it take them 40 years to walk a distance that should have taken a fraction of that time?

[jimwalton]

The trip from Egypt to Canaan normally took 11 days. The Israelites first went down to Sinai and stayed there a while. Then they wandered in a circuitous route throughout the Sinai Peninsula and Midian. They spent considerable time camping at Kadesh-Barnea (some estimate up to 38 years there).