A History Of Biblical Israel 01 - The Patriarchs

And now we begin a history of ancient And now we begin a history of ancient Israel from the patriarchs through the Israel from the patriarchs through the Israel from the patriarchs through the Romans. Lecture one, Abraham and the Romans. Lecture one, Abraham and the Romans. Lecture one, Abraham and the Patriarchs. And now, Professor Klene. Welcome to this course on the Klene. Welcome to this course on the history of ancient Israel. Israel even history of ancient Israel. Israel even history of ancient Israel. Israel even today remains at the center of many today remains at the center of many today remains at the center of many people's attention. It is a country people's attention. It is a country people's attention. It is a country sacred to three of the world's largest sacred to three of the world's largest sacred to three of the world's largest religions, Judaism, Christianity, and religions, Judaism, Christianity, and religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Events that happen in Israel Islam. Events that happen in Israel Islam. Events that happen in Israel today capture the world's imagination. today capture the world's imagination. today capture the world's imagination. Events that happened in ancient Israel Events that happened in ancient Israel Events that happened in ancient Israel today capture the world's imagination. today capture the world's imagination. today capture the world's imagination. We will be taking a look during this We will be taking a look during this We will be taking a look during this course at the history of ancient Israel course at the history of ancient Israel course at the history of ancient Israel from the time of the patriarchs at the from the time of the patriarchs at the from the time of the patriarchs at the beginning of the early 2nd millennium BC beginning of the early 2nd millennium BC beginning of the early 2nd millennium BC right through the Roman period ending right through the Roman period ending right through the Roman period ending after the second Jewish rebellion in the after the second Jewish rebellion in the after the second Jewish rebellion in the 2n century CE. among other things. We 2n century CE. among other things. We 2n century CE. among other things. We will cover in this course, history, will cover in this course, history, will cover in this course, history, archaeology, a bit of politics and archaeology, a bit of politics and archaeology, a bit of politics and religion, military events, economic and religion, military events, economic and religion, military events, economic and intellectual movements, and our sources intellectual movements, and our sources intellectual movements, and our sources will include everything from the Hebrew will include everything from the Hebrew will include everything from the Hebrew Bible, that is the Old Testament, to Bible, that is the Old Testament, to Bible, that is the Old Testament, to extra biblical textual material left to extra biblical textual material left to extra biblical textual material left to us by the Neoablonians, the Neoasyrians, us by the Neoablonians, the Neoasyrians, us by the Neoablonians, the Neoasyrians, and the Egyptians. Plus, we will pull in and the Egyptians. Plus, we will pull in and the Egyptians. Plus, we will pull in the evidence from archaeology wherever the evidence from archaeology wherever the evidence from archaeology wherever and whenever appropriate. And we will and whenever appropriate. And we will and whenever appropriate. And we will pay particular emphasis to the problems pay particular emphasis to the problems pay particular emphasis to the problems and to the debates that are currently and to the debates that are currently and to the debates that are currently embroiling the field. From the biblical

embroiling the field. From the biblical embroiling the field. From the biblical minimalists who deny that David and minimalists who deny that David and minimalists who deny that David and Solomon ever existed to discussions Solomon ever existed to discussions Solomon ever existed to discussions about the events that took place at about the events that took place at about the events that took place at Msada more than 2,000 years ago. The Msada more than 2,000 years ago. The Msada more than 2,000 years ago. The history of Israel, albeit ancient history of Israel, albeit ancient history of Israel, albeit ancient Israel, is still of relevance today. In Israel, is still of relevance today. In Israel, is still of relevance today. In part because many, many, many people part because many, many, many people part because many, many, many people read the Bible. Some of them read it read the Bible. Some of them read it read the Bible. Some of them read it daily. and a much larger proportion know daily. and a much larger proportion know daily. and a much larger proportion know the stories uh that take place in the the stories uh that take place in the the stories uh that take place in the Hebrew Bible whether it's from childhood Hebrew Bible whether it's from childhood Hebrew Bible whether it's from childhood or from still reading them during their or from still reading them during their or from still reading them during their life today. As a result, uh not only are life today. As a result, uh not only are life today. As a result, uh not only are these stories familiar to everybody, but these stories familiar to everybody, but these stories familiar to everybody, but the uh archaeology in the region is the uh archaeology in the region is the uh archaeology in the region is still pertinent. Every day or almost still pertinent. Every day or almost still pertinent. Every day or almost every day, we read something in the every day, we read something in the every day, we read something in the newspaper in terms of recent discoveries newspaper in terms of recent discoveries newspaper in terms of recent discoveries in the land of Israel or surrounding in the land of Israel or surrounding in the land of Israel or surrounding countries, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and countries, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and countries, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and so on. And so, one will see stories in so on. And so, one will see stories in so on. And so, one will see stories in the media pretty much every week at or the media pretty much every week at or the media pretty much every week at or at the very least every month. As a at the very least every month. As a at the very least every month. As a result, knowing your history of ancient result, knowing your history of ancient result, knowing your history of ancient Israel and surrounding lands will be of Israel and surrounding lands will be of Israel and surrounding lands will be of utmost use to you in maintaining a utmost use to you in maintaining a utmost use to you in maintaining a perspective on current events and in perspective on current events and in perspective on current events and in those cocktail parties that we all those cocktail parties that we all those cocktail parties that we all attend. Any attempt to teach a history attend. Any attempt to teach a history attend. Any attempt to teach a history of ancient Israel, which is what we're of ancient Israel, which is what we're of ancient Israel, which is what we're going to be concerned with in this going to be concerned with in this going to be concerned with in this course, is going to depend primarily course, is going to depend primarily course, is going to depend primarily upon the biblical record. And therefore, upon the biblical record. And therefore, upon the biblical record. And therefore, I will warn you right now that we're I will warn you right now that we're I will warn you right now that we're going to take a moderate position

going to take a moderate position going to take a moderate position between two extremes. On the one hand, between two extremes. On the one hand, between two extremes. On the one hand, there are people that say that the there are people that say that the there are people that say that the account in the Bible is a completely account in the Bible is a completely account in the Bible is a completely accurate and adequate account of accurate and adequate account of accurate and adequate account of biblical times and that we can trust biblical times and that we can trust biblical times and that we can trust everything that it says. On the other everything that it says. On the other everything that it says. On the other hand, there are those people who view hand, there are those people who view hand, there are those people who view the Bible fundamentally as a collection the Bible fundamentally as a collection the Bible fundamentally as a collection of folk tales, miracle stories, and the of folk tales, miracle stories, and the of folk tales, miracle stories, and the like, and they say that the Bible has no like, and they say that the Bible has no like, and they say that the Bible has no historical evidence uh to present, and historical evidence uh to present, and historical evidence uh to present, and that we should not trust what's in it. that we should not trust what's in it. that we should not trust what's in it. Now, it's true that the Bible does not Now, it's true that the Bible does not Now, it's true that the Bible does not contain history as we would know it. The contain history as we would know it. The contain history as we would know it. The word history never appears in the Hebrew word history never appears in the Hebrew word history never appears in the Hebrew Bible and the biblical writers are not Bible and the biblical writers are not Bible and the biblical writers are not claiming to base themselves on factual claiming to base themselves on factual claiming to base themselves on factual records because they're not concerned records because they're not concerned records because they're not concerned with what happened but rather what does with what happened but rather what does with what happened but rather what does it mean on the other hand there is an it mean on the other hand there is an it mean on the other hand there is an awful lot of data in the Bible names of awful lot of data in the Bible names of awful lot of data in the Bible names of people events even dates that we can people events even dates that we can people events even dates that we can figure out and so I am going to take a figure out and so I am going to take a figure out and so I am going to take a moderate position in this course and say moderate position in this course and say moderate position in this course and say that we can use the details in the Bible that we can use the details in the Bible that we can use the details in the Bible provided in many cases that we can back provided in many cases that we can back provided in many cases that we can back it up and correlate it with other it up and correlate it with other it up and correlate it with other independent sources. As a historian, I independent sources. As a historian, I independent sources. As a historian, I like to have two and hopefully three like to have two and hopefully three like to have two and hopefully three independent sources before I will agree independent sources before I will agree independent sources before I will agree that one particular event took place or that one particular event took place or that one particular event took place or one certain person lived. And so where I one certain person lived. And so where I one certain person lived. And so where I can, I'll be bringing in the evidence of can, I'll be bringing in the evidence of can, I'll be bringing in the evidence of external sources, what we call extra external sources, what we call extra external sources, what we call extra biblical material, as well as biblical material, as well as biblical material, as well as archaeology and other data to

archaeology and other data to archaeology and other data to corroborate what the Hebrew Bible tells corroborate what the Hebrew Bible tells corroborate what the Hebrew Bible tells us. And I bring this up now because our us. And I bring this up now because our us. And I bring this up now because our course probably about twothirds of it is course probably about twothirds of it is course probably about twothirds of it is going to be concerned with events that going to be concerned with events that going to be concerned with events that are discussed in the Hebrew Bible in the are discussed in the Hebrew Bible in the are discussed in the Hebrew Bible in the Old Testament. Our first nine or 10 Old Testament. Our first nine or 10 Old Testament. Our first nine or 10 lectures will be concerned with this lectures will be concerned with this lectures will be concerned with this material. So it is relevant to state at material. So it is relevant to state at material. So it is relevant to state at the outset what we will and will not be the outset what we will and will not be the outset what we will and will not be doing to place ourselves in a doing to place ourselves in a doing to place ourselves in a geographical geographical geographical uh position. One thing we must realize uh position. One thing we must realize uh position. One thing we must realize is that the land of ancient Israel and is that the land of ancient Israel and is that the land of ancient Israel and Judah known before the Israelites get Judah known before the Israelites get Judah known before the Israelites get there as the land of Canaan. That's what there as the land of Canaan. That's what there as the land of Canaan. That's what the Egyptians called it. We'll get to the Egyptians called it. We'll get to the Egyptians called it. We'll get to that in a lecture or two. This region is that in a lecture or two. This region is that in a lecture or two. This region is a coastal corridor. It is positioned a coastal corridor. It is positioned a coastal corridor. It is positioned between the great empires uh for most of between the great empires uh for most of between the great empires uh for most of its history. That is to the north there its history. That is to the north there its history. That is to the north there are uh the empires up in what we would are uh the empires up in what we would are uh the empires up in what we would call ancient Mesopotamia, modernday Iraq call ancient Mesopotamia, modernday Iraq call ancient Mesopotamia, modernday Iraq and northern Syria that see the and northern Syria that see the and northern Syria that see the Assyrians and the Babylonians and other Assyrians and the Babylonians and other Assyrians and the Babylonians and other people throughout time. We also have people throughout time. We also have people throughout time. We also have peoples like the Hittites in Turkey.

peoples like the Hittites in Turkey. peoples like the Hittites in Turkey. Down south, of course, we have the Down south, of course, we have the Down south, of course, we have the Egyptians, not only King Tut and Egyptians, not only King Tut and Egyptians, not only King Tut and everyone else from the New Kingdom, but everyone else from the New Kingdom, but everyone else from the New Kingdom, but people from even earlier the Old people from even earlier the Old people from even earlier the Old Kingdom, the Middle Kingdom, and then Kingdom, the Middle Kingdom, and then Kingdom, the Middle Kingdom, and then later in time, we get the Greeks and the later in time, we get the Greeks and the later in time, we get the Greeks and the Romans in Egypt and elsewhere in the Romans in Egypt and elsewhere in the Romans in Egypt and elsewhere in the ancient near east. So, our area of uh ancient near east. So, our area of uh ancient near east. So, our area of uh ancient Israel is many times caught ancient Israel is many times caught ancient Israel is many times caught between the two powers. It can be looked between the two powers. It can be looked between the two powers. It can be looked at as a contested periphery for much of at as a contested periphery for much of at as a contested periphery for much of its uh history. that is, it's on the its uh history. that is, it's on the its uh history. that is, it's on the periphery of one great empire to the periphery of one great empire to the periphery of one great empire to the north and on the periphery of another north and on the periphery of another north and on the periphery of another great empire to the south. And I would great empire to the south. And I would great empire to the south. And I would point here in particular to a time in point here in particular to a time in point here in particular to a time in the first millennium BCE when we have the first millennium BCE when we have the first millennium BCE when we have the great Assyrian Empire up in the the great Assyrian Empire up in the the great Assyrian Empire up in the north and the great Egyptian Empire in north and the great Egyptian Empire in north and the great Egyptian Empire in the south and our region is caught right the south and our region is caught right the south and our region is caught right in the middle. Wrong place, wrong time. in the middle. Wrong place, wrong time. in the middle. Wrong place, wrong time. So we have to realize that its physical, So we have to realize that its physical, So we have to realize that its physical, its geographical location is going to its geographical location is going to its geographical location is going to play a major part in the history of this play a major part in the history of this play a major part in the history of this region. This area is frequently referred region. This area is frequently referred region. This area is frequently referred to as the Holy Land. That designation to as the Holy Land. That designation to as the Holy Land. That designation covers the modern states of Israel and covers the modern states of Israel and covers the modern states of Israel and Jordan for the most part. But we have to Jordan for the most part. But we have to Jordan for the most part. But we have to realize that the borders change realize that the borders change realize that the borders change dramatically over the course of the dramatically over the course of the dramatically over the course of the history of this region. On the west, history of this region. On the west, history of this region. On the west, we've always got the Mediterranean. The we've always got the Mediterranean. The we've always got the Mediterranean. The Mediterranean is always the western Mediterranean is always the western Mediterranean is always the western boundary. The eastern boundary of this boundary. The eastern boundary of this boundary. The eastern boundary of this area is a little bit more indeterminate.

area is a little bit more indeterminate. area is a little bit more indeterminate. Sometimes it lies along the Jordan Sometimes it lies along the Jordan Sometimes it lies along the Jordan River. Sometimes it lies even further River. Sometimes it lies even further River. Sometimes it lies even further east where this region gives way to east where this region gives way to east where this region gives way to desert. Down in the south, we've got the desert. Down in the south, we've got the desert. Down in the south, we've got the Sinai, that desert that always formed a Sinai, that desert that always formed a Sinai, that desert that always formed a barrier to settlement. And to the north, barrier to settlement. And to the north, barrier to settlement. And to the north, it's a little more difficult. This is it's a little more difficult. This is it's a little more difficult. This is the most open of the four directions. the most open of the four directions. the most open of the four directions. We've got difficult hill country up in We've got difficult hill country up in We've got difficult hill country up in the north where modern-day Israel now the north where modern-day Israel now the north where modern-day Israel now gives way into modern-day gives way into modern-day gives way into modern-day Lebanon. If we take a look uh east to Lebanon. If we take a look uh east to Lebanon. If we take a look uh east to west, this region, this land is divided west, this region, this land is divided west, this region, this land is divided into five different zones, mostly by into five different zones, mostly by into five different zones, mostly by topography and climate. On the topography and climate. On the topography and climate. On the westernmost, we've got what's known as westernmost, we've got what's known as westernmost, we've got what's known as the coastal plane that is right next to the coastal plane that is right next to the coastal plane that is right next to the Mediterranean Sea. The plane itself the Mediterranean Sea. The plane itself the Mediterranean Sea. The plane itself is broken up into a number of separate is broken up into a number of separate is broken up into a number of separate little regions. The plane of Chiron, the little regions. The plane of Chiron, the little regions. The plane of Chiron, the plane of Door, the plane of Ako, the plane of Door, the plane of Ako, the plane of Door, the plane of Ako, the plane of plane of plane of Phoenicia. And we have a number of Phoenicia. And we have a number of Phoenicia. And we have a number of settlements here over time. Some of settlements here over time. Some of settlements here over time. Some of which we will be taking a look at. If we which we will be taking a look at. If we which we will be taking a look at. If we move eastward, the second zone is the move eastward, the second zone is the move eastward, the second zone is the so-called western hills. That is, we so-called western hills. That is, we so-called western hills. That is, we move from the coastal plane to the move from the coastal plane to the move from the coastal plane to the western hills. These uh first and western hills. These uh first and western hills. These uh first and foremost are foothills that rise up from foremost are foothills that rise up from foremost are foothills that rise up from the coastal plane to the central ridge the coastal plane to the central ridge the coastal plane to the central ridge of the country. These foothills are of the country. These foothills are of the country. These foothills are known as the shephila or the faila. They

known as the shephila or the faila. They known as the shephila or the faila. They were heavily wooded in antiquity and were heavily wooded in antiquity and were heavily wooded in antiquity and very heavily settled. Lots and lots of very heavily settled. Lots and lots of very heavily settled. Lots and lots of people are living there in people are living there in people are living there in antiquity. The higher ground just above antiquity. The higher ground just above antiquity. The higher ground just above these is known as the hill country. these is known as the hill country. these is known as the hill country. We're still in the second zone. We've We're still in the second zone. We've We're still in the second zone. We've got the foothills and now the hills. And got the foothills and now the hills. And got the foothills and now the hills. And this hill country is the area of Ephraim this hill country is the area of Ephraim this hill country is the area of Ephraim and Judah. This is where much of what is and Judah. This is where much of what is and Judah. This is where much of what is going to take place in ancient Israel going to take place in ancient Israel going to take place in ancient Israel and Judah is located. And here we've got and Judah is located. And here we've got and Judah is located. And here we've got the classic trinity of Mediterranean the classic trinity of Mediterranean the classic trinity of Mediterranean food, wheat and olives and vines. Along the summit line of this ridge of Along the summit line of this ridge of the hill country, we've got many the hill country, we've got many the hill country, we've got many important towns from the Bronze Age and important towns from the Bronze Age and important towns from the Bronze Age and Iron Ages, some of which we will be Iron Ages, some of which we will be Iron Ages, some of which we will be talking about in upcoming lectures. talking about in upcoming lectures. talking about in upcoming lectures. We've got, for example, Hebrron and We've got, for example, Hebrron and We've got, for example, Hebrron and Jerusalem, which will come into play Jerusalem, which will come into play Jerusalem, which will come into play during the time of King David. We've got during the time of King David. We've got during the time of King David. We've got Sheckchham, which will be of interest Sheckchham, which will be of interest Sheckchham, which will be of interest also. Uh, and then there's Beva and also. Uh, and then there's Beva and also. Uh, and then there's Beva and other countries as well. The highest other countries as well. The highest other countries as well. The highest peak along these hills is about 4,000 ft peak along these hills is about 4,000 ft peak along these hills is about 4,000 ft above sea level. which makes our next above sea level. which makes our next above sea level. which makes our next geographic location of even more geographic location of even more geographic location of even more interest because if we move slightly interest because if we move slightly interest because if we move slightly further east, we find ourselves in the further east, we find ourselves in the further east, we find ourselves in the Rift Valley, one of the deepest parts of Rift Valley, one of the deepest parts of Rift Valley, one of the deepest parts of the face of the earth. The Rift Valley the face of the earth. The Rift Valley the face of the earth. The Rift Valley is a major structural rift which runs up is a major structural rift which runs up is a major structural rift which runs up from East Africa and forms the Red Sea, from East Africa and forms the Red Sea, from East Africa and forms the Red Sea, the Dead Sea, the Jordan Valley, Lake the Dead Sea, the Jordan Valley, Lake the Dead Sea, the Jordan Valley, Lake Tiberius, and Lake Hoola. We will run

Tiberius, and Lake Hoola. We will run Tiberius, and Lake Hoola. We will run into a number of these regions during into a number of these regions during into a number of these regions during our future lectures. The Red Sea of our future lectures. The Red Sea of our future lectures. The Red Sea of course comes into play with the Exodus. course comes into play with the Exodus. course comes into play with the Exodus. The Dead Sea will be of great importance The Dead Sea will be of great importance The Dead Sea will be of great importance in terms of the Dead Sea Scrolls. And in terms of the Dead Sea Scrolls. And in terms of the Dead Sea Scrolls. And then uh Jordan Valley, Lake Tiberius, then uh Jordan Valley, Lake Tiberius, then uh Jordan Valley, Lake Tiberius, and Lake Kula will come into play at and Lake Kula will come into play at and Lake Kula will come into play at various parts during our history. The various parts during our history. The various parts during our history. The Dead Sea is probably familiar to a Dead Sea is probably familiar to a Dead Sea is probably familiar to a number of you. It's the lowest spot on number of you. It's the lowest spot on number of you. It's the lowest spot on the face of the Earth, very nearly 1,300 the face of the Earth, very nearly 1,300 the face of the Earth, very nearly 1,300 ft below sea level. ft below sea level. ft below sea level. And the Dead Sea not only will come into And the Dead Sea not only will come into And the Dead Sea not only will come into play with the Dead Sea Scrolls, but also play with the Dead Sea Scrolls, but also play with the Dead Sea Scrolls, but also with stories such as that of Lot, who uh with stories such as that of Lot, who uh with stories such as that of Lot, who uh has his wife turned into a pillar of has his wife turned into a pillar of has his wife turned into a pillar of salt as they're running away in this salt as they're running away in this salt as they're running away in this region. Continuing even further then to region. Continuing even further then to region. Continuing even further then to the east, we've got our fourth zone. the east, we've got our fourth zone. the east, we've got our fourth zone. These are known as the eastern hills as These are known as the eastern hills as These are known as the eastern hills as opposed to the western hills. These opposed to the western hills. These opposed to the western hills. These eastern hills are high and rugged. There eastern hills are high and rugged. There eastern hills are high and rugged. There are a number of rivers that cut through are a number of rivers that cut through are a number of rivers that cut through this region. These eastern hills will this region. These eastern hills will this region. These eastern hills will not play too much of a role in our not play too much of a role in our not play too much of a role in our lectures except in so far as they are lectures except in so far as they are lectures except in so far as they are the region through which the Israelites the region through which the Israelites the region through which the Israelites come on up from Egypt during the Exodus.

come on up from Egypt during the Exodus. come on up from Egypt during the Exodus. And these are where some of their And these are where some of their And these are where some of their enemies, neighbors, friends live, the enemies, neighbors, friends live, the enemies, neighbors, friends live, the Moabs, the Ammonites, and other people Moabs, the Ammonites, and other people Moabs, the Ammonites, and other people that are mentioned in the Hebrew that are mentioned in the Hebrew that are mentioned in the Hebrew Bible. Beyond the eastern hills, we have Bible. Beyond the eastern hills, we have Bible. Beyond the eastern hills, we have our fifth and last zone, namely the our fifth and last zone, namely the our fifth and last zone, namely the desert. This is the desert of Syria, the desert. This is the desert of Syria, the desert. This is the desert of Syria, the desert of Jordan, the desert of Arabia. desert of Jordan, the desert of Arabia. desert of Jordan, the desert of Arabia. There is very little rainfall in this There is very little rainfall in this There is very little rainfall in this region. And for much of the history of region. And for much of the history of region. And for much of the history of ancient Israel, this is going to form ancient Israel, this is going to form ancient Israel, this is going to form the eastern border of our own area of the eastern border of our own area of the eastern border of our own area of our entire area. Frequently, the eastern our entire area. Frequently, the eastern our entire area. Frequently, the eastern border doesn't even get this far. It's border doesn't even get this far. It's border doesn't even get this far. It's simply at the Jordan River rather than simply at the Jordan River rather than simply at the Jordan River rather than all the way over here into the desert. all the way over here into the desert. all the way over here into the desert. But this is as far as we ever are going But this is as far as we ever are going But this is as far as we ever are going to go to go to go geographically. For most of our geographically. For most of our geographically. For most of our lectures, we will be concerned with the lectures, we will be concerned with the lectures, we will be concerned with the first three of the zones. That is the first three of the zones. That is the first three of the zones. That is the coastal plane on the far west, the coastal plane on the far west, the coastal plane on the far west, the foothills and the hill country in the foothills and the hill country in the foothills and the hill country in the middle and then the rift valley on the middle and then the rift valley on the middle and then the rift valley on the west. We will not be extending any west. We will not be extending any west. We will not be extending any further than that for the most further than that for the most further than that for the most part. Now there are a number of ancient part. Now there are a number of ancient part. Now there are a number of ancient trade routes that go through this region trade routes that go through this region trade routes that go through this region which will be of importance from time to which will be of importance from time to which will be of importance from time to time. One of the great international time. One of the great international time. One of the great international roads was known as the way of the land roads was known as the way of the land roads was known as the way of the land of the Philistines. Alternately the of the Philistines. Alternately the of the Philistines. Alternately the Egyptians called it the way of Horus.

Egyptians called it the way of Horus. Egyptians called it the way of Horus. the Romans called the Viamarus, that is the Romans called the Viamarus, that is the Romans called the Viamarus, that is the way of the sea. And uh in some the way of the sea. And uh in some the way of the sea. And uh in some lectures we will see that a number of lectures we will see that a number of lectures we will see that a number of our armies trapesing through this region our armies trapesing through this region our armies trapesing through this region come up through this great road which come up through this great road which come up through this great road which runs for the most part right up through runs for the most part right up through runs for the most part right up through the coastal plains on the far west of the coastal plains on the far west of the coastal plains on the far west of our region right next to the our region right next to the our region right next to the Mediterranean Sea. Okay. So we are Mediterranean Sea. Okay. So we are Mediterranean Sea. Okay. So we are located located located geographically in terms of chronology we geographically in terms of chronology we geographically in terms of chronology we will be mostly focusing on the period will be mostly focusing on the period will be mostly focusing on the period from the second millennium BCE that is from the second millennium BCE that is from the second millennium BCE that is from just after the year 2000 BCE right from just after the year 2000 BCE right from just after the year 2000 BCE right up through the uh Roman period which is up through the uh Roman period which is up through the uh Roman period which is going to take us to the 2nd or 3rd going to take us to the 2nd or 3rd going to take us to the 2nd or 3rd century CE. So we've got just a little century CE. So we've got just a little century CE. So we've got just a little over 2,000 years to do in this course. over 2,000 years to do in this course. over 2,000 years to do in this course. Bear in mind that the occupation of this Bear in mind that the occupation of this Bear in mind that the occupation of this region goes back right to Neolithic region goes back right to Neolithic region goes back right to Neolithic period and even beyond 6,000 7,000 8,000 period and even beyond 6,000 7,000 8,000 period and even beyond 6,000 7,000 8,000 and more years ago. But we are going to and more years ago. But we are going to and more years ago. But we are going to jump in in the period where we begin to jump in in the period where we begin to jump in in the period where we begin to get writing and where we can corroborate get writing and where we can corroborate get writing and where we can corroborate some of the stories. So uh we will not some of the stories. So uh we will not some of the stories. So uh we will not begin until about the year 2000 B.CE. If begin until about the year 2000 B.CE. If begin until about the year 2000 B.CE. If we were doing a strictly archaeology we were doing a strictly archaeology we were doing a strictly archaeology course, I would want to begin quite a course, I would want to begin quite a course, I would want to begin quite a bit earlier. But in this particular bit earlier. But in this particular bit earlier. But in this particular case, let's begin with the time of case, let's begin with the time of case, let's begin with the time of Abraham and the patriarchs where we get Abraham and the patriarchs where we get Abraham and the patriarchs where we get the biblical books telling us the

the biblical books telling us the the biblical books telling us the stories of what's going on here. And we stories of what's going on here. And we stories of what's going on here. And we can start to corroborate what we've got can start to corroborate what we've got can start to corroborate what we've got from a number of different sources. And from a number of different sources. And from a number of different sources. And so we want to begin then with the so we want to begin then with the so we want to begin then with the stories that are told to us in the stories that are told to us in the stories that are told to us in the biblical books of Genesis through 2 biblical books of Genesis through 2 biblical books of Genesis through 2 Kings. And these are going to provide us Kings. And these are going to provide us Kings. And these are going to provide us with an account, a continuous account of with an account, a continuous account of with an account, a continuous account of Israelite and Judean history from their Israelite and Judean history from their Israelite and Judean history from their earliest times until the fall of earliest times until the fall of earliest times until the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.CE. Jerusalem in 586 B.CE. Jerusalem in 586 B.CE. The first six of these books, Genesis The first six of these books, Genesis The first six of these books, Genesis through Joshua, tell us a lot about the through Joshua, tell us a lot about the through Joshua, tell us a lot about the origins of the Israelites and how they origins of the Israelites and how they origins of the Israelites and how they came to possess the land of Canaan. The came to possess the land of Canaan. The came to possess the land of Canaan. The story begins with creation in Genesis. story begins with creation in Genesis. story begins with creation in Genesis. And by the end of the book of Joshua, we And by the end of the book of Joshua, we And by the end of the book of Joshua, we have the people at rest in the land of have the people at rest in the land of have the people at rest in the land of promise. Now, the Hebrew Bible is the promise. Now, the Hebrew Bible is the promise. Now, the Hebrew Bible is the only ancient source that directly only ancient source that directly only ancient source that directly addresses the question of Israelite addresses the question of Israelite addresses the question of Israelite origins. So we will be following the origins. So we will be following the origins. So we will be following the tale with a great deal of interest and tale with a great deal of interest and tale with a great deal of interest and bringing in other data and evidence as bringing in other data and evidence as bringing in other data and evidence as we we we can. I would assume that the story is can. I would assume that the story is can. I would assume that the story is well known to many of you. But let me go well known to many of you. But let me go well known to many of you. But let me go through it very briefly again just for through it very briefly again just for through it very briefly again just for those of you that are not completely up those of you that are not completely up those of you that are not completely up to speed on it. After the great flood, to speed on it. After the great flood, to speed on it. After the great flood, uh, the deluge of the world, which Noah uh, the deluge of the world, which Noah uh, the deluge of the world, which Noah survives, floating around in his ark, we survives, floating around in his ark, we survives, floating around in his ark, we get the descendants of Noah's three get the descendants of Noah's three get the descendants of Noah's three sons, Shem, Ham, and Jaffith. And these

sons, Shem, Ham, and Jaffith. And these sons, Shem, Ham, and Jaffith. And these descendants begin to multiply. They descendants begin to multiply. They descendants begin to multiply. They migrate to the land of Shinar, which we migrate to the land of Shinar, which we migrate to the land of Shinar, which we think is lower Mesopotamia being the think is lower Mesopotamia being the think is lower Mesopotamia being the land of Iraq today. There they begin to land of Iraq today. There they begin to land of Iraq today. There they begin to construct a great tower with its top construct a great tower with its top construct a great tower with its top which was supposed to reach the heavens. which was supposed to reach the heavens. which was supposed to reach the heavens. In order to stop the project, God In order to stop the project, God In order to stop the project, God ordained diversity and we get the tower ordained diversity and we get the tower ordained diversity and we get the tower of Babel. Here not able to understand of Babel. Here not able to understand of Babel. Here not able to understand each other anymore, the descendants of each other anymore, the descendants of each other anymore, the descendants of Noah's three sons scatter to different Noah's three sons scatter to different Noah's three sons scatter to different parts of the world. Among the distant parts of the world. Among the distant parts of the world. Among the distant descendants of Shem in the ninth descendants of Shem in the ninth descendants of Shem in the ninth generation is a tent dweller by the name generation is a tent dweller by the name generation is a tent dweller by the name of Abraham. And it is Abraham and his of Abraham. And it is Abraham and his of Abraham. And it is Abraham and his immediate descendants with whom we will immediate descendants with whom we will immediate descendants with whom we will be interested in for the rest of this be interested in for the rest of this be interested in for the rest of this lecture. We are told that Abraham's lecture. We are told that Abraham's lecture. We are told that Abraham's father had left Ur of the Caldes in father had left Ur of the Caldes in father had left Ur of the Caldes in order to migrate to the land of Canaan. order to migrate to the land of Canaan. order to migrate to the land of Canaan. That's what the region of Israel was That's what the region of Israel was That's what the region of Israel was known as in that time, the land of known as in that time, the land of known as in that time, the land of Canaan. But rather than migrating Canaan. But rather than migrating Canaan. But rather than migrating immediately to the land of Canaan, immediately to the land of Canaan, immediately to the land of Canaan, Abraham's father had settled in the Abraham's father had settled in the Abraham's father had settled in the vicinity of a place called Haran, vicinity of a place called Haran, vicinity of a place called Haran, Han, in upper Han, in upper Han, in upper Mesopotamia. It is only after his Mesopotamia. It is only after his Mesopotamia. It is only after his father's death that Abraham himself father's death that Abraham himself father's death that Abraham himself migrates from Haran down to Canaan. And migrates from Haran down to Canaan. And migrates from Haran down to Canaan. And there in Canaan, we are told that he there in Canaan, we are told that he there in Canaan, we are told that he lives as a sojourer in the land. That is lives as a sojourer in the land. That is lives as a sojourer in the land. That is he maintained his lifestyle as a tent he maintained his lifestyle as a tent he maintained his lifestyle as a tent dweller and resisted integration into

dweller and resisted integration into dweller and resisted integration into the local the local the local society. God promised Abraham that society. God promised Abraham that society. God promised Abraham that someday the whole land would belong to someday the whole land would belong to someday the whole land would belong to his descendants and that his descendants his descendants and that his descendants his descendants and that his descendants would be great in number. So eventually would be great in number. So eventually would be great in number. So eventually Abraham makes a permanent camp near Abraham makes a permanent camp near Abraham makes a permanent camp near Hebron and becomes the father of two Hebron and becomes the father of two Hebron and becomes the father of two sons. The older son is named Ishmael. He sons. The older son is named Ishmael. He sons. The older son is named Ishmael. He will become the father of the desert will become the father of the desert will become the father of the desert folk. But the favorite and the only son folk. But the favorite and the only son folk. But the favorite and the only son of his wife Sarah is Isaac. Isaac is of his wife Sarah is Isaac. Isaac is of his wife Sarah is Isaac. Isaac is born when Abraham is 100 years old and born when Abraham is 100 years old and born when Abraham is 100 years old and Sarah was Sarah was Sarah was 90. In the meantime, Lot, Lot being 90. In the meantime, Lot, Lot being 90. In the meantime, Lot, Lot being Abraham's nephew, settles in one of the Abraham's nephew, settles in one of the Abraham's nephew, settles in one of the cities of the plain in the vicinity of cities of the plain in the vicinity of cities of the plain in the vicinity of the Dead Sea. And we are told that he the Dead Sea. And we are told that he the Dead Sea. And we are told that he barely escapes with his two daughters barely escapes with his two daughters barely escapes with his two daughters when God destroys several cities in that when God destroys several cities in that when God destroys several cities in that area by fire and brimstone, namely the area by fire and brimstone, namely the area by fire and brimstone, namely the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. It is cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. It is cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. It is during this time that Lot's wife is during this time that Lot's wife is during this time that Lot's wife is turned into a pillar of salt while they turned into a pillar of salt while they turned into a pillar of salt while they are escaping from Sodom and are escaping from Sodom and are escaping from Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot's two daughters give birth Gomorrah. Lot's two daughters give birth Gomorrah. Lot's two daughters give birth to two sons. The two sons become the to two sons. The two sons become the to two sons. The two sons become the ancestors of the Ammonites and the ancestors of the Ammonites and the ancestors of the Ammonites and the Moabites. Two groups that will interact Moabites. Two groups that will interact Moabites. Two groups that will interact with the Israelites, but with whom we with the Israelites, but with whom we with the Israelites, but with whom we will not be particularly concerned will not be particularly concerned will not be particularly concerned during this during this during this course. After Sarah dies at the age of course. After Sarah dies at the age of course. After Sarah dies at the age of 127, Abraham remaries and has additional 127, Abraham remaries and has additional 127, Abraham remaries and has additional children by his second wife as well as

children by his second wife as well as children by his second wife as well as by several concubines and these become by several concubines and these become by several concubines and these become the ancestors of various Arabic tribes. the ancestors of various Arabic tribes. the ancestors of various Arabic tribes. Abraham himself dies at the ripe old age Abraham himself dies at the ripe old age Abraham himself dies at the ripe old age of 175. Before he dies, he obtains a of 175. Before he dies, he obtains a of 175. Before he dies, he obtains a wife for his son Isaac from their wife for his son Isaac from their wife for his son Isaac from their kinsmen. And Isaac then goes on to have kinsmen. And Isaac then goes on to have kinsmen. And Isaac then goes on to have children of his own. and they will come children of his own. and they will come children of his own. and they will come into play in our next few into play in our next few into play in our next few lectures. So, let us now turn to a lectures. So, let us now turn to a lectures. So, let us now turn to a specific uh investigation of what we've specific uh investigation of what we've specific uh investigation of what we've got. As I've mentioned in Genesis got. As I've mentioned in Genesis got. As I've mentioned in Genesis through Joshua in the Hebrew Bible, through Joshua in the Hebrew Bible, through Joshua in the Hebrew Bible, we've got the story of the origins of we've got the story of the origins of we've got the story of the origins of the Israelites and how they came to the Israelites and how they came to the Israelites and how they came to possess the land of Canaan. The story possess the land of Canaan. The story possess the land of Canaan. The story begins with creation in Genesis. And by begins with creation in Genesis. And by begins with creation in Genesis. And by the end of the book of Joshua, we've got the end of the book of Joshua, we've got the end of the book of Joshua, we've got the Israelites at rest in the land of the Israelites at rest in the land of the Israelites at rest in the land of promise. This is the only source that promise. This is the only source that promise. This is the only source that we've got that directly addresses this we've got that directly addresses this we've got that directly addresses this question. And so we want to see if we question. And so we want to see if we question. And so we want to see if we can get any other information here as can get any other information here as can get any other information here as well. The first thing we want to ask is well. The first thing we want to ask is well. The first thing we want to ask is can we believe any of these stories that can we believe any of these stories that can we believe any of these stories that we are told about Abraham? That is did we are told about Abraham? That is did we are told about Abraham? That is did his father really come from a place his father really come from a place his father really come from a place called or of the Kaldes in Mesopotamia, called or of the Kaldes in Mesopotamia, called or of the Kaldes in Mesopotamia, what we would call modern Iraq. Did what we would call modern Iraq. Did what we would call modern Iraq. Did Abraham's father actually journey to a Abraham's father actually journey to a Abraham's father actually journey to a place called Haron, which we would place called Haron, which we would place called Haron, which we would probably locate in modern-day Turkey?

probably locate in modern-day Turkey? probably locate in modern-day Turkey? And did Abraham then subsequently And did Abraham then subsequently And did Abraham then subsequently journey down to the land of Canaan and journey down to the land of Canaan and journey down to the land of Canaan and settle there as a settle there as a settle there as a sojourer? Well, as you might expect, sojourer? Well, as you might expect, sojourer? Well, as you might expect, it's very hard to actually corroborate it's very hard to actually corroborate it's very hard to actually corroborate any of this through archaeology or uh any of this through archaeology or uh any of this through archaeology or uh through other ancient text at this time. through other ancient text at this time. through other ancient text at this time. We are about 4,000 years before today. We are about 4,000 years before today. We are about 4,000 years before today. And in terms of locating some of these And in terms of locating some of these And in terms of locating some of these areas, it's um rather hit or miss. Sir areas, it's um rather hit or miss. Sir areas, it's um rather hit or miss. Sir Leonard Woolly went excavating at a site Leonard Woolly went excavating at a site Leonard Woolly went excavating at a site called Ur in modern-day Iraq and he called Ur in modern-day Iraq and he called Ur in modern-day Iraq and he announced to the world that he had found announced to the world that he had found announced to the world that he had found ore of the Caldes from which Abraham's ore of the Caldes from which Abraham's ore of the Caldes from which Abraham's father had migrated. We're not actually father had migrated. We're not actually father had migrated. We're not actually sure if this ore is in fact or of the sure if this ore is in fact or of the sure if this ore is in fact or of the Caldis or not, but Woolly's discoveries Caldis or not, but Woolly's discoveries Caldis or not, but Woolly's discoveries made worldwide news back in about the made worldwide news back in about the made worldwide news back in about the year 1929 when he found royal tombs year 1929 when he found royal tombs year 1929 when he found royal tombs absolutely chalk full of gold, silver, absolutely chalk full of gold, silver, absolutely chalk full of gold, silver, lapis lazley, and other precious lapis lazley, and other precious lapis lazley, and other precious items. If indeed Abraham's father took items. If indeed Abraham's father took items. If indeed Abraham's father took the journey from Ur in Mesopotamia up to the journey from Ur in Mesopotamia up to the journey from Ur in Mesopotamia up to Haron near modern Turkey today, he would Haron near modern Turkey today, he would Haron near modern Turkey today, he would have followed the course of the have followed the course of the have followed the course of the Euphrates River which was a known Euphrates River which was a known Euphrates River which was a known international trade route at that time.

international trade route at that time. international trade route at that time. And it is quite possible that he settled And it is quite possible that he settled And it is quite possible that he settled down in a region in either north Syria down in a region in either north Syria down in a region in either north Syria or South Turkey. or South Turkey. or South Turkey. There are villages in the region there There are villages in the region there There are villages in the region there today that still look much as they did today that still look much as they did today that still look much as they did 4,000 years ago. And it is quite 4,000 years ago. And it is quite 4,000 years ago. And it is quite conceivable that we could believe what conceivable that we could believe what conceivable that we could believe what we are told we are told we are told here. Abraham also fits into some of the here. Abraham also fits into some of the here. Abraham also fits into some of the general migrations that we know were general migrations that we know were general migrations that we know were taking place during this time period. taking place during this time period. taking place during this time period. The period from 2,00 to,800 B.CE E in The period from 2,00 to,800 B.CE E in The period from 2,00 to,800 B.CE E in the ancient near east was a time of the ancient near east was a time of the ancient near east was a time of upheaval, a time of uh tumultuous upheaval, a time of uh tumultuous upheaval, a time of uh tumultuous events. And uh by about the year 1800, events. And uh by about the year 1800, events. And uh by about the year 1800, we have seen a number of different we have seen a number of different we have seen a number of different groups of people move around the ancient groups of people move around the ancient groups of people move around the ancient near east and then settle down in near east and then settle down in near east and then settle down in different areas. And it is quite different areas. And it is quite different areas. And it is quite conceivable that Abraham's movement both conceivable that Abraham's movement both conceivable that Abraham's movement both that of his father from Ur to Haron and that of his father from Ur to Haron and that of his father from Ur to Haron and then of Abraham himself from Haron down then of Abraham himself from Haron down then of Abraham himself from Haron down to Canaan should be seen in the light of to Canaan should be seen in the light of to Canaan should be seen in the light of these major migrations which take place these major migrations which take place these major migrations which take place at the beginning of the second at the beginning of the second at the beginning of the second millennium BCE.

millennium BCE. millennium BCE. We should probably compare Abraham and We should probably compare Abraham and We should probably compare Abraham and his family and their migrations to the his family and their migrations to the his family and their migrations to the migrations of semi-nomads such as the migrations of semi-nomads such as the migrations of semi-nomads such as the Bedawin that we still see today in some Bedawin that we still see today in some Bedawin that we still see today in some of these of these of these regions. During his migrations, Abraham regions. During his migrations, Abraham regions. During his migrations, Abraham makes his way down to the land of makes his way down to the land of makes his way down to the land of Canaan. We run here into some of the Canaan. We run here into some of the Canaan. We run here into some of the familiar stories such as in the course familiar stories such as in the course familiar stories such as in the course of these migrations and the movement of these migrations and the movement of these migrations and the movement down into the land that we would today down into the land that we would today down into the land that we would today call Israel. We run across uh well-known call Israel. We run across uh well-known call Israel. We run across uh well-known stories such as Abraham sacrificing stories such as Abraham sacrificing stories such as Abraham sacrificing Isaac. Isaac to be replaced by a goat in Isaac. Isaac to be replaced by a goat in Isaac. Isaac to be replaced by a goat in the bushes or a ram in the thicket. And the bushes or a ram in the thicket. And the bushes or a ram in the thicket. And it looks like here we can probably place it looks like here we can probably place it looks like here we can probably place this in what is now the modern city of this in what is now the modern city of this in what is now the modern city of Jerusalem that is up on top of Mount Jerusalem that is up on top of Mount Jerusalem that is up on top of Mount Mariah. And indeed this rock on which Mariah. And indeed this rock on which Mariah. And indeed this rock on which Abraham was going to sacrifice Isaac is Abraham was going to sacrifice Isaac is Abraham was going to sacrifice Isaac is the rock we are told that is today the rock we are told that is today the rock we are told that is today within the dome of the rock on the within the dome of the rock on the within the dome of the rock on the temple mount in Jerusalem. This rock temple mount in Jerusalem. This rock temple mount in Jerusalem. This rock also was within the temple of Solomon, also was within the temple of Solomon, also was within the temple of Solomon, the temple of Herod up on top of this the temple of Herod up on top of this the temple of Herod up on top of this ancient site.

ancient site. ancient site. We are further told that Abraham's We are further told that Abraham's We are further told that Abraham's descendants are then going to migrate descendants are then going to migrate descendants are then going to migrate into the land of Egypt. We will discuss into the land of Egypt. We will discuss into the land of Egypt. We will discuss this in the next lecture. But I want to this in the next lecture. But I want to this in the next lecture. But I want to point out here that this falls into the point out here that this falls into the point out here that this falls into the general historical era of what we call general historical era of what we call general historical era of what we call the Hixos, a group of people that rule the Hixos, a group of people that rule the Hixos, a group of people that rule Egypt from about 1720 down to 1550 B.CE. Egypt from about 1720 down to 1550 B.CE. Egypt from about 1720 down to 1550 B.CE. And to have Abraham's descendants moving And to have Abraham's descendants moving And to have Abraham's descendants moving around in Canaan and then down into around in Canaan and then down into around in Canaan and then down into Egypt actually fits very very well with Egypt actually fits very very well with Egypt actually fits very very well with the time of the Hixos. Again, we'll get the time of the Hixos. Again, we'll get the time of the Hixos. Again, we'll get into that in the next lecture. What I into that in the next lecture. What I into that in the next lecture. What I want to point out here is the fact that want to point out here is the fact that want to point out here is the fact that Abraham himself fits fairly well into Abraham himself fits fairly well into Abraham himself fits fairly well into what we know was happening during the what we know was happening during the what we know was happening during the early second millennium B.CE. that is a early second millennium B.CE. that is a early second millennium B.CE. that is a breakdown of powerful citystates that breakdown of powerful citystates that breakdown of powerful citystates that had flourished during the third had flourished during the third had flourished during the third millennium that disruptions occurred in millennium that disruptions occurred in millennium that disruptions occurred in Egypt and in Mesopotamia and that if Egypt and in Mesopotamia and that if Egypt and in Mesopotamia and that if anybody is going to start wandering anybody is going to start wandering anybody is going to start wandering around uh during this period it could around uh during this period it could around uh during this period it could have been Abraham and his group of have been Abraham and his group of have been Abraham and his group of people. Some of the disruptions of urban people. Some of the disruptions of urban people. Some of the disruptions of urban life that took place in the early 2nd life that took place in the early 2nd life that took place in the early 2nd millennium have been attributed to a millennium have been attributed to a millennium have been attributed to a group called the Amorites or the Amuru.

group called the Amorites or the Amuru. group called the Amorites or the Amuru. And these Amorites begin to be mentioned And these Amorites begin to be mentioned And these Amorites begin to be mentioned in textual documents of the Mesopotamian in textual documents of the Mesopotamian in textual documents of the Mesopotamian citystates. So we have textual that is citystates. So we have textual that is citystates. So we have textual that is written attestation to a group called written attestation to a group called written attestation to a group called the Amorites that are moving the Amorites that are moving the Amorites that are moving around. In the 1930s, William F. around. In the 1930s, William F. around. In the 1930s, William F. Albbright, one of the most famous Albbright, one of the most famous Albbright, one of the most famous historians studying ancient Israel, historians studying ancient Israel, historians studying ancient Israel, built upon the artifactual and built upon the artifactual and built upon the artifactual and documentary evidence and using texts documentary evidence and using texts documentary evidence and using texts from later Amorite states of the Middle from later Amorite states of the Middle from later Amorite states of the Middle Bronze Age, Albreight and other scholars Bronze Age, Albreight and other scholars Bronze Age, Albreight and other scholars formulated what is known as the Amorite formulated what is known as the Amorite formulated what is known as the Amorite hypothesis. hypothesis. hypothesis. The Amorite hypothesis simply states The Amorite hypothesis simply states The Amorite hypothesis simply states that the Hebrew patriarchs, that is that the Hebrew patriarchs, that is that the Hebrew patriarchs, that is Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, entered the area Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, entered the area Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, entered the area of Canaan, later Israel, as a part of of Canaan, later Israel, as a part of of Canaan, later Israel, as a part of widespread Amorite movements that widespread Amorite movements that widespread Amorite movements that disrupted the whole region during the disrupted the whole region during the disrupted the whole region during the early 2nd millennium B.CE. And they said early 2nd millennium B.CE. And they said early 2nd millennium B.CE. And they said that the patriarchal narratives told in that the patriarchal narratives told in that the patriarchal narratives told in the Hebrew Bible should be seen the Hebrew Bible should be seen the Hebrew Bible should be seen accordingly. that is against the accordingly. that is against the accordingly. that is against the background of early Amorite society. And background of early Amorite society. And background of early Amorite society. And if you're trying to decide whether if you're trying to decide whether if you're trying to decide whether Abraham and the patriarchs actually Abraham and the patriarchs actually Abraham and the patriarchs actually existed, this would be a good time in existed, this would be a good time in existed, this would be a good time in which to set them. That is these early which to set them. That is these early which to set them. That is these early Amorite movements during the beginning Amorite movements during the beginning Amorite movements during the beginning of the second of the second of the second millennium. And indeed, an early second millennium. And indeed, an early second millennium. And indeed, an early second millennium date for Abraham and Isaac millennium date for Abraham and Isaac millennium date for Abraham and Isaac and Jacob essentially agrees with the

and Jacob essentially agrees with the and Jacob essentially agrees with the chronology that we find in the Hebrew chronology that we find in the Hebrew chronology that we find in the Hebrew Bible. That is in first kings where we Bible. That is in first kings where we Bible. That is in first kings where we get a date. First kings 6:1 says that get a date. First kings 6:1 says that get a date. First kings 6:1 says that the exodus took place about 480 years the exodus took place about 480 years the exodus took place about 480 years before Solomon's temple was built. And before Solomon's temple was built. And before Solomon's temple was built. And in Exodus 12, we are told that the in Exodus 12, we are told that the in Exodus 12, we are told that the Israelites stay in Egypt for about 430 Israelites stay in Egypt for about 430 Israelites stay in Egypt for about 430 years. These are topics that we'll talk years. These are topics that we'll talk years. These are topics that we'll talk about in upcoming lectures. But here I about in upcoming lectures. But here I about in upcoming lectures. But here I want to say that if you add the years want to say that if you add the years want to say that if you add the years together, this means that Abraham and together, this means that Abraham and together, this means that Abraham and Isaac and Jacob would have been roaming Isaac and Jacob would have been roaming Isaac and Jacob would have been roaming around the ancient near east sometime around the ancient near east sometime around the ancient near east sometime during the 19th century B.CE. That is during the 19th century B.CE. That is during the 19th century B.CE. That is the beginning of the 2 millennium the beginning of the 2 millennium the beginning of the 2 millennium because Solomon's temple is built about because Solomon's temple is built about because Solomon's temple is built about the year 960. If you then add 480 years the year 960. If you then add 480 years the year 960. If you then add 480 years to get to the Exodus and then add to get to the Exodus and then add to get to the Exodus and then add another 430 years as the length of time another 430 years as the length of time another 430 years as the length of time the Israelites stayed in Egypt, you get the Israelites stayed in Egypt, you get the Israelites stayed in Egypt, you get the number of 1870 B.CE. that is the the number of 1870 B.CE. that is the the number of 1870 B.CE. that is the 19th century B.C.E. This is exactly 19th century B.C.E. This is exactly 19th century B.C.E. This is exactly during the time when the Amorites are during the time when the Amorites are during the time when the Amorites are moving around the ancient near east. It moving around the ancient near east. It moving around the ancient near east. It also would allow us to place the Hebrews also would allow us to place the Hebrews also would allow us to place the Hebrews in Egypt during the so-called Hixos in Egypt during the so-called Hixos in Egypt during the so-called Hixos period as I've mentioned already. And period as I've mentioned already. And period as I've mentioned already. And this is a period when Egypt was ruled by this is a period when Egypt was ruled by this is a period when Egypt was ruled by foreigners and it would be a good time foreigners and it would be a good time foreigners and it would be a good time when Jacob could be there. But again,

when Jacob could be there. But again, when Jacob could be there. But again, we'll get to this in future lectures. we'll get to this in future lectures. we'll get to this in future lectures. What I'm interested in here right now is What I'm interested in here right now is What I'm interested in here right now is that the stories of Abraham's migration that the stories of Abraham's migration that the stories of Abraham's migration from Mesopotamia to Canaan and then of from Mesopotamia to Canaan and then of from Mesopotamia to Canaan and then of the later migration of Jacob and his the later migration of Jacob and his the later migration of Jacob and his sons into Egypt make sense when you view sons into Egypt make sense when you view sons into Egypt make sense when you view them against the political conditions of them against the political conditions of them against the political conditions of the early second millennium BCE and the the early second millennium BCE and the the early second millennium BCE and the geographical migrations that are taking geographical migrations that are taking geographical migrations that are taking place at that time. Moreover, the names place at that time. Moreover, the names place at that time. Moreover, the names of the patriarchs and some of the of the patriarchs and some of the of the patriarchs and some of the customs that are reflected in the Hebrew customs that are reflected in the Hebrew customs that are reflected in the Hebrew Bible are quite similar to those that Bible are quite similar to those that Bible are quite similar to those that are mentioned in second millennium are mentioned in second millennium are mentioned in second millennium Mesopotamian text such as writings from Mesopotamian text such as writings from Mesopotamian text such as writings from the cities of Mari and Nuzi from the the cities of Mari and Nuzi from the the cities of Mari and Nuzi from the 18th century and down for the next 18th century and down for the next 18th century and down for the next couple of hundred years. We have similar couple of hundred years. We have similar couple of hundred years. We have similar names Jacob, Isaac and related ones. names Jacob, Isaac and related ones. names Jacob, Isaac and related ones. Now, there are a number of problems Now, there are a number of problems Now, there are a number of problems though with this so-called Amorite though with this so-called Amorite though with this so-called Amorite hypothesis. For one, the idea that the hypothesis. For one, the idea that the hypothesis. For one, the idea that the disruption of urban life in Canaan at disruption of urban life in Canaan at disruption of urban life in Canaan at the end of the early Bronze Age and the the end of the early Bronze Age and the the end of the early Bronze Age and the beginning of the Middle Bronze Age, that beginning of the Middle Bronze Age, that beginning of the Middle Bronze Age, that is the early years of the second is the early years of the second is the early years of the second millennium B.C.E., The idea that this millennium B.C.E., The idea that this millennium B.C.E., The idea that this was the result of widespread Amorite was the result of widespread Amorite was the result of widespread Amorite movements that is itself just a movements that is itself just a movements that is itself just a hypothesis and it's by no means hypothesis and it's by no means hypothesis and it's by no means universally accepted by all universally accepted by all universally accepted by all archaeologists and archaeologists and archaeologists and historians. So to say that uh Abraham is

historians. So to say that uh Abraham is historians. So to say that uh Abraham is part of this Amorite movement is to part of this Amorite movement is to part of this Amorite movement is to stack one hypothesis upon another. And stack one hypothesis upon another. And stack one hypothesis upon another. And moreover, while the Amorite hypothesis moreover, while the Amorite hypothesis moreover, while the Amorite hypothesis does work quite well with the chronology does work quite well with the chronology does work quite well with the chronology in the Hebrew Bible, as I've just in the Hebrew Bible, as I've just in the Hebrew Bible, as I've just mentioned, it creates problems for the mentioned, it creates problems for the mentioned, it creates problems for the associated genealogical data. For associated genealogical data. For associated genealogical data. For example, in Genesis 15, it assumes a example, in Genesis 15, it assumes a example, in Genesis 15, it assumes a four generation stay in Egypt. And four generation stay in Egypt. And four generation stay in Egypt. And Moses, for example, is identified as a Moses, for example, is identified as a Moses, for example, is identified as a fourth generation descendant of Jacob. fourth generation descendant of Jacob. fourth generation descendant of Jacob. We go from Jacob to Levi to Amram to We go from Jacob to Levi to Amram to We go from Jacob to Levi to Amram to Moses. Now, if you're going to make the Moses. Now, if you're going to make the Moses. Now, if you're going to make the genealogical data fit with the genealogical data fit with the genealogical data fit with the chronological data, each generation has chronological data, each generation has chronological data, each generation has to last an average of a hundred years. to last an average of a hundred years. to last an average of a hundred years. Usually, we say a generation just lasts Usually, we say a generation just lasts Usually, we say a generation just lasts 30 years. So, you've got these people 30 years. So, you've got these people 30 years. So, you've got these people living an awful long time if you're living an awful long time if you're living an awful long time if you're going to square the genealogy with the going to square the genealogy with the going to square the genealogy with the chronology. But that's just one possible chronology. But that's just one possible chronology. But that's just one possible problem. A second argument against the problem. A second argument against the problem. A second argument against the Amorite hypothesis would argue that the Amorite hypothesis would argue that the Amorite hypothesis would argue that the parallels between biblical names and parallels between biblical names and parallels between biblical names and customs on the one hand and those that customs on the one hand and those that customs on the one hand and those that are known from Mesopotamian text on the are known from Mesopotamian text on the are known from Mesopotamian text on the other hand become rather less impressive other hand become rather less impressive other hand become rather less impressive when you take into account that the when you take into account that the when you take into account that the sorts of names and customs involved are sorts of names and customs involved are sorts of names and customs involved are not confined just to the second not confined just to the second not confined just to the second millennium but are also characteristic millennium but are also characteristic millennium but are also characteristic of the first millennium as well. That is of the first millennium as well. That is of the first millennium as well. That is the names and the customs last for more the names and the customs last for more the names and the customs last for more than a thousand years. And if, as some than a thousand years. And if, as some than a thousand years. And if, as some people have argued, the Hebrew Bible is

people have argued, the Hebrew Bible is people have argued, the Hebrew Bible is not written down until the 8th or even not written down until the 8th or even not written down until the 8th or even the 7th century B.C.E., then you can get the 7th century B.C.E., then you can get the 7th century B.C.E., then you can get all kinds of things in there that might all kinds of things in there that might all kinds of things in there that might not actually be accurate. And so, some not actually be accurate. And so, some not actually be accurate. And so, some historians and archaeologists say that historians and archaeologists say that historians and archaeologists say that the parallels that we might note are the parallels that we might note are the parallels that we might note are actually relatively useless for actually relatively useless for actually relatively useless for pinpointing any particular period and pinpointing any particular period and pinpointing any particular period and calling it the patriarchal age, if calling it the patriarchal age, if calling it the patriarchal age, if that's what you want to do. that's what you want to do. that's what you want to do. And then finally, and most persuasive And then finally, and most persuasive And then finally, and most persuasive for me is the fact that the biblical for me is the fact that the biblical for me is the fact that the biblical tradition never associates the tradition never associates the tradition never associates the patriarchs with the Amorites, but rather patriarchs with the Amorites, but rather patriarchs with the Amorites, but rather with the Aramaanss. As you may well with the Aramaanss. As you may well with the Aramaanss. As you may well recall in Deuteronomy recall in Deuteronomy recall in Deuteronomy 26:5, it says, "A wandering Aramaan was 26:5, it says, "A wandering Aramaan was 26:5, it says, "A wandering Aramaan was my father." It doesn't say, "A wandering my father." It doesn't say, "A wandering my father." It doesn't say, "A wandering Amorite was my father." It says, "A Amorite was my father." It says, "A Amorite was my father." It says, "A wandering Aramman was my father." And so wandering Aramman was my father." And so wandering Aramman was my father." And so our Amorite hypothesis maybe should be our Amorite hypothesis maybe should be our Amorite hypothesis maybe should be called the Aramean hypothesis, but it's called the Aramean hypothesis, but it's called the Aramean hypothesis, but it's not. The Arameans are not particularly not. The Arameans are not particularly not. The Arameans are not particularly wandering around just yet. So we have a wandering around just yet. So we have a wandering around just yet. So we have a little bit of a problem right here in little bit of a problem right here in little bit of a problem right here in that Arameans are not Amorites. We also that Arameans are not Amorites. We also that Arameans are not Amorites. We also have another problem in that some of the have another problem in that some of the have another problem in that some of the other groups, the Moabites, the other groups, the Moabites, the other groups, the Moabites, the the Philistines who are the Philistines who are the Philistines who are mentioned in these biblical traditions mentioned in these biblical traditions mentioned in these biblical traditions cannot be placed in an early second cannot be placed in an early second cannot be placed in an early second millennium BCE context. They are going millennium BCE context. They are going millennium BCE context. They are going to come later in the second millennium to come later in the second millennium to come later in the second millennium or even in the first or even in the first or even in the first millennium. So what are the

millennium. So what are the millennium. So what are the possibilities then in looking at Abraham possibilities then in looking at Abraham possibilities then in looking at Abraham and the patriarchs? and the patriarchs? and the patriarchs? We have one possibility that our We have one possibility that our We have one possibility that our so-called Amorite hypothesis is correct so-called Amorite hypothesis is correct so-called Amorite hypothesis is correct and that Abraham and the patriarchs go and that Abraham and the patriarchs go and that Abraham and the patriarchs go back to the early years of the middle back to the early years of the middle back to the early years of the middle bronze age that is the beginning of the bronze age that is the beginning of the bronze age that is the beginning of the second millennium BCE and that Abraham's second millennium BCE and that Abraham's second millennium BCE and that Abraham's migration should be placed in the migration should be placed in the migration should be placed in the context of the much larger migrations of context of the much larger migrations of context of the much larger migrations of many different peoples that are taking many different peoples that are taking many different peoples that are taking place all across the ancient near east place all across the ancient near east place all across the ancient near east at that at that at that time. The other possibility is that time. The other possibility is that time. The other possibility is that Abraham and the patriarchs date to a Abraham and the patriarchs date to a Abraham and the patriarchs date to a little bit later in the middle bronze little bit later in the middle bronze little bit later in the middle bronze age that is maybe into the 17th or even age that is maybe into the 17th or even age that is maybe into the 17th or even the 16th centuries BCE. This is the 16th centuries BCE. This is the 16th centuries BCE. This is definitely a possibility though it definitely a possibility though it definitely a possibility though it cannot be cannot be cannot be corroborated. The third possibility is corroborated. The third possibility is corroborated. The third possibility is that Abraham and the patriarchs date to that Abraham and the patriarchs date to that Abraham and the patriarchs date to the early iron age that is the early the early iron age that is the early the early iron age that is the early years of the first millennium not the years of the first millennium not the years of the first millennium not the second millennium BCE. and that the second millennium BCE. and that the second millennium BCE. and that the writers of the Hebrew Bible have simply writers of the Hebrew Bible have simply writers of the Hebrew Bible have simply placed them more than a thousand years placed them more than a thousand years placed them more than a thousand years earlier in the past in order to concoct earlier in the past in order to concoct earlier in the past in order to concoct a madeup history of ancient Israel. We a madeup history of ancient Israel. We a madeup history of ancient Israel. We will get to a discussion of this point will get to a discussion of this point will get to a discussion of this point in a future lecture when we talk about in a future lecture when we talk about in a future lecture when we talk about the biblical minimalists who make these the biblical minimalists who make these the biblical minimalists who make these kind of an arguments. And along those kind of an arguments. And along those kind of an arguments. And along those lines, then our fourth hypothesis is lines, then our fourth hypothesis is lines, then our fourth hypothesis is very simply that there were no very simply that there were no very simply that there were no patriarchs at all. That Abraham, Isaac,

patriarchs at all. That Abraham, Isaac, patriarchs at all. That Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob never existed at all and were and Jacob never existed at all and were and Jacob never existed at all and were simply made up and were indeed made up simply made up and were indeed made up simply made up and were indeed made up in order to illustrate particular in order to illustrate particular in order to illustrate particular stories or part of an invented stories or part of an invented stories or part of an invented history. How do we choose between these history. How do we choose between these history. How do we choose between these four hypotheses? Well, frankly, we four hypotheses? Well, frankly, we four hypotheses? Well, frankly, we cannot. We don't know which of these are cannot. We don't know which of these are cannot. We don't know which of these are the best. We don't know which of these the best. We don't know which of these the best. We don't know which of these is uh the one to fall back on. I is uh the one to fall back on. I is uh the one to fall back on. I personally uh lean towards I like the personally uh lean towards I like the personally uh lean towards I like the Amorite hypothesis, not so much because Amorite hypothesis, not so much because Amorite hypothesis, not so much because of Amorites and Aramaans and all of of Amorites and Aramaans and all of of Amorites and Aramaans and all of that, but because I see the movements of that, but because I see the movements of that, but because I see the movements of Abraham and his descendants as being Abraham and his descendants as being Abraham and his descendants as being most possible in the early years of the most possible in the early years of the most possible in the early years of the second millennium BCE. That is this is second millennium BCE. That is this is second millennium BCE. That is this is the time of the largest migrations. And the time of the largest migrations. And the time of the largest migrations. And if you want to look at these people in if you want to look at these people in if you want to look at these people in the larger picture, I think this is when the larger picture, I think this is when the larger picture, I think this is when it fits best. Also, if you want to talk it fits best. Also, if you want to talk it fits best. Also, if you want to talk about Jacob and the Hebrews moving down about Jacob and the Hebrews moving down about Jacob and the Hebrews moving down to Egypt, serving a period of indentured to Egypt, serving a period of indentured to Egypt, serving a period of indentured servitude down there, I think that we've servitude down there, I think that we've servitude down there, I think that we've got to get them moving around in the got to get them moving around in the got to get them moving around in the 18th and 17th centuries. That is, we've 18th and 17th centuries. That is, we've 18th and 17th centuries. That is, we've got to get them moving around.

got to get them moving around. got to get them moving around. Mesopotamia in the 19th and 18th Mesopotamia in the 19th and 18th Mesopotamia in the 19th and 18th centuries B.CE in order to get Jacob and centuries B.CE in order to get Jacob and centuries B.CE in order to get Jacob and the Israelites down into Egypt by the the Israelites down into Egypt by the the Israelites down into Egypt by the 17th century B.C.E. and make everything 17th century B.C.E. and make everything 17th century B.C.E. and make everything else fit. From my point of view, the else fit. From my point of view, the else fit. From my point of view, the early 2nd millennium is the best time early 2nd millennium is the best time early 2nd millennium is the best time for Abraham and the patriarchs. But I for Abraham and the patriarchs. But I for Abraham and the patriarchs. But I would also caution that at this point in would also caution that at this point in would also caution that at this point in time, we have no archaeological evidence time, we have no archaeological evidence time, we have no archaeological evidence that Abraham and the patriarchs ever that Abraham and the patriarchs ever that Abraham and the patriarchs ever actually existed. That's not to say that actually existed. That's not to say that actually existed. That's not to say that they did not. As we frequently say in they did not. As we frequently say in they did not. As we frequently say in archaeology, absence of evidence does archaeology, absence of evidence does archaeology, absence of evidence does not mean evidence of absence. Just not mean evidence of absence. Just not mean evidence of absence. Just because we haven't found them yet because we haven't found them yet because we haven't found them yet doesn't mean that we will not someday. doesn't mean that we will not someday. doesn't mean that we will not someday. And we can remain And we can remain And we can remain hopeful. In the next lecture, we'll be hopeful. In the next lecture, we'll be hopeful. In the next lecture, we'll be focusing specifically on the Exodus and focusing specifically on the Exodus and focusing specifically on the Exodus and uh whether or not that took place. And uh whether or not that took place. And uh whether or not that took place. And then linked to that we will be looking then linked to that we will be looking then linked to that we will be looking at the question of the coming of the at the question of the coming of the at the question of the coming of the Israelites into the land of Canaan and Israelites into the land of Canaan and Israelites into the land of Canaan and how exactly did they manage to conquer how exactly did they manage to conquer how exactly did they manage to conquer that one, a history of ancient Israel.

one, a history of ancient Israel. Lecture two, the Exodus and Egypt. In this lecture, we'll be beginning with In this lecture, we'll be beginning with our a discussion of the story of the our a discussion of the story of the our a discussion of the story of the Exodus. Here we have a story that's Exodus. Here we have a story that's Exodus. Here we have a story that's filled with problems and questions that filled with problems and questions that filled with problems and questions that are similar to some of those that we are similar to some of those that we are similar to some of those that we discussed concerning the patriarchs. Let discussed concerning the patriarchs. Let discussed concerning the patriarchs. Let me walk us through the story as is told me walk us through the story as is told me walk us through the story as is told in the Hebrew Bible just to bring in the Hebrew Bible just to bring in the Hebrew Bible just to bring everybody up to speed. As we mentioned everybody up to speed. As we mentioned everybody up to speed. As we mentioned in the last lecture, after Sarah died at in the last lecture, after Sarah died at in the last lecture, after Sarah died at the age of 127, Abraham remaries and has the age of 127, Abraham remaries and has the age of 127, Abraham remaries and has additional offspring by his second wife additional offspring by his second wife additional offspring by his second wife and by several concubines. These become and by several concubines. These become and by several concubines. These become the ancestors of various Arabic tribes. the ancestors of various Arabic tribes. the ancestors of various Arabic tribes. And then before Abraham himself dies at And then before Abraham himself dies at And then before Abraham himself dies at the age of 175, he gets a wife for his the age of 175, he gets a wife for his the age of 175, he gets a wife for his son Isaac from their kinsmen. son Isaac from their kinsmen. son Isaac from their kinsmen. Isaac marries Rebecca and settles near Isaac marries Rebecca and settles near Isaac marries Rebecca and settles near Burva in the southern part of the Burva in the southern part of the Burva in the southern part of the territory with which we are interested territory with which we are interested territory with which we are interested in this course. And Isaac and Rebecca in this course. And Isaac and Rebecca in this course. And Isaac and Rebecca give birth to twins, Esau and Jacob.

give birth to twins, Esau and Jacob. give birth to twins, Esau and Jacob. Esau becomes the ancestor of the Esau becomes the ancestor of the Esau becomes the ancestor of the while Jacob fathers 12 sons by while Jacob fathers 12 sons by while Jacob fathers 12 sons by his airman wives and concubines. And his airman wives and concubines. And his airman wives and concubines. And these 12 sons become the ancestors of these 12 sons become the ancestors of these 12 sons become the ancestors of the 12 tribes of the 12 tribes of the 12 tribes of Israel. One of Jacob's sons, Joseph, was Israel. One of Jacob's sons, Joseph, was Israel. One of Jacob's sons, Joseph, was sold as a slave by his brothers and was sold as a slave by his brothers and was sold as a slave by his brothers and was carried off into Egypt. While he's in carried off into Egypt. While he's in carried off into Egypt. While he's in prison there, Joseph displays his prison there, Joseph displays his prison there, Joseph displays his ability to interpret dreams. And with ability to interpret dreams. And with ability to interpret dreams. And with this power, he gains his freedom and this power, he gains his freedom and this power, he gains his freedom and eventually becomes the chief eventually becomes the chief eventually becomes the chief administrative officer over all of administrative officer over all of administrative officer over all of Egypt, second only to the Pharaoh. Egypt, second only to the Pharaoh. Egypt, second only to the Pharaoh. Meanwhile, there is a famine back in Meanwhile, there is a famine back in Meanwhile, there is a famine back in Canaan which forces Jacob and his family Canaan which forces Jacob and his family Canaan which forces Jacob and his family to immigrate to Egypt in search of food. to immigrate to Egypt in search of food. to immigrate to Egypt in search of food. Joseph arranges for them to settle in a Joseph arranges for them to settle in a Joseph arranges for them to settle in a place called Gashan or place called Gashan or place called Gashan or Gan. And in Egypt, the families of the Gan. And in Egypt, the families of the Gan. And in Egypt, the families of the 12 brothers then multiply into the 12 12 brothers then multiply into the 12 12 brothers then multiply into the 12 tribes. Eventually, a Pharaoh, king of tribes. Eventually, a Pharaoh, king of tribes. Eventually, a Pharaoh, king of Egypt, comes into power who we are told Egypt, comes into power who we are told Egypt, comes into power who we are told knew not Joseph. and he reduces the knew not Joseph. and he reduces the knew not Joseph. and he reduces the Hebrews to Hebrews to Hebrews to slavery. God commands Moses, who slavery. God commands Moses, who slavery. God commands Moses, who although he was a Hebrew himself, had although he was a Hebrew himself, had although he was a Hebrew himself, had grown up in the Pharaoh's court after grown up in the Pharaoh's court after grown up in the Pharaoh's court after being rescued as a baby from the Nile, being rescued as a baby from the Nile, being rescued as a baby from the Nile, to lead the people out of Egypt and back to lead the people out of Egypt and back to lead the people out of Egypt and back to the land that God had promised to the land that God had promised to the land that God had promised Abraham. Now the story of Moses is of Abraham. Now the story of Moses is of Abraham. Now the story of Moses is of course well known to many people. How he course well known to many people. How he course well known to many people. How he was put into a basket uh by his mother

was put into a basket uh by his mother was put into a basket uh by his mother and sent down the Nile and the daughter and sent down the Nile and the daughter and sent down the Nile and the daughter of Pharaoh had found him and raised him of Pharaoh had found him and raised him of Pharaoh had found him and raised him as her own. We will be returning to the as her own. We will be returning to the as her own. We will be returning to the story in just a moment. story in just a moment. story in just a moment. The escape from Egypt by Moses and the The escape from Egypt by Moses and the The escape from Egypt by Moses and the Hebrews is surrounded by spectacular Hebrews is surrounded by spectacular Hebrews is surrounded by spectacular miracles, including the 10 plagues that miracles, including the 10 plagues that miracles, including the 10 plagues that God sent upon Egypt. After each of the God sent upon Egypt. After each of the God sent upon Egypt. After each of the plagues, the Pharaoh agreed to allow the plagues, the Pharaoh agreed to allow the plagues, the Pharaoh agreed to allow the Hebrews to leave. But then God hardened Hebrews to leave. But then God hardened Hebrews to leave. But then God hardened Pharaoh's heart so that he changed his Pharaoh's heart so that he changed his Pharaoh's heart so that he changed his mind, refused to let the Hebrews leave, mind, refused to let the Hebrews leave, mind, refused to let the Hebrews leave, and thus invited another plague upon his and thus invited another plague upon his and thus invited another plague upon his land. These plagues included blood, land. These plagues included blood, land. These plagues included blood, frogs, lice, flies, pestilence, boils, frogs, lice, flies, pestilence, boils, frogs, lice, flies, pestilence, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, and the slaying hail, locusts, darkness, and the slaying hail, locusts, darkness, and the slaying of the of the of the firstborn. When the Hebrews did finally firstborn. When the Hebrews did finally firstborn. When the Hebrews did finally manage to leave Egypt, the Pharaoh, his manage to leave Egypt, the Pharaoh, his manage to leave Egypt, the Pharaoh, his heart having been hardened once again, heart having been hardened once again, heart having been hardened once again, assembled his army and chased the people assembled his army and chased the people assembled his army and chased the people as far as the Red Sea. There, God parted as far as the Red Sea. There, God parted as far as the Red Sea. There, God parted the waters of the Red Sea, allowing the the waters of the Red Sea, allowing the the waters of the Red Sea, allowing the Hebrews to cross on dry land. This is Hebrews to cross on dry land. This is Hebrews to cross on dry land. This is the famous scene that people know from the famous scene that people know from the famous scene that people know from Charlton Harting the Red Sea in the Charlton Harting the Red Sea in the Charlton Harting the Red Sea in the Hollywood movie. God parted the waters Hollywood movie. God parted the waters Hollywood movie. God parted the waters of the Red Sea, allowed the Hebrews to of the Red Sea, allowed the Hebrews to of the Red Sea, allowed the Hebrews to cross on dry land, but when Pharaoh and cross on dry land, but when Pharaoh and cross on dry land, but when Pharaoh and his army followed, God caused the waters his army followed, God caused the waters his army followed, God caused the waters to return and destroyed the Egyptian

to return and destroyed the Egyptian to return and destroyed the Egyptian army. army. army. We are told this story in uh the Hebrew We are told this story in uh the Hebrew We are told this story in uh the Hebrew Bible and indeed we are told it in a Bible and indeed we are told it in a Bible and indeed we are told it in a number of different ways. We have a number of different ways. We have a number of different ways. We have a couple of different sources that seem to couple of different sources that seem to couple of different sources that seem to have been combined in antiquity within have been combined in antiquity within have been combined in antiquity within the account in Exodus. Scholars today the account in Exodus. Scholars today the account in Exodus. Scholars today refer to these strands or threads in the refer to these strands or threads in the refer to these strands or threads in the Hebrew Bible as the Yahwist, the Hebrew Bible as the Yahwist, the Hebrew Bible as the Yahwist, the Elohist, and the priestly sources. These Elohist, and the priestly sources. These Elohist, and the priestly sources. These refer to some of the characters either refer to some of the characters either refer to some of the characters either in the stories or the people who wrote in the stories or the people who wrote in the stories or the people who wrote them down. And one can actually go them down. And one can actually go them down. And one can actually go through the story in Exodus and mark the through the story in Exodus and mark the through the story in Exodus and mark the different passages to show which different passages to show which different passages to show which original story they came from. original story they came from. original story they came from. What we are concerned with here today What we are concerned with here today What we are concerned with here today though is the fact that the people that though is the fact that the people that though is the fact that the people that is the Hebrews made their journey to is the Hebrews made their journey to is the Hebrews made their journey to Canaan in stages. That uh God sent a Canaan in stages. That uh God sent a Canaan in stages. That uh God sent a pillar uh of cloud by day and a pillar pillar uh of cloud by day and a pillar pillar uh of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night to indicate when they of fire by night to indicate when they of fire by night to indicate when they should move their camp and where they should move their camp and where they should move their camp and where they should pitch their should pitch their should pitch their tents. And along the way he fed them tents. And along the way he fed them tents. And along the way he fed them with quail and mana in the wilderness.

with quail and mana in the wilderness. with quail and mana in the wilderness. The question of exactly what was mana The question of exactly what was mana The question of exactly what was mana remains a mystery today. After 3 months, remains a mystery today. After 3 months, remains a mystery today. After 3 months, the people reached a mountain in the the people reached a mountain in the the people reached a mountain in the wilderness of wilderness of wilderness of Si. They remained encamped at the foot Si. They remained encamped at the foot Si. They remained encamped at the foot of the mountain while Moses climbed to of the mountain while Moses climbed to of the mountain while Moses climbed to the top of the mountain several times the top of the mountain several times the top of the mountain several times and spoke to God directly up there. and spoke to God directly up there. and spoke to God directly up there. Along with seeing a burning bush, he Along with seeing a burning bush, he Along with seeing a burning bush, he received from God extensive legal and received from God extensive legal and received from God extensive legal and cultic instructions and cultic instructions and cultic instructions and regulations. These laws, instructions, regulations. These laws, instructions, regulations. These laws, instructions, and regulations were put into practice and regulations were put into practice and regulations were put into practice with the understanding that they were to with the understanding that they were to with the understanding that they were to be followed by the people from that time be followed by the people from that time be followed by the people from that time on. And indeed these are the laws that on. And indeed these are the laws that on. And indeed these are the laws that have governed the Jewish people ever have governed the Jewish people ever have governed the Jewish people ever since and even had an impact upon since and even had an impact upon since and even had an impact upon Christianity and Islam to a certain Christianity and Islam to a certain Christianity and Islam to a certain extent as well. Here we get not only the extent as well. Here we get not only the extent as well. Here we get not only the famous ten commandments which are unique famous ten commandments which are unique famous ten commandments which are unique in history but we also get the more than in history but we also get the more than in history but we also get the more than 600 other laws that are found in the 600 other laws that are found in the 600 other laws that are found in the Hebrew Bible which determine how one Hebrew Bible which determine how one Hebrew Bible which determine how one remains kosher and everything else that remains kosher and everything else that remains kosher and everything else that are still followed by people in the are still followed by people in the are still followed by people in the world today. The Hebrews were still world today. The Hebrews were still world today. The Hebrews were still encamped at the mountain when they encamped at the mountain when they encamped at the mountain when they celebrated the first Passover. That is celebrated the first Passover. That is celebrated the first Passover. That is the anniversary of the escape from the anniversary of the escape from the anniversary of the escape from Egypt.

Egypt. Egypt. Eventually, we're told specifically that Eventually, we're told specifically that Eventually, we're told specifically that it was on the 20th day of the second it was on the 20th day of the second it was on the 20th day of the second month of the second year. The cloud that month of the second year. The cloud that month of the second year. The cloud that God had sent was taken up and it was God had sent was taken up and it was God had sent was taken up and it was time for the people to move on. They set time for the people to move on. They set time for the people to move on. They set out again and eventually came to a place out again and eventually came to a place out again and eventually came to a place called Kadesh in the southwest of the called Kadesh in the southwest of the called Kadesh in the southwest of the Negv. And from there they sent out 12 Negv. And from there they sent out 12 Negv. And from there they sent out 12 spies, one from each tribe, to explore spies, one from each tribe, to explore spies, one from each tribe, to explore the promised land. The spies returned the promised land. The spies returned the promised land. The spies returned with glowing reports about the land's with glowing reports about the land's with glowing reports about the land's fertility and its produce, that is the fertility and its produce, that is the fertility and its produce, that is the land of milk and honey. But they also land of milk and honey. But they also land of milk and honey. But they also warned that the cities were too strong warned that the cities were too strong warned that the cities were too strong to be conquered and that the land was to be conquered and that the land was to be conquered and that the land was inhabited by inhabited by inhabited by giants. While they are still wandering giants. While they are still wandering giants. While they are still wandering around, Moses dies in the region that we around, Moses dies in the region that we around, Moses dies in the region that we would now call Trans Jordan. That is the would now call Trans Jordan. That is the would now call Trans Jordan. That is the region to the east of Israel. And Joshua region to the east of Israel. And Joshua region to the east of Israel. And Joshua assumes leadership of the people. He assumes leadership of the people. He assumes leadership of the people. He begins preparations for the invasion of begins preparations for the invasion of begins preparations for the invasion of the land called Canaan. Although some the land called Canaan. Although some the land called Canaan. Although some military strategy was involved, for military strategy was involved, for military strategy was involved, for example, sending in spies in advance, example, sending in spies in advance, example, sending in spies in advance, the crossing of the Jordan River and the the crossing of the Jordan River and the the crossing of the Jordan River and the conquest of Jericho were essentially conquest of Jericho were essentially conquest of Jericho were essentially ritual operations that were surrounded ritual operations that were surrounded ritual operations that were surrounded by miracles. And yet at one in the same by miracles. And yet at one in the same by miracles. And yet at one in the same time, they are quite good military time, they are quite good military time, they are quite good military operations. And we will take a look at operations. And we will take a look at operations. And we will take a look at these in a few

these in a few these in a few moments. So from what we can tell of the moments. So from what we can tell of the moments. So from what we can tell of the biblical narrative, Moses and the biblical narrative, Moses and the biblical narrative, Moses and the Hebrews uh soon to be named the Hebrews uh soon to be named the Hebrews uh soon to be named the Israelites are wandering around in the Israelites are wandering around in the Israelites are wandering around in the region of the Sinai that is to the south region of the Sinai that is to the south region of the Sinai that is to the south of Israel proper today. And they're of Israel proper today. And they're of Israel proper today. And they're wandering around for 40 years. My wife wandering around for 40 years. My wife wandering around for 40 years. My wife frequently jokes that if Moses had frequently jokes that if Moses had frequently jokes that if Moses had simply asked directions, it would not simply asked directions, it would not simply asked directions, it would not have taken 40 years. But what man likes have taken 40 years. But what man likes have taken 40 years. But what man likes to stop and ask for directions? Not to stop and ask for directions? Not to stop and ask for directions? Not many. And therefore, they wandered for many. And therefore, they wandered for many. And therefore, they wandered for four decades. The question of how they four decades. The question of how they four decades. The question of how they wandered is a big problem. Did they go wandered is a big problem. Did they go wandered is a big problem. Did they go on a northern route that is up near the on a northern route that is up near the on a northern route that is up near the coast? Did they go in a middle route coast? Did they go in a middle route coast? Did they go in a middle route across the Sinai? or did they go far across the Sinai? or did they go far across the Sinai? or did they go far down south? These routes are all down south? These routes are all down south? These routes are all possible. And yet the northern route is possible. And yet the northern route is possible. And yet the northern route is most likely out of the picture because most likely out of the picture because most likely out of the picture because the Egyptians have a series of forts the Egyptians have a series of forts the Egyptians have a series of forts across this northern route, this way of across this northern route, this way of across this northern route, this way of the sea as it is called. The middle the sea as it is called. The middle the sea as it is called. The middle route is probably out that is going route is probably out that is going route is probably out that is going across the middle of the Sinai simply across the middle of the Sinai simply across the middle of the Sinai simply because it is smack in the middle of the because it is smack in the middle of the because it is smack in the middle of the desert with some hills around it. And desert with some hills around it. And desert with some hills around it. And it's really only the very southern route it's really only the very southern route it's really only the very southern route that is going almost all the way to that is going almost all the way to that is going almost all the way to Charmeal in the very southern tip that Charmeal in the very southern tip that Charmeal in the very southern tip that makes most sense for where the Hebrews makes most sense for where the Hebrews makes most sense for where the Hebrews or Israelites were able to wander and

or Israelites were able to wander and or Israelites were able to wander and where they could have been for a good 40 where they could have been for a good 40 where they could have been for a good 40 years or so. So most archaeologists and years or so. So most archaeologists and years or so. So most archaeologists and historians are going to assume that historians are going to assume that historians are going to assume that Moses and the Hebrews are wandering Moses and the Hebrews are wandering Moses and the Hebrews are wandering around down in the very southern part of around down in the very southern part of around down in the very southern part of the Sinai for much of these 40 years. So much for the biblical story. years. So much for the biblical story. How much of this can we believe and how How much of this can we believe and how How much of this can we believe and how much has been corroborated by much has been corroborated by much has been corroborated by archaeology or other sources? The answer archaeology or other sources? The answer archaeology or other sources? The answer in a nutshell is simple. Almost none. We in a nutshell is simple. Almost none. We in a nutshell is simple. Almost none. We have the biblical narrative and pretty have the biblical narrative and pretty have the biblical narrative and pretty much nothing else. So it may be a matter much nothing else. So it may be a matter much nothing else. So it may be a matter of faith to believe that the Exodus and of faith to believe that the Exodus and of faith to believe that the Exodus and everything else took place as the Bible everything else took place as the Bible everything else took place as the Bible describes it. On the other hand, we may describes it. On the other hand, we may describes it. On the other hand, we may be looking for the proverbial needle in be looking for the proverbial needle in be looking for the proverbial needle in a haystack. Because if the Israelites or a haystack. Because if the Israelites or a haystack. Because if the Israelites or the Hebrews are camping in the desert the Hebrews are camping in the desert the Hebrews are camping in the desert for 40 years, one may well ask, "How for 40 years, one may well ask, "How for 40 years, one may well ask, "How much might we actually expect to find much might we actually expect to find much might we actually expect to find through archaeology?" If they're camping through archaeology?" If they're camping through archaeology?" If they're camping much as the Bedawins still do today, much as the Bedawins still do today, much as the Bedawins still do today, they would only have been using tents they would only have been using tents they would only have been using tents with post holes rather than permanent with post holes rather than permanent with post holes rather than permanent structures. And so any archaeologist structures. And so any archaeologist structures. And so any archaeologist coming along is not going to find houses coming along is not going to find houses coming along is not going to find houses and walls and remains of permanent and walls and remains of permanent and walls and remains of permanent structures, but rather simply holes in structures, but rather simply holes in structures, but rather simply holes in the ground in which the tent pegs had the ground in which the tent pegs had the ground in which the tent pegs had once been placed. And those are very once been placed. And those are very once been placed. And those are very difficult, if not actually impossible to difficult, if not actually impossible to difficult, if not actually impossible to find. So again, we come to the old

find. So again, we come to the old find. So again, we come to the old adage, absence of evidence is not adage, absence of evidence is not adage, absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. Just because we evidence of absence. Just because we evidence of absence. Just because we can't find them archaeologically does can't find them archaeologically does can't find them archaeologically does not necessarily mean that they did not not necessarily mean that they did not not necessarily mean that they did not exist. However, there are some other exist. However, there are some other exist. However, there are some other difficulties with using the biblical difficulties with using the biblical difficulties with using the biblical narrative for historical reconstruction. narrative for historical reconstruction. narrative for historical reconstruction. And one of these I would point out is And one of these I would point out is And one of these I would point out is the fact that the number 40 and the fact that the number 40 and the fact that the number 40 and multiples of 40 are in evidence multiples of 40 are in evidence multiples of 40 are in evidence throughout the books of Genesis through throughout the books of Genesis through throughout the books of Genesis through 2 Kings and the fact that 40 is a sacred 2 Kings and the fact that 40 is a sacred 2 Kings and the fact that 40 is a sacred number. Moreover, 40 may simply number. Moreover, 40 may simply number. Moreover, 40 may simply represent a generation. These days, we represent a generation. These days, we represent a generation. These days, we usually say a generation lasts for 30 usually say a generation lasts for 30 usually say a generation lasts for 30 years, but there's no reason why you years, but there's no reason why you years, but there's no reason why you can't say it lasts for 40 years. And so, can't say it lasts for 40 years. And so, can't say it lasts for 40 years. And so, 40 is either simply a generation perhaps 40 is either simply a generation perhaps 40 is either simply a generation perhaps or is a sacred number. I give you some or is a sacred number. I give you some or is a sacred number. I give you some quick examples. There are 40 years of quick examples. There are 40 years of quick examples. There are 40 years of wandering in the wilderness following wandering in the wilderness following wandering in the wilderness following the actual Exodus. The interval from the the actual Exodus. The interval from the the actual Exodus. The interval from the Exodus down to Solomon's building of the Exodus down to Solomon's building of the Exodus down to Solomon's building of the temple is recorded as 480 years, which temple is recorded as 480 years, which temple is recorded as 480 years, which is simply 40 * 12 if my math works is simply 40 * 12 if my math works is simply 40 * 12 if my math works correctly. So that could just be 12 correctly. So that could just be 12 correctly. So that could just be 12 generations. And then we're told, as generations. And then we're told, as generations. And then we're told, as we'll see in a future lecture, that the we'll see in a future lecture, that the we'll see in a future lecture, that the time from the building of Solomon's time from the building of Solomon's time from the building of Solomon's temple until the time that the exiles temple until the time that the exiles temple until the time that the exiles returned from Babylon in 539 is given as returned from Babylon in 539 is given as returned from Babylon in 539 is given as another 480 years. In other words,

another 480 years. In other words, another 480 years. In other words, Solomon's temple is built right at the Solomon's temple is built right at the Solomon's temple is built right at the midpoint between the Exodus and the midpoint between the Exodus and the midpoint between the Exodus and the return from Babylon with 480 years or 12 return from Babylon with 480 years or 12 return from Babylon with 480 years or 12 generations on either side of Solomon's generations on either side of Solomon's generations on either side of Solomon's temple. This is enough to make one a temple. This is enough to make one a temple. This is enough to make one a little bit little bit little bit suspicious. Some of the other suspicious. Some of the other suspicious. Some of the other difficulties with using the biblical difficulties with using the biblical difficulties with using the biblical narrative are also dealing with numbers. narrative are also dealing with numbers. narrative are also dealing with numbers. And here I would point to the account in And here I would point to the account in And here I would point to the account in Exodus 12 where it says that 600,000 Exodus 12 where it says that 600,000 Exodus 12 where it says that 600,000 Hebrews of fighting age left Egypt Hebrews of fighting age left Egypt Hebrews of fighting age left Egypt during the Exodus. In Exodus during the Exodus. In Exodus during the Exodus. In Exodus 12:37-38, we are told, "And the people 12:37-38, we are told, "And the people 12:37-38, we are told, "And the people of Israel journaled from Ramssees to of Israel journaled from Ramssees to of Israel journaled from Ramssees to Sukkot, about 600,000 men on foot Sukkot, about 600,000 men on foot Sukkot, about 600,000 men on foot besides women and children. A mixed besides women and children. A mixed besides women and children. A mixed multitude also went up with them, and multitude also went up with them, and multitude also went up with them, and very many cattle, both flocks and very many cattle, both flocks and very many cattle, both flocks and herds." What is the problem with this? herds." What is the problem with this? herds." What is the problem with this? Well, if Exodus 12 reports that 600,000 Well, if Exodus 12 reports that 600,000 Well, if Exodus 12 reports that 600,000 Hebrews of fighting age left Egypt, then Hebrews of fighting age left Egypt, then Hebrews of fighting age left Egypt, then we have the following we have the following we have the following problems. This number plus their wives problems. This number plus their wives problems. This number plus their wives and children along with the mixed and children along with the mixed and children along with the mixed multitude would probably have totaled multitude would probably have totaled multitude would probably have totaled about 2 million people. We can get to about 2 million people. We can get to about 2 million people. We can get to those numbers quite easily. 600,000 those numbers quite easily. 600,000 those numbers quite easily. 600,000 Hebrews of fighting age. Well, that's Hebrews of fighting age. Well, that's Hebrews of fighting age. Well, that's going to put them somewhere over the age going to put them somewhere over the age going to put them somewhere over the age of 18 most likely. And each of them by of 18 most likely. And each of them by of 18 most likely. And each of them by that point would have had a wife. So that point would have had a wife. So that point would have had a wife. So 600,000 men plus 600,000 women gets you

600,000 men plus 600,000 women gets you 600,000 men plus 600,000 women gets you to 1.2 million already. Each of them to 1.2 million already. Each of them to 1.2 million already. Each of them probably has two children, shall we say, probably has two children, shall we say, probably has two children, shall we say, on the average right there. That's on the average right there. That's on the average right there. That's another 1.2 million people. So we're up another 1.2 million people. So we're up another 1.2 million people. So we're up to 2.4 right there. And then we've got a to 2.4 right there. And then we've got a to 2.4 right there. And then we've got a mixed multitude generously probably mixed multitude generously probably mixed multitude generously probably another 100,000 people or so. you've got another 100,000 people or so. you've got another 100,000 people or so. you've got at least two and a half million people at least two and a half million people at least two and a half million people leaving Egypt. That in itself is leaving Egypt. That in itself is leaving Egypt. That in itself is probably unlikely. Uh there is no way probably unlikely. Uh there is no way probably unlikely. Uh there is no way that the Egyptians would have had that that the Egyptians would have had that that the Egyptians would have had that many slaves. And if they had, there many slaves. And if they had, there many slaves. And if they had, there would have been some kind of revolt. Of would have been some kind of revolt. Of would have been some kind of revolt. Of course, there is a revolt when Moses and course, there is a revolt when Moses and course, there is a revolt when Moses and his people leave Egypt, but I would mean his people leave Egypt, but I would mean his people leave Egypt, but I would mean a revolt even earlier. a revolt even earlier. a revolt even earlier. Moreover, if for argument's sake, let's Moreover, if for argument's sake, let's Moreover, if for argument's sake, let's say that 2 and a half million people did say that 2 and a half million people did say that 2 and a half million people did leave Egypt and we had them marching 10 leave Egypt and we had them marching 10 leave Egypt and we had them marching 10 across, those numbers would have formed across, those numbers would have formed across, those numbers would have formed a line about 150 mi long and it would a line about 150 mi long and it would a line about 150 mi long and it would have required eight or nine days to have required eight or nine days to have required eight or nine days to march by any fixed point. Now, if Moses march by any fixed point. Now, if Moses march by any fixed point. Now, if Moses did part the Red Sea, that Red Sea would did part the Red Sea, that Red Sea would did part the Red Sea, that Red Sea would have to have been held apart for eight have to have been held apart for eight have to have been held apart for eight or nine days before all the Hebrews or nine days before all the Hebrews or nine days before all the Hebrews managed to get through the parted Red managed to get through the parted Red managed to get through the parted Red Sea, which is a little bit tough to Sea, which is a little bit tough to Sea, which is a little bit tough to imagine. And then, of course, the mere imagine. And then, of course, the mere imagine. And then, of course, the mere logistics of organizing such a group and logistics of organizing such a group and logistics of organizing such a group and sustaining it for 40 years of wandering sustaining it for 40 years of wandering sustaining it for 40 years of wandering in the wilderness is a bit of a problem.

in the wilderness is a bit of a problem. in the wilderness is a bit of a problem. as well as the fact that the Bible tells as well as the fact that the Bible tells as well as the fact that the Bible tells us there were only two midwives to care us there were only two midwives to care us there were only two midwives to care for the women folk. If you've got 1.2 for the women folk. If you've got 1.2 for the women folk. If you've got 1.2 million women plus children, I think I million women plus children, I think I million women plus children, I think I would want maybe a bit more than just would want maybe a bit more than just would want maybe a bit more than just two midwives to care for all those two midwives to care for all those two midwives to care for all those women. So, this raises enormous women. So, this raises enormous women. So, this raises enormous questions for any historian who would questions for any historian who would questions for any historian who would seek to use this information as it's seek to use this information as it's seek to use this information as it's recorded. Personally, I think I would recorded. Personally, I think I would recorded. Personally, I think I would want to chop a couple zeros off if want to chop a couple zeros off if want to chop a couple zeros off if rather than having 600,000 Hebrews of rather than having 600,000 Hebrews of rather than having 600,000 Hebrews of fighting aids leaving Egypt, there were fighting aids leaving Egypt, there were fighting aids leaving Egypt, there were only 60,000 or maybe even 6,000 or only 60,000 or maybe even 6,000 or only 60,000 or maybe even 6,000 or perhaps even 600, then that would make a perhaps even 600, then that would make a perhaps even 600, then that would make a great deal more sense and our overall great deal more sense and our overall great deal more sense and our overall numbers would be able to be decreased numbers would be able to be decreased numbers would be able to be decreased substantially. And as you decrease them, substantially. And as you decrease them, substantially. And as you decrease them, the likelihood of being able to leave the likelihood of being able to leave the likelihood of being able to leave Egypt and of wandering for 40 years and Egypt and of wandering for 40 years and Egypt and of wandering for 40 years and of having only two midwives, each of of having only two midwives, each of of having only two midwives, each of those then gets resolved a little bit those then gets resolved a little bit those then gets resolved a little bit more. Moreover, we have additional more. Moreover, we have additional more. Moreover, we have additional questions that are raised by the questions that are raised by the questions that are raised by the biblical narrative. And these are biblical narrative. And these are biblical narrative. And these are questions that are asked at every questions that are asked at every questions that are asked at every Passover service every year, even today.

Passover service every year, even today. Passover service every year, even today. Or maybe it's just me, I ask them every Or maybe it's just me, I ask them every Or maybe it's just me, I ask them every year. For instance, did the Hebrews flee year. For instance, did the Hebrews flee year. For instance, did the Hebrews flee Egypt without the Pharaoh's knowledge, Egypt without the Pharaoh's knowledge, Egypt without the Pharaoh's knowledge, in great haste, and without preparation? in great haste, and without preparation? in great haste, and without preparation? Or was the departure very deliberate, Or was the departure very deliberate, Or was the departure very deliberate, with the Hebrews organized as an armed with the Hebrews organized as an armed with the Hebrews organized as an armed military force, and only after they had military force, and only after they had military force, and only after they had relieved the Egyptians of much of their relieved the Egyptians of much of their relieved the Egyptians of much of their wealth? How exactly were they able to wealth? How exactly were they able to wealth? How exactly were they able to leave Egypt? And who was the Pharaoh who leave Egypt? And who was the Pharaoh who leave Egypt? And who was the Pharaoh who knew not Joseph? What was happening on knew not Joseph? What was happening on knew not Joseph? What was happening on the international political scene at the the international political scene at the the international political scene at the time of the time of the time of the Exodus? And of course, when did the Exodus? And of course, when did the Exodus? And of course, when did the Exodus actually take place? Because we Exodus actually take place? Because we Exodus actually take place? Because we are not given a precise date. We are are not given a precise date. We are are not given a precise date. We are given generations. We are given 480 given generations. We are given 480 given generations. We are given 480 years after the building of Solomon's years after the building of Solomon's years after the building of Solomon's temple. But we don't have something that temple. But we don't have something that temple. But we don't have something that says, "Aha, it happened in 1517 B.CE." says, "Aha, it happened in 1517 B.CE." says, "Aha, it happened in 1517 B.CE." or some similar absolute or some similar absolute or some similar absolute date. Also, what were the social and date. Also, what were the social and date. Also, what were the social and political circumstances among the political circumstances among the political circumstances among the Canaanites at the time of Joshua that Canaanites at the time of Joshua that Canaanites at the time of Joshua that allowed him to conquer allowed him to conquer allowed him to conquer Canaan? These sorts of questions are Canaan? These sorts of questions are Canaan? These sorts of questions are basic to the modern historian's basic to the modern historian's basic to the modern historian's interest, but are incidental to the interest, but are incidental to the interest, but are incidental to the theological message that the people theological message that the people theological message that the people compiling Genesis through 2 Kings wish compiling Genesis through 2 Kings wish compiling Genesis through 2 Kings wish to convey. The ancient writers, mostly to convey. The ancient writers, mostly to convey. The ancient writers, mostly because it wasn't central to their because it wasn't central to their because it wasn't central to their interest or their concerns, often fail interest or their concerns, often fail interest or their concerns, often fail to report precisely the kind of

to report precisely the kind of to report precisely the kind of information that we today consider information that we today consider information that we today consider crucial as modern crucial as modern crucial as modern historians. So, if you're looking at the historians. So, if you're looking at the historians. So, if you're looking at the biblical text to try and give you facts biblical text to try and give you facts biblical text to try and give you facts and figures with which to hang your hat, and figures with which to hang your hat, and figures with which to hang your hat, you're going to be sadly out of luck. you're going to be sadly out of luck. you're going to be sadly out of luck. Moreover, we have other perhaps even Moreover, we have other perhaps even Moreover, we have other perhaps even more crucial problems and that is the more crucial problems and that is the more crucial problems and that is the fact that uh Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, fact that uh Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, fact that uh Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joseph, Moses, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, none of these people are Joshua, none of these people are Joshua, none of these people are mentioned in any non-biblical records mentioned in any non-biblical records mentioned in any non-biblical records that is extrabiblical materials. We that is extrabiblical materials. We that is extrabiblical materials. We don't have any evidence for them in don't have any evidence for them in don't have any evidence for them in sources other than the Hebrew Bible. Nor sources other than the Hebrew Bible. Nor sources other than the Hebrew Bible. Nor is there any reference to an is there any reference to an is there any reference to an Israelite stay in Israelite stay in Israelite stay in Egypt, any reference to the Exodus, or Egypt, any reference to the Exodus, or Egypt, any reference to the Exodus, or any reference to the conquest of Canaan any reference to the conquest of Canaan any reference to the conquest of Canaan in any ancient source that is in any ancient source that is in any ancient source that is contemporary with the time when these contemporary with the time when these contemporary with the time when these events are said to have occurred. That events are said to have occurred. That events are said to have occurred. That is the details of the Hebrews being in is the details of the Hebrews being in is the details of the Hebrews being in Egypt, of the Exodus from Egypt, and of Egypt, of the Exodus from Egypt, and of Egypt, of the Exodus from Egypt, and of the conquest of Canaan are only found in the conquest of Canaan are only found in the conquest of Canaan are only found in the Hebrew Bible. We have no the Hebrew Bible. We have no the Hebrew Bible. We have no corroborating source uh either written corroborating source uh either written corroborating source uh either written or archaeological at this point. And we or archaeological at this point. And we or archaeological at this point. And we will get into some of these details in a will get into some of these details in a will get into some of these details in a little bit.

little bit. little bit. And furthermore, with one exception, And furthermore, with one exception, And furthermore, with one exception, there is no mention of Israel or the there is no mention of Israel or the there is no mention of Israel or the Israelites in extra biblical sources Israelites in extra biblical sources Israelites in extra biblical sources before the 9th century BCE. That is before the 9th century BCE. That is before the 9th century BCE. That is until well after the times of David and until well after the times of David and until well after the times of David and Solomon. This mention of Israel, the one Solomon. This mention of Israel, the one Solomon. This mention of Israel, the one time that it appears is in the so-called time that it appears is in the so-called time that it appears is in the so-called MPTA steely, the MPa inscription, which MPTA steely, the MPa inscription, which MPTA steely, the MPa inscription, which dates to 1207 B.CE. the fifth year of dates to 1207 B.CE. the fifth year of dates to 1207 B.CE. the fifth year of Pharaoh MPa of Egypt. And in this Pharaoh MPa of Egypt. And in this Pharaoh MPa of Egypt. And in this inscription he says the princes are inscription he says the princes are inscription he says the princes are prostrate saying mercy not one raises prostrate saying mercy not one raises prostrate saying mercy not one raises his head among the nine bows. Desolation his head among the nine bows. Desolation his head among the nine bows. Desolation is for Tahenu. Hati is pacified. is for Tahenu. Hati is pacified. is for Tahenu. Hati is pacified. Plundered is Canaan with every evil. Plundered is Canaan with every evil. Plundered is Canaan with every evil. Carried off is Ashcolon. Seized upon is Carried off is Ashcolon. Seized upon is Carried off is Ashcolon. Seized upon is Gzer. Yanoam is made as that which does Gzer. Yanoam is made as that which does Gzer. Yanoam is made as that which does not exist. Israel is laid waste. His not exist. Israel is laid waste. His not exist. Israel is laid waste. His seed is not. Huru is become a widow for seed is not. Huru is become a widow for seed is not. Huru is become a widow for Egypt. All lands together they are Egypt. All lands together they are Egypt. All lands together they are pacified. Everyone who is restless, he pacified. Everyone who is restless, he pacified. Everyone who is restless, he has been bound. Now this is the earliest has been bound. Now this is the earliest has been bound. Now this is the earliest mention of Israel outside the Bible. As mention of Israel outside the Bible. As mention of Israel outside the Bible. As I say, it dates to the fifth year of I say, it dates to the fifth year of I say, it dates to the fifth year of Pharaoh MPa of Egypt, which we now think Pharaoh MPa of Egypt, which we now think Pharaoh MPa of Egypt, which we now think is about the year 1207 B.CE. So we know is about the year 1207 B.CE. So we know is about the year 1207 B.CE. So we know for a fact that the Exodus has to have for a fact that the Exodus has to have for a fact that the Exodus has to have taken place by this time. But our taken place by this time. But our taken place by this time. But our question is how much earlier did it take question is how much earlier did it take question is how much earlier did it take place? That is can we in fact date the

place? That is can we in fact date the place? That is can we in fact date the Exodus? Let us take as a given that the Exodus? Let us take as a given that the Exodus? Let us take as a given that the Exodus did in fact take place. As I've Exodus did in fact take place. As I've Exodus did in fact take place. As I've mentioned, there is no corroborating mentioned, there is no corroborating mentioned, there is no corroborating evidence to confirm this, but let us evidence to confirm this, but let us evidence to confirm this, but let us take as a given that it did for take as a given that it did for take as a given that it did for argument's sake. If we try to date the argument's sake. If we try to date the argument's sake. If we try to date the Hebrew Exodus from Egypt, it is very Hebrew Exodus from Egypt, it is very Hebrew Exodus from Egypt, it is very difficult. A variety of biblical and difficult. A variety of biblical and difficult. A variety of biblical and historical and archaeological data needs historical and archaeological data needs historical and archaeological data needs to be taken into to be taken into to be taken into account. Most scholars argue for either account. Most scholars argue for either account. Most scholars argue for either an early date that is about the year an early date that is about the year an early date that is about the year 1450 B.CE or a late date that is about 1450 B.CE or a late date that is about 1450 B.CE or a late date that is about the year 1250 B.CE. the year 1250 B.CE. the year 1250 B.CE. The early date 1450 tends to be held by The early date 1450 tends to be held by The early date 1450 tends to be held by scholars who rely heavily on the Bible scholars who rely heavily on the Bible scholars who rely heavily on the Bible and the time references given there. The and the time references given there. The and the time references given there. The later date 1250 tends to be held by later date 1250 tends to be held by later date 1250 tends to be held by scholars who give more weight to the scholars who give more weight to the scholars who give more weight to the archaeological evidence rather than to archaeological evidence rather than to archaeological evidence rather than to the biblical the biblical the biblical timeline. Arguments for the early date timeline. Arguments for the early date timeline. Arguments for the early date 1450 B.CE point to first kings. First 1450 B.CE point to first kings. First 1450 B.CE point to first kings. First Kings 6:1 says that the Exodus took Kings 6:1 says that the Exodus took Kings 6:1 says that the Exodus took place 480 years before Solomon began to place 480 years before Solomon began to place 480 years before Solomon began to build the temple in Jerusalem. As we've build the temple in Jerusalem. As we've build the temple in Jerusalem. As we've mentioned before, Solomon began to build mentioned before, Solomon began to build mentioned before, Solomon began to build the temple in Jerusalem in the fourth the temple in Jerusalem in the fourth the temple in Jerusalem in the fourth year of his year of his year of his reign. Since Solomon's reign is about reign. Since Solomon's reign is about reign. Since Solomon's reign is about 970 to 930 B.CE. this would then place

970 to 930 B.CE. this would then place 970 to 930 B.CE. this would then place the Exodus about 1450 B.CE. That is the Exodus about 1450 B.CE. That is the Exodus about 1450 B.CE. That is during the reign of the king Tutmos during the reign of the king Tutmos during the reign of the king Tutmos III. There are a number of III. There are a number of III. There are a number of letters so-called Amarna tablets from letters so-called Amarna tablets from letters so-called Amarna tablets from Egypt that date to about a 100red years Egypt that date to about a 100red years Egypt that date to about a 100red years after this about 1350 B.CE. And they after this about 1350 B.CE. And they after this about 1350 B.CE. And they document a period of social chaos in document a period of social chaos in document a period of social chaos in Canaan that is caused by a group called Canaan that is caused by a group called Canaan that is caused by a group called the Habiru. and the habiru. The name the Habiru. and the habiru. The name the Habiru. and the habiru. The name sounds suspiciously similar to the name sounds suspiciously similar to the name sounds suspiciously similar to the name Hebrews. If this is the case, if the Hebrews. If this is the case, if the Hebrews. If this is the case, if the habiru of the Amarna letters of 1350 habiru of the Amarna letters of 1350 habiru of the Amarna letters of 1350 B.CE are in fact our biblical Hebrews, B.CE are in fact our biblical Hebrews, B.CE are in fact our biblical Hebrews, then this would represent extra biblical then this would represent extra biblical then this would represent extra biblical evidence and an approximate date for an evidence and an approximate date for an evidence and an approximate date for an Israelite invasion of Canaan sometime Israelite invasion of Canaan sometime Israelite invasion of Canaan sometime before 1350 B.CE. That is anytime in the before 1350 B.CE. That is anytime in the before 1350 B.CE. That is anytime in the previous 100 years. previous 100 years. previous 100 years. However, the problems with this early However, the problems with this early However, the problems with this early date of 1450 BC are as follows. First date of 1450 BC are as follows. First date of 1450 BC are as follows. First and foremost, Tut Moses III was the and foremost, Tut Moses III was the and foremost, Tut Moses III was the greatest conqueror that Egypt ever had.

greatest conqueror that Egypt ever had. greatest conqueror that Egypt ever had. This is a period of strength for Egypt. This is a period of strength for Egypt. This is a period of strength for Egypt. And under Tut Moses III, the Egyptians And under Tut Moses III, the Egyptians And under Tut Moses III, the Egyptians are in firm control of both Egypt and are in firm control of both Egypt and are in firm control of both Egypt and Canaan. And there is little Canaan. And there is little Canaan. And there is little archaeological evidence that he would archaeological evidence that he would archaeological evidence that he would have allowed the Hebrews to leave Egypt have allowed the Hebrews to leave Egypt have allowed the Hebrews to leave Egypt during his reign. And in fact, there is during his reign. And in fact, there is during his reign. And in fact, there is very little archaeological data anywhere very little archaeological data anywhere very little archaeological data anywhere to support a date for the Exodus about to support a date for the Exodus about to support a date for the Exodus about 1450 B.CE. 1450 B.CE. 1450 B.CE. Moreover, it is now doubted by scholars Moreover, it is now doubted by scholars Moreover, it is now doubted by scholars that the Habibiru are the Hebrews, or at that the Habibiru are the Hebrews, or at that the Habibiru are the Hebrews, or at least that the Habiru are not the least that the Habiru are not the least that the Habiru are not the invading Israelites led by Moses and invading Israelites led by Moses and invading Israelites led by Moses and Joshua. The arguments are too detailed Joshua. The arguments are too detailed Joshua. The arguments are too detailed to present here, but basically the to present here, but basically the to present here, but basically the Habiru seem to be a social class on the Habiru seem to be a social class on the Habiru seem to be a social class on the outskirts of society rather than a given outskirts of society rather than a given outskirts of society rather than a given set of set of set of people. As for the arguments for a later people. As for the arguments for a later people. As for the arguments for a later date for the Exodus, that is that the date for the Exodus, that is that the date for the Exodus, that is that the Exodus took place about 1250 B.CE. the Exodus took place about 1250 B.CE. the Exodus took place about 1250 B.CE. the people following this line of people following this line of people following this line of argumentation say that the 480 years argumentation say that the 480 years argumentation say that the 480 years mentioned in first kings is simply a mentioned in first kings is simply a mentioned in first kings is simply a symbolic number that is 12 generations symbolic number that is 12 generations symbolic number that is 12 generations of 40 years each and can be safely of 40 years each and can be safely of 40 years each and can be safely ignored.

ignored. ignored. They also point to the fact that the They also point to the fact that the They also point to the fact that the cities of Pithome and Ramses in the Nile cities of Pithome and Ramses in the Nile cities of Pithome and Ramses in the Nile Delta region of Egypt that were Delta region of Egypt that were Delta region of Egypt that were supposedly built by the Hebrews and this supposedly built by the Hebrews and this supposedly built by the Hebrews and this is mentioned in Exodus 1 were in fact is mentioned in Exodus 1 were in fact is mentioned in Exodus 1 were in fact founded by the Egyptian king Seti I in founded by the Egyptian king Seti I in founded by the Egyptian king Seti I in about the year 1304 and were completed about the year 1304 and were completed about the year 1304 and were completed by Ramsy's II who rules from 1290 to by Ramsy's II who rules from 1290 to by Ramsy's II who rules from 1290 to 1224. So if you're going to follow the 1224. So if you're going to follow the 1224. So if you're going to follow the Hebrew Bible and talk about the Hebrew Hebrew Bible and talk about the Hebrew Hebrew Bible and talk about the Hebrew slaves building the cities of Pitham and slaves building the cities of Pitham and slaves building the cities of Pitham and Ramse's, they would fit into a period Ramse's, they would fit into a period Ramse's, they would fit into a period from 1300 down until about 1250 B.CE. from 1300 down until about 1250 B.CE. from 1300 down until about 1250 B.CE. Moreover, archaeological evidence from Moreover, archaeological evidence from Moreover, archaeological evidence from Lish and Bethl and Hatsor and other Lish and Bethl and Hatsor and other Lish and Bethl and Hatsor and other sites in Canaan may support a 13th sites in Canaan may support a 13th sites in Canaan may support a 13th century date for the conquest because century date for the conquest because century date for the conquest because all of these cities are in fact all of these cities are in fact all of these cities are in fact destroyed sometime during the 13th destroyed sometime during the 13th destroyed sometime during the 13th century which would fit quite well with century which would fit quite well with century which would fit quite well with the coming of Joshua and the Israelites the coming of Joshua and the Israelites the coming of Joshua and the Israelites as we will see in a future lecture.

as we will see in a future lecture. as we will see in a future lecture. Additional arguments for the later date Additional arguments for the later date Additional arguments for the later date of 1250 B.CE for the Exodus point to the of 1250 B.CE for the Exodus point to the of 1250 B.CE for the Exodus point to the Mepisti that we have already mentioned Mepisti that we have already mentioned Mepisti that we have already mentioned this first mention of Israel in any this first mention of Israel in any this first mention of Israel in any extra biblical document. And here the extra biblical document. And here the extra biblical document. And here the historians and archaeologists say that historians and archaeologists say that historians and archaeologists say that if the Israelites had entered Canaan if the Israelites had entered Canaan if the Israelites had entered Canaan during the earlier period that is around during the earlier period that is around during the earlier period that is around 1450 B.CE there should be other mentions 1450 B.CE there should be other mentions 1450 B.CE there should be other mentions of Israel before the year 1207 B.CE. and of Israel before the year 1207 B.CE. and of Israel before the year 1207 B.CE. and there are not that is there would be there are not that is there would be there are not that is there would be more than 200 years during which time more than 200 years during which time more than 200 years during which time Israel is not mentioned. If the Exodus Israel is not mentioned. If the Exodus Israel is not mentioned. If the Exodus took place at about 1250 BCE and they took place at about 1250 BCE and they took place at about 1250 BCE and they wandered for 40 years then having Israel wandered for 40 years then having Israel wandered for 40 years then having Israel mentioned in the year 1207 is actually mentioned in the year 1207 is actually mentioned in the year 1207 is actually perfect. It's just about 3 years after perfect. It's just about 3 years after perfect. It's just about 3 years after they went in there which fits quite they went in there which fits quite they went in there which fits quite well. Additionally, if one assumes that the Additionally, if one assumes that the Exodus took place at 1250 B.CE and one Exodus took place at 1250 B.CE and one Exodus took place at 1250 B.CE and one still wanted to use the Bible to a still wanted to use the Bible to a still wanted to use the Bible to a certain extent, uh, one could count back certain extent, uh, one could count back certain extent, uh, one could count back 430 years, which is what Exodus 12 tells 430 years, which is what Exodus 12 tells 430 years, which is what Exodus 12 tells us was the length of time that the us was the length of time that the us was the length of time that the Hebrews were in Egypt during their Hebrews were in Egypt during their Hebrews were in Egypt during their period of servitude. That is just about period of servitude. That is just about period of servitude. That is just about 400 years.

400 years. 400 years. and counting back 430 years from 1250 BC and counting back 430 years from 1250 BC and counting back 430 years from 1250 BC would put the Hebrews in Egypt during would put the Hebrews in Egypt during would put the Hebrews in Egypt during the so-called Hixos period. We've the so-called Hixos period. We've the so-called Hixos period. We've mentioned this period before briefly. mentioned this period before briefly. mentioned this period before briefly. This is the time from about 1720 to 1570 This is the time from about 1720 to 1570 This is the time from about 1720 to 1570 B.CE when Egypt was ruled by foreigners B.CE when Egypt was ruled by foreigners B.CE when Egypt was ruled by foreigners from around the region of Canaan. We from around the region of Canaan. We from around the region of Canaan. We don't know that much about the Hixos, don't know that much about the Hixos, don't know that much about the Hixos, but we do know that they came in from but we do know that they came in from but we do know that they came in from the region we now refer to as Canaan, the region we now refer to as Canaan, the region we now refer to as Canaan, and they ruled Egypt for nearly 200 and they ruled Egypt for nearly 200 and they ruled Egypt for nearly 200 years. This would fit well with the time years. This would fit well with the time years. This would fit well with the time of Jacob and Joseph's experiences in of Jacob and Joseph's experiences in of Jacob and Joseph's experiences in Egypt. It is one of the few times in Egypt. It is one of the few times in Egypt. It is one of the few times in Egyptian history when a Semite from Egyptian history when a Semite from Egyptian history when a Semite from Canaan could have gotten close to the Canaan could have gotten close to the Canaan could have gotten close to the Pharaoh of Egypt. And so if you want to Pharaoh of Egypt. And so if you want to Pharaoh of Egypt. And so if you want to put the Exodus at 1250 B.CE, you could put the Exodus at 1250 B.CE, you could put the Exodus at 1250 B.CE, you could also then corroborate the stories of also then corroborate the stories of also then corroborate the stories of Jacob and Joseph with the Hixos period Jacob and Joseph with the Hixos period Jacob and Joseph with the Hixos period in in in Egypt. Now that's not to say that the Egypt. Now that's not to say that the Egypt. Now that's not to say that the later date of 1250 B.CE CE is completely later date of 1250 B.CE CE is completely later date of 1250 B.CE CE is completely convincing because for example it's not convincing because for example it's not convincing because for example it's not clear from the archaeological record clear from the archaeological record clear from the archaeological record that the cities of Lahish and Bethl and that the cities of Lahish and Bethl and that the cities of Lahish and Bethl and Hatsur and others are destroyed Hatsur and others are destroyed Hatsur and others are destroyed simultaneously or even as the result of simultaneously or even as the result of simultaneously or even as the result of a common enemy as we will see in the a common enemy as we will see in the a common enemy as we will see in the next lecture. Indeed, it can't be next lecture. Indeed, it can't be next lecture. Indeed, it can't be established archaeologically that those established archaeologically that those established archaeologically that those cities were in fact all destroyed by cities were in fact all destroyed by cities were in fact all destroyed by military action as opposed to for

military action as opposed to for military action as opposed to for instance perhaps by mother nature. instance perhaps by mother nature. instance perhaps by mother nature. There is however a third possibility. We There is however a third possibility. We There is however a third possibility. We have on the one hand a 1450 B.CE date. have on the one hand a 1450 B.CE date. have on the one hand a 1450 B.CE date. We have also a 1250 BCE date. And then We have also a 1250 BCE date. And then We have also a 1250 BCE date. And then the third possibility I would suggest is the third possibility I would suggest is the third possibility I would suggest is that perhaps the Exodus was a process that perhaps the Exodus was a process that perhaps the Exodus was a process rather than an event. That is maybe it rather than an event. That is maybe it rather than an event. That is maybe it took place over several centuries from took place over several centuries from took place over several centuries from 1450 B.CE until 1250 B.CE. and that it 1450 B.CE until 1250 B.CE. and that it 1450 B.CE until 1250 B.CE. and that it lasted for 200 years rather than taking lasted for 200 years rather than taking lasted for 200 years rather than taking place at a single moment. The later place at a single moment. The later place at a single moment. The later biblical writers would then have biblical writers would then have biblical writers would then have telescoped this process into an event. telescoped this process into an event. telescoped this process into an event. And it of course is eminently possible And it of course is eminently possible And it of course is eminently possible that there were people leaving Egypt that there were people leaving Egypt that there were people leaving Egypt heading for Canaan over the course of heading for Canaan over the course of heading for Canaan over the course of 200 years in small groups rather than in 200 years in small groups rather than in 200 years in small groups rather than in one large group. So a third possibility one large group. So a third possibility one large group. So a third possibility then is that the Exodus took place over then is that the Exodus took place over then is that the Exodus took place over the period of time from 1450 until 1250 the period of time from 1450 until 1250 the period of time from 1450 until 1250 BCE. So to wrap this up then we have BCE. So to wrap this up then we have BCE. So to wrap this up then we have three additional possibilities. We can three additional possibilities. We can three additional possibilities. We can first and foremost take the biblical first and foremost take the biblical first and foremost take the biblical narrative as it stands. That is the narrative as it stands. That is the narrative as it stands. That is the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt took exodus of the Israelites from Egypt took exodus of the Israelites from Egypt took place during the 15th century B.C.E. and place during the 15th century B.C.E. and place during the 15th century B.C.E. and the Israelites conquer Canaan as the the Israelites conquer Canaan as the the Israelites conquer Canaan as the Bible says. Or we can totally reject the

Bible says. Or we can totally reject the Bible says. Or we can totally reject the account. We can take an agnostic account. We can take an agnostic account. We can take an agnostic position regarding the early history of position regarding the early history of position regarding the early history of Israel and Judah and admit that the Israel and Judah and admit that the Israel and Judah and admit that the Bible is not a narrative of the people Bible is not a narrative of the people Bible is not a narrative of the people of Israel. This position though ignores of Israel. This position though ignores of Israel. This position though ignores the available evidence outside the Bible the available evidence outside the Bible the available evidence outside the Bible like the Mepisti which testifies to an like the Mepisti which testifies to an like the Mepisti which testifies to an entity known as Israel by about 1207 entity known as Israel by about 1207 entity known as Israel by about 1207 B.CE. And therefore perhaps we would B.CE. And therefore perhaps we would B.CE. And therefore perhaps we would prefer the compromise position in which prefer the compromise position in which prefer the compromise position in which we make selective use of the biblical we make selective use of the biblical we make selective use of the biblical narrative. That is maybe try to offer narrative. That is maybe try to offer narrative. That is maybe try to offer explanations for the miraculous bits explanations for the miraculous bits explanations for the miraculous bits like how do you explain the plagues that like how do you explain the plagues that like how do you explain the plagues that took place in Egypt before the Hebrews took place in Egypt before the Hebrews took place in Egypt before the Hebrews left. and where we also use the extra left. and where we also use the extra left. and where we also use the extra biblical documents to adjust the biblical documents to adjust the biblical documents to adjust the biblical version that is perhaps biblical version that is perhaps biblical version that is perhaps downdating the Exodus from the 15th downdating the Exodus from the 15th downdating the Exodus from the 15th century where the Bible puts it to the century where the Bible puts it to the century where the Bible puts it to the 13th century in the time of Ramsy's II 13th century in the time of Ramsy's II 13th century in the time of Ramsy's II and then applying what we call literary and then applying what we call literary and then applying what we call literary criticism to the Bible to make use of criticism to the Bible to make use of criticism to the Bible to make use of older passages rather than later older passages rather than later older passages rather than later passages. We will see that uh perhaps passages. We will see that uh perhaps passages. We will see that uh perhaps when the Bible is put together in the when the Bible is put together in the when the Bible is put together in the first millennium they put together first millennium they put together first millennium they put together different stories some of which are different stories some of which are different stories some of which are older and some of which are older and some of which are older and some of which are newer. So in the end we have these newer. So in the end we have these newer. So in the end we have these positions accept the Bible completely positions accept the Bible completely positions accept the Bible completely reject it completely or come up with reject it completely or come up with reject it completely or come up with some sort of compromise. I personally

some sort of compromise. I personally some sort of compromise. I personally favor the compromise. I think we can favor the compromise. I think we can favor the compromise. I think we can work both with the Bible and without it work both with the Bible and without it work both with the Bible and without it and that there is no reason to and that there is no reason to and that there is no reason to outrightly reject the biblical account outrightly reject the biblical account outrightly reject the biblical account simply because archaeology hasn't yet simply because archaeology hasn't yet simply because archaeology hasn't yet been able to corroborate it. I been able to corroborate it. I been able to corroborate it. I personally favor the compromise personally favor the compromise personally favor the compromise position. I would prefer to see the position. I would prefer to see the position. I would prefer to see the Exodus as either an event that took Exodus as either an event that took Exodus as either an event that took place at about 1250 B.CE te or uh if we place at about 1250 B.CE te or uh if we place at about 1250 B.CE te or uh if we must to have it as a process that took must to have it as a process that took must to have it as a process that took place gradually from the years 1450 down place gradually from the years 1450 down place gradually from the years 1450 down to 1250 BCE. As for the conquest of to 1250 BCE. As for the conquest of to 1250 BCE. As for the conquest of Canaan by the Israelites, we will turn Canaan by the Israelites, we will turn Canaan by the Israelites, we will turn to that in the next lecture and take a to that in the next lecture and take a to that in the next lecture and take a look at whether that was possible or not. This ends lecture two. If you not. This ends lecture two. If you borrowed this course from a public borrowed this course from a public borrowed this course from a public library and would like your own copy of library and would like your own copy of library and would like your own copy of the course guide for future reference, the course guide for future reference, the course guide for future reference, call recorded books at 1 call recorded books at 1 call recorded books at 1 8006363399 and we'll send you a free 8006363399 and we'll send you a free 8006363399 and we'll send you a free copy. A shipping charge will apply. A history of ancient Israel, apply. A history of ancient Israel, lecture three, the conquests of Canaan, lecture three, the conquests of Canaan, lecture three, the conquests of Canaan, Israelites, Philistines, and Israelites, Philistines, and Israelites, Philistines, and Phoenicians.

In this lecture, we'll be picking uh up In this lecture, we'll be picking uh up where we left off from the previous where we left off from the previous where we left off from the previous lecture. We'll be starting with the lecture. We'll be starting with the lecture. We'll be starting with the conquest of Canaan by the Israelites and conquest of Canaan by the Israelites and conquest of Canaan by the Israelites and take a brief look at the Philistines and take a brief look at the Philistines and take a brief look at the Philistines and the Phoenetians with whom the Israelites the Phoenetians with whom the Israelites the Phoenetians with whom the Israelites have to deal and segue right into the have to deal and segue right into the have to deal and segue right into the early Israelite monarchy and lead early Israelite monarchy and lead early Israelite monarchy and lead ourselves right up to the position where ourselves right up to the position where ourselves right up to the position where we can talk about King David in history we can talk about King David in history we can talk about King David in history and tradition in the following lecture. and tradition in the following lecture. and tradition in the following lecture. So we left off in the previous lecture So we left off in the previous lecture So we left off in the previous lecture with talking about when the Exodus might with talking about when the Exodus might with talking about when the Exodus might have taken place and we mentioned the have taken place and we mentioned the have taken place and we mentioned the fact that Israel is mentioned in the MPA fact that Israel is mentioned in the MPA fact that Israel is mentioned in the MPA steely in the fifth year of Pharaoh MPa steely in the fifth year of Pharaoh MPa steely in the fifth year of Pharaoh MPa of Egypt that would be dated to about of Egypt that would be dated to about of Egypt that would be dated to about 1207 BCE and in this inscription he says 1207 BCE and in this inscription he says 1207 BCE and in this inscription he says Israel is laid waste his seed is not. Israel is laid waste his seed is not. Israel is laid waste his seed is not. Now we should mention that this exact Now we should mention that this exact Now we should mention that this exact same year in another set of inscriptions same year in another set of inscriptions same year in another set of inscriptions by MPA also dated to year five of his by MPA also dated to year five of his by MPA also dated to year five of his reign that is about the year 1207 BCE he reign that is about the year 1207 BCE he reign that is about the year 1207 BCE he mentions the invasion of a group of mentions the invasion of a group of mentions the invasion of a group of people called the sea peoples. This is people called the sea peoples. This is people called the sea peoples. This is the Egyptian name for them peoples of the Egyptian name for them peoples of the Egyptian name for them peoples of the sea. They come across from the north the sea. They come across from the north the sea. They come across from the north and they are invading and capturing and and they are invading and capturing and and they are invading and capturing and conquering most of the countries of the conquering most of the countries of the conquering most of the countries of the Mediterranean at this time. The Mediterranean at this time. The Mediterranean at this time. The masonians and Manowans of Greece are masonians and Manowans of Greece are masonians and Manowans of Greece are attacked by them. The Hittites of Turkey

attacked by them. The Hittites of Turkey attacked by them. The Hittites of Turkey are conquered by them. Even Cyprus is are conquered by them. Even Cyprus is are conquered by them. Even Cyprus is attacked and conquered as are the attacked and conquered as are the attacked and conquered as are the peoples of Canaan. It is only the peoples of Canaan. It is only the peoples of Canaan. It is only the Egyptians under MPa and then his Egyptians under MPa and then his Egyptians under MPa and then his successor Ramsey III who are able to successor Ramsey III who are able to successor Ramsey III who are able to stand up to the sea peoples. And the stand up to the sea peoples. And the stand up to the sea peoples. And the inscriptions say things like beginning inscriptions say things like beginning inscriptions say things like beginning of the victory that is majesty achieved. of the victory that is majesty achieved. of the victory that is majesty achieved. the ecquashes, the terash, the luca, the the ecquashes, the terash, the luca, the the ecquashes, the terash, the luca, the shardana, the shecklesh, northerners shardana, the shecklesh, northerners shardana, the shecklesh, northerners coming from all lands, the ecques of the coming from all lands, the ecques of the coming from all lands, the ecques of the countries of the sea, the foreign countries of the sea, the foreign countries of the sea, the foreign countries made a conspiracy in their countries made a conspiracy in their countries made a conspiracy in their islands, the inscriptions from both the islands, the inscriptions from both the islands, the inscriptions from both the time of MPTA and of Ramsy's III about 20 time of MPTA and of Ramsy's III about 20 time of MPTA and of Ramsy's III about 20 years later in 1186 B.CE. All make it years later in 1186 B.CE. All make it years later in 1186 B.CE. All make it clear that the sea peoples were a force clear that the sea peoples were a force clear that the sea peoples were a force with whom one had to deal. No land could with whom one had to deal. No land could with whom one had to deal. No land could stand before their arms. From Hati, stand before their arms. From Hati, stand before their arms. From Hati, Code, Caramesh, Arzawa, and Alashia on.

Code, Caramesh, Arzawa, and Alashia on. Code, Caramesh, Arzawa, and Alashia on. They desolated the people, and the land They desolated the people, and the land They desolated the people, and the land was like that which has never come into was like that which has never come into was like that which has never come into being. They were coming forward toward being. They were coming forward toward being. They were coming forward toward Egypt while the flame was prepared Egypt while the flame was prepared Egypt while the flame was prepared before them. Their confederation was the before them. Their confederation was the before them. Their confederation was the Pleset, the Tajjeker, the Shechesh, the Pleset, the Tajjeker, the Shechesh, the Pleset, the Tajjeker, the Shechesh, the Denyon, and the Wes, lands united. They Denyon, and the Wes, lands united. They Denyon, and the Wes, lands united. They laid their hands upon the lands as far laid their hands upon the lands as far laid their hands upon the lands as far as the circuit of the earth. Their as the circuit of the earth. Their as the circuit of the earth. Their hearts confident and trusting our plans hearts confident and trusting our plans hearts confident and trusting our plans will succeed. This we are told by the will succeed. This we are told by the will succeed. This we are told by the Egyptian Egyptian Egyptian pharaohs. But the Egyptian inscriptions pharaohs. But the Egyptian inscriptions pharaohs. But the Egyptian inscriptions continue, "The northern countries continue, "The northern countries continue, "The northern countries quivered in their bodies. Those who came quivered in their bodies. Those who came quivered in their bodies. Those who came on land were overthrown and slaughtered. on land were overthrown and slaughtered. on land were overthrown and slaughtered. Those who entered the river mouths were Those who entered the river mouths were Those who entered the river mouths were like birds and snared in the net. Their like birds and snared in the net. Their like birds and snared in the net. Their leaders were carried off and slain. So leaders were carried off and slain. So leaders were carried off and slain. So the sea peoples are unsuccessful in the sea peoples are unsuccessful in the sea peoples are unsuccessful in capturing Egypt. And in fact, the capturing Egypt. And in fact, the capturing Egypt. And in fact, the Egyptians say that they settled the Egyptians say that they settled the Egyptians say that they settled the survivors of the battles in various survivors of the battles in various survivors of the battles in various places. the shadana and the wessas of places. the shadana and the wessas of places. the shadana and the wessas of the sea. They were made as those that the sea. They were made as those that the sea. They were made as those that exist not, but others I settled in exist not, but others I settled in exist not, but others I settled in strongholds bound to uh my name. So what strongholds bound to uh my name. So what strongholds bound to uh my name. So what we've got, Egypt may not have been we've got, Egypt may not have been we've got, Egypt may not have been conquered, but Canaan was and Cyprus and conquered, but Canaan was and Cyprus and conquered, but Canaan was and Cyprus and Turkey and Greece. One of the questions Turkey and Greece. One of the questions Turkey and Greece. One of the questions that I and other historians and that I and other historians and that I and other historians and archaeologists are archaeologists are archaeologists are wondering is very simple. Did the wondering is very simple. Did the wondering is very simple. Did the invasion of the sea peoples allow the invasion of the sea peoples allow the invasion of the sea peoples allow the Israelites to eventually take over the Israelites to eventually take over the Israelites to eventually take over the land of Canaan? We saw in the last

land of Canaan? We saw in the last land of Canaan? We saw in the last lecture that the Exodus took place most lecture that the Exodus took place most lecture that the Exodus took place most likely by 1250 B.CE. at the absolute likely by 1250 B.CE. at the absolute likely by 1250 B.CE. at the absolute latest and may in fact have been a latest and may in fact have been a latest and may in fact have been a process that took place 200 years in process that took place 200 years in process that took place 200 years in length. If they wandered around from length. If they wandered around from length. If they wandered around from 1250 down to about 1210 B.CE CE and then 1250 down to about 1210 B.CE CE and then 1250 down to about 1210 B.CE CE and then eventually conquered the land of Canaan eventually conquered the land of Canaan eventually conquered the land of Canaan by the time of 1207 that is the time of by the time of 1207 that is the time of by the time of 1207 that is the time of reptus inscription. This is exactly the reptus inscription. This is exactly the reptus inscription. This is exactly the time that the sea peoples will been time that the sea peoples will been time that the sea peoples will been coming in and taking over Canaan as coming in and taking over Canaan as coming in and taking over Canaan as well. We know for a fact that the sea well. We know for a fact that the sea well. We know for a fact that the sea peoples pillage and then leave. They do peoples pillage and then leave. They do peoples pillage and then leave. They do not stay. That is until they're later not stay. That is until they're later not stay. That is until they're later resettled in the area by the Egyptians. resettled in the area by the Egyptians. resettled in the area by the Egyptians. And so what I'm wondering is whether the And so what I'm wondering is whether the And so what I'm wondering is whether the sea peoples left the Canaanite sea peoples left the Canaanite sea peoples left the Canaanite citystates in smoking ruins which citystates in smoking ruins which citystates in smoking ruins which allowed the Israelites to walk on in and allowed the Israelites to walk on in and allowed the Israelites to walk on in and take over territory that they would not take over territory that they would not take over territory that they would not otherwise have been able to conquer.

otherwise have been able to conquer. otherwise have been able to conquer. Now, of course, this would be in direct Now, of course, this would be in direct Now, of course, this would be in direct contradiction to the biblical story that contradiction to the biblical story that contradiction to the biblical story that tells us about Joshua's conquest and tells us about Joshua's conquest and tells us about Joshua's conquest and gives all credit to Joshua and the gives all credit to Joshua and the gives all credit to Joshua and the Israelites for conquering this region. Israelites for conquering this region. Israelites for conquering this region. But, um, then again, does it I'm But, um, then again, does it I'm But, um, then again, does it I'm wondering if maybe we can put the two wondering if maybe we can put the two wondering if maybe we can put the two together. If we take a look at the together. If we take a look at the together. If we take a look at the biblical account in the book of Joshua, biblical account in the book of Joshua, biblical account in the book of Joshua, Joshua 12, it tells us about the Joshua 12, it tells us about the Joshua 12, it tells us about the conquest that Joshua and his men make. conquest that Joshua and his men make. conquest that Joshua and his men make. Now, you will recall that this is after Now, you will recall that this is after Now, you will recall that this is after the time that Moses has died in Trans the time that Moses has died in Trans the time that Moses has died in Trans Jordan within sight of the promised land Jordan within sight of the promised land Jordan within sight of the promised land and that Joshua is now taking over. And and that Joshua is now taking over. And and that Joshua is now taking over. And it is under his command that the it is under his command that the it is under his command that the Israelites are going to invade and Israelites are going to invade and Israelites are going to invade and conquer Canaan. And so we're told in conquer Canaan. And so we're told in conquer Canaan. And so we're told in Joshua 12, in the hill country, in the Joshua 12, in the hill country, in the Joshua 12, in the hill country, in the lowland, in the Arabah, in the slopes, lowland, in the Arabah, in the slopes, lowland, in the Arabah, in the slopes, in the wilderness, and in the negv, the in the wilderness, and in the negv, the in the wilderness, and in the negv, the land of the Hittites, the Amorites, the land of the Hittites, the Amorites, the land of the Hittites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. And then there is the and the Jebusites. And then there is the and the Jebusites. And then there is the list of the people that are conquered.

list of the people that are conquered. list of the people that are conquered. The king of Jericho, one, the king of I, The king of Jericho, one, the king of I, The king of Jericho, one, the king of I, which is beside Bethl, one. The king of which is beside Bethl, one. The king of which is beside Bethl, one. The king of Jerusalem, one. The king of Hebrron, Jerusalem, one. The king of Hebrron, Jerusalem, one. The king of Hebrron, one. The king of Yarmmut, one. The king one. The king of Yarmmut, one. The king one. The king of Yarmmut, one. The king of Lahish, one. The king of Eglon, one. of Lahish, one. The king of Eglon, one. of Lahish, one. The king of Eglon, one. The king of Gazer, one. And so on and so The king of Gazer, one. And so on and so The king of Gazer, one. And so on and so forth. And it continues on down. The forth. And it continues on down. The forth. And it continues on down. The king of Tanakh won. The king of Megiddo king of Tanakh won. The king of Megiddo king of Tanakh won. The king of Megiddo one. The king of Kadesh won one. The one. The king of Kadesh won one. The one. The king of Kadesh won one. The king of Ynan in Carmel one. In all 31 king of Ynan in Carmel one. In all 31 king of Ynan in Carmel one. In all 31 kings are conquered by Joshua in Joshua kings are conquered by Joshua in Joshua kings are conquered by Joshua in Joshua 12. At the same time though we are told 12. At the same time though we are told 12. At the same time though we are told in the book of judges that is Judges 1, in the book of judges that is Judges 1, in the book of judges that is Judges 1, but the people of Benjamin did not drive but the people of Benjamin did not drive but the people of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebisites who dwelt in out the Jebisites who dwelt in out the Jebisites who dwelt in Jerusalem. So the Jebusites have dwelt Jerusalem. So the Jebusites have dwelt Jerusalem. So the Jebusites have dwelt with the people of Benjamin in Jerusalem with the people of Benjamin in Jerusalem with the people of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day. to this day. to this day. And we are further told Manasseh did not And we are further told Manasseh did not And we are further told Manasseh did not drive out the inhabitants of Betshayan drive out the inhabitants of Betshayan drive out the inhabitants of Betshayan and its villages or Tanakh and its and its villages or Tanakh and its and its villages or Tanakh and its villages or the inhabitants of Dor and villages or the inhabitants of Dor and villages or the inhabitants of Dor and its villages or the inhabitants of Iblam its villages or the inhabitants of Iblam its villages or the inhabitants of Iblam and its villages or the inhabitants of and its villages or the inhabitants of and its villages or the inhabitants of Megiddo and its villages. But the Megiddo and its villages. But the Megiddo and its villages. But the Canaanites persisted in dwelling in that Canaanites persisted in dwelling in that Canaanites persisted in dwelling in that land. When Israel grew strong, they put land. When Israel grew strong, they put land. When Israel grew strong, they put the Canaanites to force labor, but did the Canaanites to force labor, but did the Canaanites to force labor, but did not utterly drive them out. So what do not utterly drive them out. So what do not utterly drive them out. So what do we believe? The biblical account in we believe? The biblical account in we believe? The biblical account in Joshua 12 or the biblical account in

Joshua 12 or the biblical account in Joshua 12 or the biblical account in Judges 1. Obviously we have two separate Judges 1. Obviously we have two separate Judges 1. Obviously we have two separate tales. one in which Joshua and the tales. one in which Joshua and the tales. one in which Joshua and the Israelites are able to conquer the land Israelites are able to conquer the land Israelites are able to conquer the land of Canaan completely and another account of Canaan completely and another account of Canaan completely and another account in which they may have come on in and in which they may have come on in and in which they may have come on in and may have conquered the land but didn't may have conquered the land but didn't may have conquered the land but didn't actually kill and uh suppress absolutely actually kill and uh suppress absolutely actually kill and uh suppress absolutely everybody here in this particular case everybody here in this particular case everybody here in this particular case we have two different accounts within we have two different accounts within we have two different accounts within the biblical narrative itself which are the biblical narrative itself which are the biblical narrative itself which are contradictory and we have to decide contradictory and we have to decide contradictory and we have to decide which we which we which we want. So what's the answer? Was there a want. So what's the answer? Was there a want. So what's the answer? Was there a conquest of Canaan by invading conquest of Canaan by invading conquest of Canaan by invading Israelites who took the hill country and Israelites who took the hill country and Israelites who took the hill country and the Galilee in a series of lightning the Galilee in a series of lightning the Galilee in a series of lightning military campaigns as is related in the military campaigns as is related in the military campaigns as is related in the book of book of book of Joshua? Or wasn't there? The evidence is Joshua? Or wasn't there? The evidence is Joshua? Or wasn't there? The evidence is not that convincing one way or the not that convincing one way or the not that convincing one way or the other. Both the biblical accounts and other. Both the biblical accounts and other. Both the biblical accounts and the archaeological evidence leave enough the archaeological evidence leave enough the archaeological evidence leave enough contradictions and negative evidence contradictions and negative evidence contradictions and negative evidence that an advocate of a military conquest that an advocate of a military conquest that an advocate of a military conquest has to accept it with a leap of blind has to accept it with a leap of blind has to accept it with a leap of blind faith. On the other hand, there are a faith. On the other hand, there are a faith. On the other hand, there are a number of other possibilities that might number of other possibilities that might number of other possibilities that might be be be suggested and these new possibilities suggested and these new possibilities suggested and these new possibilities come out of the archaeological research come out of the archaeological research come out of the archaeological research and information that has been provided and information that has been provided and information that has been provided over the last couple of decades.

over the last couple of decades. over the last couple of decades. Essentially, three views in addition to Essentially, three views in addition to Essentially, three views in addition to a military conquest have been put a military conquest have been put a military conquest have been put forward. All right, we've got originally forward. All right, we've got originally forward. All right, we've got originally the idea that the conquest, as the Bible the idea that the conquest, as the Bible the idea that the conquest, as the Bible tells us, took place. William F. tells us, took place. William F. tells us, took place. William F. Albbright of Johns Hopkins University Albbright of Johns Hopkins University Albbright of Johns Hopkins University was one of the original proponents of was one of the original proponents of was one of the original proponents of this. And he said that the biblical this. And he said that the biblical this. And he said that the biblical story as we know it took place. That is story as we know it took place. That is story as we know it took place. That is Joshua captured Jericho walking around Joshua captured Jericho walking around Joshua captured Jericho walking around seven times and blowing his horns and seven times and blowing his horns and seven times and blowing his horns and that we should take the Bible at face that we should take the Bible at face that we should take the Bible at face value. value. value. However, there have been other However, there have been other However, there have been other suggestions. Now, Alrech Alt suggested suggestions. Now, Alrech Alt suggested suggestions. Now, Alrech Alt suggested that there was a peaceful that there was a peaceful that there was a peaceful infiltration that infiltration that infiltration that semi-nomadic Israelites very peacefully semi-nomadic Israelites very peacefully semi-nomadic Israelites very peacefully infiltrated unoccupied areas of the hill infiltrated unoccupied areas of the hill infiltrated unoccupied areas of the hill country and that they gradually built country and that they gradually built country and that they gradually built settlements and became sedentary. That settlements and became sedentary. That settlements and became sedentary. That is, they became tied to the land. and is, they became tied to the land. and is, they became tied to the land. and only later did they displace the only later did they displace the only later did they displace the Canaanites in the cities. This idea of a Canaanites in the cities. This idea of a Canaanites in the cities. This idea of a peaceful infiltration was put forward peaceful infiltration was put forward peaceful infiltration was put forward already by about already by about already by about 1925. Alt was working primarily with 1925. Alt was working primarily with 1925. Alt was working primarily with Egyptian inscriptions. He concluded that Egyptian inscriptions. He concluded that Egyptian inscriptions. He concluded that the central highlands of Canaan were the central highlands of Canaan were the central highlands of Canaan were only sparssely settled at that time and only sparssely settled at that time and only sparssely settled at that time and that if the Israelites wanted to come on that if the Israelites wanted to come on that if the Israelites wanted to come on in sometime anytime between 1450, 1350 in sometime anytime between 1450, 1350 in sometime anytime between 1450, 1350 and 1250 B.CE that they could have come

and 1250 B.CE that they could have come and 1250 B.CE that they could have come on in and settled down without much on in and settled down without much on in and settled down without much problem. problem. problem. Alrech Dalt thought that the military Alrech Dalt thought that the military Alrech Dalt thought that the military encounters only uh took place during the encounters only uh took place during the encounters only uh took place during the second stage after they began expanding second stage after they began expanding second stage after they began expanding out of these central highlands. So we out of these central highlands. So we out of these central highlands. So we have then the conquest by William F. have then the conquest by William F. have then the conquest by William F. Albbright. We've got peaceful Albbright. We've got peaceful Albbright. We've got peaceful infiltration by Alrech Alt. And then the infiltration by Alrech Alt. And then the infiltration by Alrech Alt. And then the third suggestion is what's known as the third suggestion is what's known as the third suggestion is what's known as the revoling peasants hypothesis or the revoling peasants hypothesis or the revoling peasants hypothesis or the peasants rebellion. This was put forth peasants rebellion. This was put forth peasants rebellion. This was put forth by George Mendenhal and Norman Gotwald by George Mendenhal and Norman Gotwald by George Mendenhal and Norman Gotwald in which they suggested that the in which they suggested that the in which they suggested that the presence we call Israel emerged not as a presence we call Israel emerged not as a presence we call Israel emerged not as a result of outsiders coming into the result of outsiders coming into the result of outsiders coming into the country but rather as the result of a country but rather as the result of a country but rather as the result of a rebellion by peasants against Canaanite rebellion by peasants against Canaanite rebellion by peasants against Canaanite overlords. According to this view, overlords. According to this view, overlords. According to this view, Israel, the country of Israel, emerged Israel, the country of Israel, emerged Israel, the country of Israel, emerged from a melting pot of Canaanite culture from a melting pot of Canaanite culture from a melting pot of Canaanite culture in a revolutionary social movement among in a revolutionary social movement among in a revolutionary social movement among peoples that were already in Canaan.

peoples that were already in Canaan. peoples that were already in Canaan. That is, it's the peasants revoling That is, it's the peasants revoling That is, it's the peasants revoling against their overlords. It's the against their overlords. It's the against their overlords. It's the villages revoling against the cities. villages revoling against the cities. villages revoling against the cities. and that this revolt maybe began in and that this revolt maybe began in and that this revolt maybe began in Trans Jordan over to the east and then Trans Jordan over to the east and then Trans Jordan over to the east and then spread westward across the Jordan to the spread westward across the Jordan to the spread westward across the Jordan to the West Bank and beyond. And the model for West Bank and beyond. And the model for West Bank and beyond. And the model for this would be taken from some of the this would be taken from some of the this would be taken from some of the Habiru inscriptions in which it says Habiru inscriptions in which it says Habiru inscriptions in which it says that they rebelled against the Egyptians that they rebelled against the Egyptians that they rebelled against the Egyptians about a century earlier. So this would about a century earlier. So this would about a century earlier. So this would be the same type of idea. Now here we've be the same type of idea. Now here we've be the same type of idea. Now here we've got basically um an alliance of got basically um an alliance of got basically um an alliance of suppressed and disenfranchised elements suppressed and disenfranchised elements suppressed and disenfranchised elements of Canaanite society. Peasants, farmers, of Canaanite society. Peasants, farmers, of Canaanite society. Peasants, farmers, pastoralists, outlaws, mercenaries, and pastoralists, outlaws, mercenaries, and pastoralists, outlaws, mercenaries, and that they are going to go up against the that they are going to go up against the that they are going to go up against the established established established society. In this case, the so-called society. In this case, the so-called society. In this case, the so-called conquest of Canaan is is not so much a conquest of Canaan is is not so much a conquest of Canaan is is not so much a conquest, but as a rather an internal conquest, but as a rather an internal conquest, but as a rather an internal revolution led by population elements revolution led by population elements revolution led by population elements that were already there. There's no that were already there. There's no that were already there. There's no unified military campaign conducted by unified military campaign conducted by unified military campaign conducted by forces from the outside and there was no forces from the outside and there was no forces from the outside and there was no mass killing of the inhabitants of the mass killing of the inhabitants of the mass killing of the inhabitants of the land. It's more a social land. It's more a social land. It's more a social revolution. Now, in part, this revolution. Now, in part, this revolution. Now, in part, this hypothesis is attractive because it's hypothesis is attractive because it's hypothesis is attractive because it's got parallels with movements that have got parallels with movements that have got parallels with movements that have taken place in the present century, such taken place in the present century, such taken place in the present century, such as the Russian Revolution is the one as the Russian Revolution is the one as the Russian Revolution is the one that comes easily to mind. Um the that comes easily to mind. Um the that comes easily to mind. Um the problem with the peasants revolt like uh

problem with the peasants revolt like uh problem with the peasants revolt like uh the problem with the other suggestions the problem with the other suggestions the problem with the other suggestions so far is that there is no supporting so far is that there is no supporting so far is that there is no supporting evidence from archaeology or other evidence from archaeology or other evidence from archaeology or other texts. So this remains then an texts. So this remains then an texts. So this remains then an interesting hypothesis but one which interesting hypothesis but one which interesting hypothesis but one which cannot be proven. The fourth possibility cannot be proven. The fourth possibility cannot be proven. The fourth possibility is one that's come up in recent years is one that's come up in recent years is one that's come up in recent years and this is one that suggests that the and this is one that suggests that the and this is one that suggests that the Canaanites and the Israelites were one Canaanites and the Israelites were one Canaanites and the Israelites were one in the same people. That is the in the same people. That is the in the same people. That is the Israelites were simply part of the Israelites were simply part of the Israelites were simply part of the Canaanites um maybe from the hill Canaanites um maybe from the hill Canaanites um maybe from the hill country, maybe from elsewhere and that country, maybe from elsewhere and that country, maybe from elsewhere and that they simply take over and that the whole they simply take over and that the whole they simply take over and that the whole story of the invasion is something that story of the invasion is something that story of the invasion is something that was made up by later biblical writers. was made up by later biblical writers. was made up by later biblical writers. And so if we see any similarities And so if we see any similarities And so if we see any similarities between the Canaanites and the between the Canaanites and the between the Canaanites and the Israelites, we should not be surprised Israelites, we should not be surprised Israelites, we should not be surprised because they are one and the because they are one and the because they are one and the same. So we have a couple of same. So we have a couple of same. So we have a couple of possibilities. One, that the uh possibilities. One, that the uh possibilities. One, that the uh Israelite invasion took place as the Israelite invasion took place as the Israelite invasion took place as the Bible says it did, that we've got people Bible says it did, that we've got people Bible says it did, that we've got people coming on in and actually conquering.

coming on in and actually conquering. coming on in and actually conquering. Another possibility is that there is a Another possibility is that there is a Another possibility is that there is a gradual infiltration, basically nomads, gradual infiltration, basically nomads, gradual infiltration, basically nomads, and that only later after a peaceful and that only later after a peaceful and that only later after a peaceful settlement did a military conquest take settlement did a military conquest take settlement did a military conquest take place from within. A third possibility place from within. A third possibility place from within. A third possibility is that we've got an internal upheaval, is that we've got an internal upheaval, is that we've got an internal upheaval, a social revolution as you will. And a social revolution as you will. And a social revolution as you will. And then the last possibility is simply that then the last possibility is simply that then the last possibility is simply that the Canaanites evolved into the the Canaanites evolved into the the Canaanites evolved into the Israelites emerging with a new cultural Israelites emerging with a new cultural Israelites emerging with a new cultural identity. Which of these possibilities identity. Which of these possibilities identity. Which of these possibilities we choose is going to be dependent upon we choose is going to be dependent upon we choose is going to be dependent upon our own personal belief system and our own personal belief system and our own personal belief system and amount of faith. Again, we cannot choose amount of faith. Again, we cannot choose amount of faith. Again, we cannot choose necessarily between them. We can't prove necessarily between them. We can't prove necessarily between them. We can't prove that one is prevalent over the other. that one is prevalent over the other. that one is prevalent over the other. And this again is why studying ancient And this again is why studying ancient And this again is why studying ancient Israel remains relevant to today because Israel remains relevant to today because Israel remains relevant to today because these discussions, these debates, these these discussions, these debates, these these discussions, these debates, these controversies are ongoing even today.

controversies are ongoing even today. controversies are ongoing even today. Whichever one of these processes we Whichever one of these processes we Whichever one of these processes we choose to believe, however, the choose to believe, however, the choose to believe, however, the Israelite conquest of Canaan may have Israelite conquest of Canaan may have Israelite conquest of Canaan may have taken place. When the Israelites do end taken place. When the Israelites do end taken place. When the Israelites do end up in Canaan, they come into contact up in Canaan, they come into contact up in Canaan, they come into contact with a number of different peoples, with a number of different peoples, with a number of different peoples, namely the Phoenetians and the namely the Phoenetians and the namely the Phoenetians and the Philistines. And it is these people that Philistines. And it is these people that Philistines. And it is these people that we need to briefly discuss in order to we need to briefly discuss in order to we need to briefly discuss in order to put the early Israelite monarchy into put the early Israelite monarchy into put the early Israelite monarchy into context because the first king of context because the first king of context because the first king of Israel, namely King Saul, is going to Israel, namely King Saul, is going to Israel, namely King Saul, is going to wind up being killed in battle against wind up being killed in battle against wind up being killed in battle against the Philistines, having his head chopped the Philistines, having his head chopped the Philistines, having his head chopped off and his body hung up on the wall of off and his body hung up on the wall of off and his body hung up on the wall of Betion along with that of his son Betion along with that of his son Betion along with that of his son Jonathan. But we'll get to that in a Jonathan. But we'll get to that in a Jonathan. But we'll get to that in a moment. Let me first take a very brief moment. Let me first take a very brief moment. Let me first take a very brief look at who the phoenetians and then the look at who the phoenetians and then the look at who the phoenetians and then the Philistines are and then come back to Philistines are and then come back to Philistines are and then come back to King Saul and the early Israelite King Saul and the early Israelite King Saul and the early Israelite monarchy. The Phoenetians first of all monarchy. The Phoenetians first of all monarchy. The Phoenetians first of all are basically the latter-day Canaanites are basically the latter-day Canaanites are basically the latter-day Canaanites of the Syrian coastal of the Syrian coastal of the Syrian coastal area. The name for both the Canaanites area. The name for both the Canaanites area. The name for both the Canaanites and the Phoenetians are derived from and the Phoenetians are derived from and the Phoenetians are derived from words that mean purple or purple or red words that mean purple or purple or red words that mean purple or purple or red dye. They're familiar to us mostly from dye. They're familiar to us mostly from dye. They're familiar to us mostly from the Bible, but also now from the Bible, but also now from the Bible, but also now from archaeological evidence. From the Bible, archaeological evidence. From the Bible, archaeological evidence. From the Bible, for instance, we know of Hyram of Ty and for instance, we know of Hyram of Ty and for instance, we know of Hyram of Ty and his relations with Israel during the his relations with Israel during the his relations with Israel during the days of David and Solomon. And we know days of David and Solomon. And we know days of David and Solomon. And we know about the marriage of Ahab, king of

about the marriage of Ahab, king of about the marriage of Ahab, king of Israel, with a princess of Ty named Israel, with a princess of Ty named Israel, with a princess of Ty named Jezebel. Some of you may be familiar Jezebel. Some of you may be familiar Jezebel. Some of you may be familiar with the story of Jezebel. The rest of with the story of Jezebel. The rest of with the story of Jezebel. The rest of what we know about the phoenetians, what we know about the phoenetians, what we know about the phoenetians, we've learned mostly from archaeological we've learned mostly from archaeological we've learned mostly from archaeological excavations. Now, the land of Phoenicia excavations. Now, the land of Phoenicia excavations. Now, the land of Phoenicia is where modern-day Lebanon is today. is where modern-day Lebanon is today. is where modern-day Lebanon is today. The political and economic centers of The political and economic centers of The political and economic centers of Phoenicia were the cities of Ty and Phoenicia were the cities of Ty and Phoenicia were the cities of Ty and Siden and Arvad and then moving even up Siden and Arvad and then moving even up Siden and Arvad and then moving even up to Beirut and Biblo. to Beirut and Biblo. to Beirut and Biblo. Some of these cities are already major Some of these cities are already major Some of these cities are already major Canaanite centers in the Bronze Age and Canaanite centers in the Bronze Age and Canaanite centers in the Bronze Age and some like Beirut remain inhabited right some like Beirut remain inhabited right some like Beirut remain inhabited right up until today. The civilization of up until today. The civilization of up until today. The civilization of Phoenicia is absolutely brilliant, but Phoenicia is absolutely brilliant, but Phoenicia is absolutely brilliant, but it's also a conglomeration of a number it's also a conglomeration of a number it's also a conglomeration of a number of different elements because this of different elements because this of different elements because this region of the Lebanese and Syrian coast region of the Lebanese and Syrian coast region of the Lebanese and Syrian coast is always been a meeting place of Europe is always been a meeting place of Europe is always been a meeting place of Europe and Asia. And we've got a number of and Asia. And we've got a number of and Asia. And we've got a number of different elements that go into the different elements that go into the different elements that go into the Phoenician culture. However, the main Phoenician culture. However, the main Phoenician culture. However, the main contribution of the Phoenetians to our contribution of the Phoenetians to our contribution of the Phoenetians to our culture today is undoubtedly the culture today is undoubtedly the culture today is undoubtedly the invention of the alphabet. Right? Our invention of the alphabet. Right? Our invention of the alphabet. Right? Our alphabet today comes from the Phoenician alphabet today comes from the Phoenician alphabet today comes from the Phoenician alphabet. It was taken in modified forms alphabet. It was taken in modified forms alphabet. It was taken in modified forms by the Greeks throughout Europe and the by the Greeks throughout Europe and the by the Greeks throughout Europe and the Araanss throughout Western Asia. the uh Araanss throughout Western Asia. the uh Araanss throughout Western Asia. the uh Greek alphabet and the Latin alphabet

Greek alphabet and the Latin alphabet Greek alphabet and the Latin alphabet from which our English alphabet today is from which our English alphabet today is from which our English alphabet today is derived all come from the derived all come from the derived all come from the Phoenetians. The Phoenetians were great Phoenetians. The Phoenetians were great Phoenetians. The Phoenetians were great merchants and traders. They sail on merchants and traders. They sail on merchants and traders. They sail on their ships all the way from what is now their ships all the way from what is now their ships all the way from what is now modern-day Lebanon to Cree and Greece to modern-day Lebanon to Cree and Greece to modern-day Lebanon to Cree and Greece to Italy and Sicily to North Africa. They Italy and Sicily to North Africa. They Italy and Sicily to North Africa. They even found the city of Carthage in North even found the city of Carthage in North even found the city of Carthage in North Africa. They sail as far as Spain and as Africa. They sail as far as Spain and as Africa. They sail as far as Spain and as well as Sardinia and areas in between. well as Sardinia and areas in between. well as Sardinia and areas in between. So great merchants, inventors of the So great merchants, inventors of the So great merchants, inventors of the alphabet and then and their name implies alphabet and then and their name implies alphabet and then and their name implies this, merchants of purple dye. All this, merchants of purple dye. All this, merchants of purple dye. All right, the name Phoenician means purple right, the name Phoenician means purple right, the name Phoenician means purple as did the Canaanites before them. And as did the Canaanites before them. And as did the Canaanites before them. And so the contributions of the Phoenetians, so the contributions of the Phoenetians, so the contributions of the Phoenetians, I would say, are three-fold. Namely, the I would say, are three-fold. Namely, the I would say, are three-fold. Namely, the fact that they were great merchants and fact that they were great merchants and fact that they were great merchants and sailed the Mediterranean. The fact that sailed the Mediterranean. The fact that sailed the Mediterranean. The fact that they brought purple dye, royal purple they brought purple dye, royal purple they brought purple dye, royal purple dye to many peoples around the region, dye to many peoples around the region, dye to many peoples around the region, and the fact that their alphabet gives and the fact that their alphabet gives and the fact that their alphabet gives us our alphabet today. All makes them us our alphabet today. All makes them us our alphabet today. All makes them extremely interesting for us to study extremely interesting for us to study extremely interesting for us to study even still today. Now it is the 10th even still today. Now it is the 10th even still today. Now it is the 10th century in particular that's the golden century in particular that's the golden century in particular that's the golden age of Phoenician wealth and age of Phoenician wealth and age of Phoenician wealth and power and it is during this period then power and it is during this period then power and it is during this period then the 10th century the 9th century that we

the 10th century the 9th century that we the 10th century the 9th century that we are going to see the phoenetians are going to see the phoenetians are going to see the phoenetians interacting with the Israelites and the interacting with the Israelites and the interacting with the Israelites and the kings of Israel down to the time of kings of Israel down to the time of kings of Israel down to the time of David and David and David and Solomon. The Philistines, on the other Solomon. The Philistines, on the other Solomon. The Philistines, on the other hand, we know most about their origins hand, we know most about their origins hand, we know most about their origins and their cultural background and their and their cultural background and their and their cultural background and their history from the Bible and Egyptian history from the Bible and Egyptian history from the Bible and Egyptian records as well as archaeological finds. records as well as archaeological finds. records as well as archaeological finds. We first meet the Philistines back in We first meet the Philistines back in We first meet the Philistines back in the Egyptian inscriptions about the sea the Egyptian inscriptions about the sea the Egyptian inscriptions about the sea peoples because the sea peoples known as peoples because the sea peoples known as peoples because the sea peoples known as the paleet are more than likely the the paleet are more than likely the the paleet are more than likely the people that we know as the Philistines. people that we know as the Philistines. people that we know as the Philistines. We're told by the Egyptian sources We're told by the Egyptian sources We're told by the Egyptian sources during the time of MPa and Ramsy's III during the time of MPa and Ramsy's III during the time of MPa and Ramsy's III at the end of the 13th and beginning of at the end of the 13th and beginning of at the end of the 13th and beginning of the 12th centuries B.C.E. that the the 12th centuries B.C.E. that the the 12th centuries B.C.E. that the Pleset were one of these groups within Pleset were one of these groups within Pleset were one of these groups within the sea peoples that are defeated by the the sea peoples that are defeated by the the sea peoples that are defeated by the Egyptians. And we are told furthermore Egyptians. And we are told furthermore Egyptians. And we are told furthermore by the Egyptians that they settle the by the Egyptians that they settle the by the Egyptians that they settle the Pleset in the southern part of Canaan Pleset in the southern part of Canaan Pleset in the southern part of Canaan and that they give the land the name and that they give the land the name and that they give the land the name Palestina or Felistia. And this is in Palestina or Felistia. And this is in Palestina or Felistia. And this is in fact where the name Palestine eventually fact where the name Palestine eventually fact where the name Palestine eventually comes comes comes from. The Philistines rule in small from. The Philistines rule in small from. The Philistines rule in small citystates in this area and seem to have citystates in this area and seem to have citystates in this area and seem to have had a military advantage over the local had a military advantage over the local had a military advantage over the local Israelites because they had chariots and Israelites because they had chariots and Israelites because they had chariots and they had iron and they knew how to forge they had iron and they knew how to forge they had iron and they knew how to forge iron. So during the period of the iron. So during the period of the iron. So during the period of the judges, the Philistines exercise a

judges, the Philistines exercise a judges, the Philistines exercise a definite superiority over the definite superiority over the definite superiority over the Israelites. And it's not until the time Israelites. And it's not until the time Israelites. And it's not until the time of Saul and David that the weight of Saul and David that the weight of Saul and David that the weight shifted to Israelite advantage. shifted to Israelite advantage. shifted to Israelite advantage. The five cities of the Philistines uh The five cities of the Philistines uh The five cities of the Philistines uh Gaza, Ashcolon, Ashdod, Echron, and Gath Gaza, Ashcolon, Ashdod, Echron, and Gath Gaza, Ashcolon, Ashdod, Echron, and Gath are all in the coastal plane that is on are all in the coastal plane that is on are all in the coastal plane that is on the far western side of the region of the far western side of the region of the far western side of the region of Israel or in the neighboring foothills, Israel or in the neighboring foothills, Israel or in the neighboring foothills, the the Shephilah the the Shephilah the the Shephilah region. Of these sites, all have now region. Of these sites, all have now region. Of these sites, all have now been identified. uh Gath was the last been identified. uh Gath was the last been identified. uh Gath was the last one to be identified and it has probably one to be identified and it has probably one to be identified and it has probably now just been located in the last 5 now just been located in the last 5 now just been located in the last 5 years or so. In addition, there's a years or so. In addition, there's a years or so. In addition, there's a couple smaller sites known. The site of couple smaller sites known. The site of couple smaller sites known. The site of Tel Casile in Tel Aviv comes to Tel Casile in Tel Aviv comes to Tel Casile in Tel Aviv comes to mind and a fair amount of Philistine mind and a fair amount of Philistine mind and a fair amount of Philistine material culture has now been excavated material culture has now been excavated material culture has now been excavated archaeologically. In particular, we know archaeologically. In particular, we know archaeologically. In particular, we know a lot about their pottery, which is a a lot about their pottery, which is a a lot about their pottery, which is a hybrid. On one side, it owes quite a bit hybrid. On one side, it owes quite a bit hybrid. On one side, it owes quite a bit to masonian pottery from Greece and on to masonian pottery from Greece and on to masonian pottery from Greece and on the other hand, it owes much to native the other hand, it owes much to native the other hand, it owes much to native Canaanite styles. Philistine pottery Canaanite styles. Philistine pottery Canaanite styles. Philistine pottery seems to have a particular preference seems to have a particular preference seems to have a particular preference for birds and in particular birds for birds and in particular birds for birds and in particular birds looking looking looking backwards. Now, the Phoenetians and the backwards. Now, the Phoenetians and the backwards. Now, the Phoenetians and the Philistines are going to interact with Philistines are going to interact with Philistines are going to interact with the early Israelites in particular. they

the early Israelites in particular. they the early Israelites in particular. they are going to interact during the period are going to interact during the period are going to interact during the period when the Israelites become a monarchy. when the Israelites become a monarchy. when the Israelites become a monarchy. We get the first kings of Israel coming We get the first kings of Israel coming We get the first kings of Israel coming along uh during the time from Saul and along uh during the time from Saul and along uh during the time from Saul and David and Solomon. But what we want to David and Solomon. But what we want to David and Solomon. But what we want to do quickly is to refer back to the Bible do quickly is to refer back to the Bible do quickly is to refer back to the Bible which tells us how they may have come to which tells us how they may have come to which tells us how they may have come to this beginning. this beginning. this beginning. We've got what are known as the Samuel We've got what are known as the Samuel We've got what are known as the Samuel Shiloh stories. That is we've got Shiloh stories. That is we've got Shiloh stories. That is we've got somebody by the n name of somebody by the n name of somebody by the n name of Samuel. And our main source about him is Samuel. And our main source about him is Samuel. And our main source about him is in the book of 1 Samuel. In this book, in the book of 1 Samuel. In this book, in the book of 1 Samuel. In this book, we're told all about Samuel. And in we're told all about Samuel. And in we're told all about Samuel. And in fact, we are brought right up until the fact, we are brought right up until the fact, we are brought right up until the time when Saul is killed at the hand of time when Saul is killed at the hand of time when Saul is killed at the hand of the Philistines. So what we've got here, the Philistines. So what we've got here, the Philistines. So what we've got here, we have a young man by the name of we have a young man by the name of we have a young man by the name of Samuel who is at a temple in Shilo which Samuel who is at a temple in Shilo which Samuel who is at a temple in Shilo which is run by an old priest named Eli and is run by an old priest named Eli and is run by an old priest named Eli and his two sons. And we are told about the his two sons. And we are told about the his two sons. And we are told about the stories of Samuel and others in stories of Samuel and others in stories of Samuel and others in particular from the viewpoint of the particular from the viewpoint of the particular from the viewpoint of the ark, the ark of the covenant which is a ark, the ark of the covenant which is a ark, the ark of the covenant which is a topic that we will spend a fair amount topic that we will spend a fair amount topic that we will spend a fair amount of time on in a future lecture. But in of time on in a future lecture. But in of time on in a future lecture. But in particular, we are interested here then particular, we are interested here then particular, we are interested here then on what happens with

on what happens with on what happens with Samuel. We are told that Samuel is the Samuel. We are told that Samuel is the Samuel. We are told that Samuel is the last of the judges. These judges are the last of the judges. These judges are the last of the judges. These judges are the spokesman for God and they talked to the spokesman for God and they talked to the spokesman for God and they talked to the people. Samuel is the last of these people. Samuel is the last of these people. Samuel is the last of these judges. And it is because the people of judges. And it is because the people of judges. And it is because the people of Israel want a monarchy that Samuel is Israel want a monarchy that Samuel is Israel want a monarchy that Samuel is asked to anoint Israel's first king. asked to anoint Israel's first king. asked to anoint Israel's first king. We are told in fact that Samuel said We are told in fact that Samuel said We are told in fact that Samuel said this was not a good idea. But this was not a good idea. But this was not a good idea. But nevertheless, the people of Israel want nevertheless, the people of Israel want nevertheless, the people of Israel want it and uh as a result then we're going it and uh as a result then we're going it and uh as a result then we're going to move from the period of judges to the to move from the period of judges to the to move from the period of judges to the period of the first kings. Now as a period of the first kings. Now as a period of the first kings. Now as a kingmaker, Samuel is depicted first as kingmaker, Samuel is depicted first as kingmaker, Samuel is depicted first as opposing the institution of a monarchy opposing the institution of a monarchy opposing the institution of a monarchy and warning the people of the many ways and warning the people of the many ways and warning the people of the many ways that future kings would take advantage that future kings would take advantage that future kings would take advantage of them. But then following divine of them. But then following divine of them. But then following divine guidance, he is reported to have guidance, he is reported to have guidance, he is reported to have selected Saul, explained the rights and selected Saul, explained the rights and selected Saul, explained the rights and duties of kingship and written these in duties of kingship and written these in duties of kingship and written these in a book that he then presented. And we a book that he then presented. And we a book that he then presented. And we eventually then get Saul as the first eventually then get Saul as the first eventually then get Saul as the first king of king of king of Israel. The stories of Saul in the Bible Israel. The stories of Saul in the Bible Israel. The stories of Saul in the Bible are the primary source of information are the primary source of information are the primary source of information for which we've got about Saul's rise to for which we've got about Saul's rise to for which we've got about Saul's rise to power. But they too are probably at best power. But they too are probably at best power. But they too are probably at best a mixture of folk memory and legend a mixture of folk memory and legend a mixture of folk memory and legend intertwined with a kernel of actual intertwined with a kernel of actual intertwined with a kernel of actual truth and facts. When Saul came to the

truth and facts. When Saul came to the truth and facts. When Saul came to the throne, when he was throne, when he was throne, when he was anointed, he immediately had to deal anointed, he immediately had to deal anointed, he immediately had to deal with the Philistines. And it seems that with the Philistines. And it seems that with the Philistines. And it seems that much of Saul's reign is a fight against much of Saul's reign is a fight against much of Saul's reign is a fight against the Philistines in an attempt to the Philistines in an attempt to the Philistines in an attempt to establish his own kingdom. establish his own kingdom. establish his own kingdom. Now into these stories comes the figure Now into these stories comes the figure Now into these stories comes the figure of David first as a young man and then of David first as a young man and then of David first as a young man and then as a grown warrior. We get the stories as a grown warrior. We get the stories as a grown warrior. We get the stories of David and Goliath at this point but of David and Goliath at this point but of David and Goliath at this point but those are not the focus of this those are not the focus of this those are not the focus of this particular lecture. What we are particular lecture. What we are particular lecture. What we are interested interested interested here is what happens in the fight here is what happens in the fight here is what happens in the fight between Saul and the Philistines because between Saul and the Philistines because between Saul and the Philistines because Saul sees his kingdom as needing to Saul sees his kingdom as needing to Saul sees his kingdom as needing to expand and in this particular case he's expand and in this particular case he's expand and in this particular case he's going to come into contact with the going to come into contact with the going to come into contact with the Philistines. On the other hand, the Philistines. On the other hand, the Philistines. On the other hand, the Philistines see the expansion of the Philistines see the expansion of the Philistines see the expansion of the Israelites as being detrimental to their Israelites as being detrimental to their Israelites as being detrimental to their existence. And so for much of Saul's existence. And so for much of Saul's existence. And so for much of Saul's reign, we've got ongoing battles then reign, we've got ongoing battles then reign, we've got ongoing battles then between the Israelites on the one hand between the Israelites on the one hand between the Israelites on the one hand and the Philistines on the other. Now, and the Philistines on the other. Now, and the Philistines on the other. Now, we're not exactly sure where we are in we're not exactly sure where we are in we're not exactly sure where we are in history at this point. Probably history at this point. Probably history at this point. Probably somewhere in the 11th or into the 10th somewhere in the 11th or into the 10th somewhere in the 11th or into the 10th centuries BCE. Again, we have little centuries BCE. Again, we have little centuries BCE. Again, we have little extra biblical evidence for this, but we extra biblical evidence for this, but we extra biblical evidence for this, but we need to have David emerging by about the need to have David emerging by about the need to have David emerging by about the year 1,000 B.CE. And so, we've got to

year 1,000 B.CE. And so, we've got to year 1,000 B.CE. And so, we've got to put Saul just a couple of decades at put Saul just a couple of decades at put Saul just a couple of decades at most before that. So we learn the most most before that. So we learn the most most before that. So we learn the most about Saul and his battles with the about Saul and his battles with the about Saul and his battles with the Philistine in part through the Philistine in part through the Philistine in part through the narratives about the ark of the covenant narratives about the ark of the covenant narratives about the ark of the covenant but also in the form of the stories but also in the form of the stories but also in the form of the stories about about about David and in particular we are told a David and in particular we are told a David and in particular we are told a fair amount about the death of Saul. fair amount about the death of Saul. fair amount about the death of Saul. Saul's final battle against the Saul's final battle against the Saul's final battle against the Philistines takes place in the Jezrael Philistines takes place in the Jezrael Philistines takes place in the Jezrael Valley in the north of Israel near the Valley in the north of Israel near the Valley in the north of Israel near the site of Megiddo which is biblical site of Megiddo which is biblical site of Megiddo which is biblical Armageddon. Here he fought the battle Armageddon. Here he fought the battle Armageddon. Here he fought the battle which he considered to be which he considered to be which he considered to be crucial. The Philistines also considered crucial. The Philistines also considered crucial. The Philistines also considered this area crucial. They wanted to this area crucial. They wanted to this area crucial. They wanted to encircle and capture the heart of Saul's encircle and capture the heart of Saul's encircle and capture the heart of Saul's kingdom. Philistines already held Beton kingdom. Philistines already held Beton kingdom. Philistines already held Beton to the east of the Jezrael Valley and to the east of the Jezrael Valley and to the east of the Jezrael Valley and they held the coastal plane to the west they held the coastal plane to the west they held the coastal plane to the west of the valley. If they were able to of the valley. If they were able to of the valley. If they were able to enter the Jezrael Valley and win a enter the Jezrael Valley and win a enter the Jezrael Valley and win a battle at Mount Gilboa, they could cut battle at Mount Gilboa, they could cut battle at Mount Gilboa, they could cut Saul's kingdom into two parts and separ Saul's kingdom into two parts and separ Saul's kingdom into two parts and separ separate the Israelites in the Galilee separate the Israelites in the Galilee separate the Israelites in the Galilee and the Jezrael Valley from the rest of and the Jezrael Valley from the rest of and the Jezrael Valley from the rest of the Israelite Israelite tribes.

the Israelite Israelite tribes. the Israelite Israelite tribes. Saul Saul Saul therefore had no choice but to fight the therefore had no choice but to fight the therefore had no choice but to fight the Philistines for control of the Jezrael Philistines for control of the Jezrael Philistines for control of the Jezrael Valley. He knew what the result would be Valley. He knew what the result would be Valley. He knew what the result would be if he lost and he knew what the result if he lost and he knew what the result if he lost and he knew what the result would be if he won. The story of the would be if he won. The story of the would be if he won. The story of the battle is told in the books of 1 Samuel battle is told in the books of 1 Samuel battle is told in the books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel as well as 1 Chronicles in and 2 Samuel as well as 1 Chronicles in and 2 Samuel as well as 1 Chronicles in the Hebrew Bible. the Hebrew Bible. the Hebrew Bible. There are as yet no contemporary extra There are as yet no contemporary extra There are as yet no contemporary extra biblical sources available to confirm biblical sources available to confirm biblical sources available to confirm these accounts. But these accounts. But these accounts. But um in Saul's case at least, the story is um in Saul's case at least, the story is um in Saul's case at least, the story is repeated with some embellishment about a repeated with some embellishment about a repeated with some embellishment about a thousand years later by Favius Josephus, thousand years later by Favius Josephus, thousand years later by Favius Josephus, the Jewish general turned Roman the Jewish general turned Roman the Jewish general turned Roman historian in his book called The historian in his book called The historian in his book called The Antiquities of the Jews. Antiquities of the Jews. Antiquities of the Jews. In the meantime, the account in 1 Samuel In the meantime, the account in 1 Samuel In the meantime, the account in 1 Samuel records uh troop movements and records uh troop movements and records uh troop movements and machinations that occurred before the machinations that occurred before the machinations that occurred before the beginning of the actual conflict. In beginning of the actual conflict. In beginning of the actual conflict. In those days, the Philistines gathered those days, the Philistines gathered those days, the Philistines gathered their forces for war to fight against their forces for war to fight against their forces for war to fight against Israel. The Philistines assembled and Israel. The Philistines assembled and Israel. The Philistines assembled and came and encamped at Shunim. Saul came and encamped at Shunim. Saul came and encamped at Shunim. Saul gathered all of Israel and they encamped gathered all of Israel and they encamped gathered all of Israel and they encamped at Gilboa. When Saul saw the army of the at Gilboa. When Saul saw the army of the at Gilboa. When Saul saw the army of the Philistines, he was afraid and his heart Philistines, he was afraid and his heart Philistines, he was afraid and his heart trembled greatly. And it goes on and trembled greatly. And it goes on and trembled greatly. And it goes on and gives us the story. Now, one thing we gives us the story. Now, one thing we gives us the story. Now, one thing we have to have to have to realize, this valley of Jezreel was realize, this valley of Jezreel was realize, this valley of Jezreel was extremely important in antiquity. It was extremely important in antiquity. It was extremely important in antiquity. It was one of the major routes in antiquity.

one of the major routes in antiquity. one of the major routes in antiquity. The uh Viamarus, the way of the sea, The uh Viamarus, the way of the sea, The uh Viamarus, the way of the sea, went right through the Jezrael Valley. went right through the Jezrael Valley. went right through the Jezrael Valley. Uh, as I say, the site of Megiddo is in Uh, as I say, the site of Megiddo is in Uh, as I say, the site of Megiddo is in the middle of the valley. On the one the middle of the valley. On the one the middle of the valley. On the one hand, you've got the Jordan River to the hand, you've got the Jordan River to the hand, you've got the Jordan River to the east and you've got the Mediterranean east and you've got the Mediterranean east and you've got the Mediterranean Sea to the west. Anybody, who was Sea to the west. Anybody, who was Sea to the west. Anybody, who was anybody in the ancient world, if you anybody in the ancient world, if you anybody in the ancient world, if you wanted to invade uh this area or if you wanted to invade uh this area or if you wanted to invade uh this area or if you wanted to control this area, had to come wanted to control this area, had to come wanted to control this area, had to come through the Jezrael Valley. And so we through the Jezrael Valley. And so we through the Jezrael Valley. And so we have no fewer than 33 or 34 battles have no fewer than 33 or 34 battles have no fewer than 33 or 34 battles fought in the last 4,000 years in this fought in the last 4,000 years in this fought in the last 4,000 years in this single valley. It is one of the single valley. It is one of the single valley. It is one of the bloodiest places on earth. And it is not bloodiest places on earth. And it is not bloodiest places on earth. And it is not surprising at all that the author of the surprising at all that the author of the surprising at all that the author of the book of Revelation in the New Testament book of Revelation in the New Testament book of Revelation in the New Testament is going to place the uh one of the is going to place the uh one of the is going to place the uh one of the final battles between good and evil at final battles between good and evil at final battles between good and evil at Armageddon. That is the site of Megiddo Armageddon. That is the site of Megiddo Armageddon. That is the site of Megiddo right near Gilboa where Saul fights his right near Gilboa where Saul fights his right near Gilboa where Saul fights his last battle. So it makes perfect sense last battle. So it makes perfect sense last battle. So it makes perfect sense from a military, geographic, and from a military, geographic, and from a military, geographic, and historical viewpoint that Saul's final historical viewpoint that Saul's final historical viewpoint that Saul's final battle against the Philistines would battle against the Philistines would battle against the Philistines would have been fought in this have been fought in this have been fought in this region. The details of this battle need region. The details of this battle need region. The details of this battle need not concern us here, but it is the end not concern us here, but it is the end not concern us here, but it is the end result with which we are most concerned.

result with which we are most concerned. result with which we are most concerned. Because during this battle, Saul is Because during this battle, Saul is Because during this battle, Saul is killed. beloved King Saul dies. His son killed. beloved King Saul dies. His son killed. beloved King Saul dies. His son Jonathan dies and several other sons die Jonathan dies and several other sons die Jonathan dies and several other sons die as well. The Philistines have won. In as well. The Philistines have won. In as well. The Philistines have won. In the course of this battle, um we have the course of this battle, um we have the course of this battle, um we have met David and David is going to become met David and David is going to become met David and David is going to become king immediately upon the death of King king immediately upon the death of King king immediately upon the death of King Saul. We're told that he had nothing to Saul. We're told that he had nothing to Saul. We're told that he had nothing to do with this death, though people are do with this death, though people are do with this death, though people are split about this. But the end result is split about this. But the end result is split about this. But the end result is that in this Jezrael valley on the that in this Jezrael valley on the that in this Jezrael valley on the slopes of Mount Gilboa, the first king slopes of Mount Gilboa, the first king slopes of Mount Gilboa, the first king of Israel, King Saul meets his demise of Israel, King Saul meets his demise of Israel, King Saul meets his demise and his head is cut off. His body is and his head is cut off. His body is and his head is cut off. His body is hung up on the wall at Betshon and it is hung up on the wall at Betshon and it is hung up on the wall at Betshon and it is only by an act of of great daring do only by an act of of great daring do only by an act of of great daring do that his body is retrieved. And with that his body is retrieved. And with that his body is retrieved. And with that this first era of the Israelite that this first era of the Israelite that this first era of the Israelite monarchy comes to an end. David is going monarchy comes to an end. David is going monarchy comes to an end. David is going to assume the throne. And with this we to assume the throne. And with this we to assume the throne. And with this we are going to get the period that is are going to get the period that is are going to get the period that is referred to as the united monarchy, the referred to as the united monarchy, the referred to as the united monarchy, the golden age of Israel where David is uh golden age of Israel where David is uh golden age of Israel where David is uh going to unite this entire area and is going to unite this entire area and is going to unite this entire area and is going to start the region on a golden going to start the region on a golden going to start the region on a golden age which will last throughout his reign age which will last throughout his reign age which will last throughout his reign and that of his son Solomon. And it is and that of his son Solomon. And it is and that of his son Solomon. And it is this time period that we will

this time period that we will this time period that we will investigate in the next two lectures. investigate in the next two lectures. investigate in the next two lectures. First David and then