Dating the Exodus
It is not easy to date the Hebrew exodus from Egypt. A variety of biblical, historical, and archaeological data needs to be taken into account. Basically what it comes down to is that two dates for the exodus have been argued: an early date, 1440 B.C.E., and a late date, 1280 B.C.E. The early date tends to be held by scholars who rely heavily on biblical time references. The late date tends to be held by scholars who give more weight to archaeological evidence. Some of the evidence is summarized here.1440 B.C.E. -- Evidence for an early date of the exodus:
1. 1 Kings 6:1 says the exodus occurred 480 years before the fourth year of Solomon's reign. His fourth year is 960 B.C.E., placing the exodus at 1440.
2. The Merneptah stele (1224 B.C.E.) assumes Israel was already an established nation.
3. Archaeological evidence from Jericho may support a 15th century rather than 13th century date for the conquest.
4. The Amarna tablets (ca. 1400 B.C.E.) document a period of social chaos in Canaan caused by the Habiru, possibly the Hebrews.
1280 B.C.E. -- Evidence for a late date of the exodus:
1. The 480 years of 1 Kings 6:1 is a symbolic figure: twelve generations at 40 years each.
2. The Merneptah stele is the first mention of Israel in any extra-biblical document. If Israel had entered Canaan around 1400, there should be other mention of it.
3. Archaeological evidence from Lachish, Bethel, Hazor, Devir and other sites may support a 13th century date for the conquest.
4. The 430 years of Exodus 12:40 counting back from 1280 would put the Hebrews in Egypt during the Hyksos period (1730-1570 B.C.E.), which fits well with Jacob and Joseph's experiences in Egypt.
5. The cities of Pithom and Raamses in the Nile delta region built by the Hebrews (Exodus 1:11) were founded by Seti I (1304-1290) and completed by Ramses II (1290-1224).
