AMENHOTEP II
PHARAOH OF THE EXODUS
Mummy of Amenhotep II
AMENHOTEP II AS THE PHARAOH OF THE EXODUS
Many scholars and Bible researchers have identified Amenhotep II, who reigned circa 1455–1418 BC, as the Pharaoh during the biblical Exodus. This identification is based on synchronizing biblical chronology, particularly the date of the Exodus derived from 1 Kings 6:1, which places the event around 1446 BC, with Egyptian history.
Key Considerations for Amenhotep II as The Pharaoh of Exodus:
• Timeline Match: The Exodus occurred around 1446 BC during Amenhotep II's reign. The Bible states that Solomon started building the temple 480 years after the Exodus, with its construction dated around 966 or 967 BC. • Historical Context: Amenhotep II succeeded Thutmose III, a powerful military pharaoh, and inherited a vast kingdom. Several military campaigns marked his reign, but after the supposed date of the Exodus. There is a notable reduction in Egyptian military activity, which
some interpret as consistent with the loss of Egypt's chariot force and army in the Red Sea.
• Slave Labor: Art from that era, such as the tomb of the vizier Rekhmire, depicts Semitic slaves making bricks. This artwork supports the biblical account of Israelite labor in Egypt. • Character: Amenhotep II is described as ruthless and having a "hardened heart," which parallels the biblical Pharaoh's stubbornness. • Absence of Death in the Red Sea: The Bible doesn't say Pharaoh died in the Red Sea, only his army did. Amenhotep II reigned for years after the Exodus date, suggesting Pharaoh may have survived the disaster.
• Amenhotep II's Mummy: One of the most fascinating pieces of evidence is the boils that cover his entire body (picture on top). You can also see the boils in a CT scan of the mummy (picture to the right).
Amenhotep II's records mention that he launched two military campaigns. The second one started on November 16, 1446 BC, and is particularly interesting. It states that he captured over 100,000 slaves. One theory suggests that the action was taken to restore the pool of Egyptian slaves and to recover valuable goods lost when the Israelites left Egypt after plundering. This theory suggests that the Pharaoh's actions are linked to the Exodus. Suppose the Exodus and Amenhotep II's Year-9 military campaign happened in the same year, which seems likely based on earlier evidence. In that case, he would launch a quick campaign into southern Palestine to regain some critical losses.
The date of Year 9, Month 3, Day 25 (around November 16, 1446 BC) on the Memphis Stele likely marks when the Egyptian army arrived at their first destination. Launching a military campaign in November was unusual for Egyptians, as they typically fought in the spring to avoid the cold, rainy winter. The following biblical text supports this spring tradition, noting that battles were usually initiated in the spring: "Then it happened in the spring, at the time when kings go out to battle, that Joab led out the army ..." (1 Chronicles 20:1).
Amenhotep II's records mention that he launched two military campaigns. The second one started on November 16, 1446 BC, and is particularly interesting. It states that he captured over 100,000 slaves. One theory suggests that the action was taken to restore the pool of Egyptian slaves and to recover valuable goods lost when the Israelites left Egypt after plundering. This theory suggests that the Pharaoh's actions are linked to the Exodus. Suppose the Exodus and Amenhotep II's Year-9 military campaign happened in the same year, which seems likely based on earlier evidence. In that case, he would launch a quick campaign into southern Palestine to regain some critical losses.
The date of Year 9, Month 3, Day 25 (around November 16, 1446 BC) on the Memphis Stele likely marks when the Egyptian army arrived at their first destination. Launching a military campaign in November was unusual for Egyptians, as they typically fought in the spring to avoid the cold, rainy winter. The following biblical text supports this spring tradition, noting that battles were usually initiated in the spring: "Then it happened in the spring, at the time when kings go out to battle, that Joab led out the army ..." (1 Chronicles 20:1).