Scholars of the Hebrew Bible have in the last decade begun to question the historical accuracy of the Israelite sojourn in Egypt, as described in the book of Exodus. The reason for the rejection of the exodus tradition is said to be the lack of historical and archaeological evidence in Egypt. Those advancing these claims, however, are not specialists in the study of Egyptian history, culture, and archaeology. In this pioneering book, James Hoffmeier examines the most current Egyptological evidence and argues that it supports the biblical record concerning Israel in Egypt.

Israel in Egypt is an investigation into the Jewish experience of the land and people of Egypt from antiquity to the middle ages. Using contemporary sources to explore the varied experience of Egypt’s Jews, the volume brings together a rich collection of studies from top scholars in the field.

The Hebrew Scriptures consider the exodus from Egypt to be Israel’s formative and foundational event. Indeed, the Bible offers no other explanation for Israel’s origin as a people. It is also true that no contemporary record regarding a man named Moses or the Israelites generally, either living in or leaving Egypt has been found. Hence, many biblical scholars and archaeologists take a skeptical attitude, dismissing the exodus from the realm of history. However, the contributors to this volume are convinced that there is an alternative, more positive approach. Using textual and archaeological materials from the ancient Near East in a comparative way, in conjunction with the Torah’s narratives and with other biblical texts, the contributors to this volume (specialists in ancient Egypt, ancient Near Eastern culture and history, and biblical studies) maintain that the reports in the Hebrew Bible should not be cavalierly dismissed for ideological reasons but, rather, should be deemed to contain authentic memories.

Covering the time span from the Paleolithic period to the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 B.C., the eminent Egyptologist Donald Redford explores three thousand years of uninterrupted contact between Egypt and Western Asia across the Sinai land-bridge. In the vivid and lucid style that we expect from the author of the popular Akhenaten, Redford presents a sweeping narrative of the love-hate relationship between the peoples of ancient Israel/Palestine and Egypt.

The Ages in Alignment series seeks to resolve contradictions in accepted theories of history, and concludes that all the ancient civilizations arose simultaneously around 1100 BC. This, Volume 1, examines the archaeological evidence for the Flood and the rise of the first literate cultures in the wake of the catastrophe and traces the story of the great migration which led groups of early Mesopotamians westward toward Egypt. A few generations later Imhotep is shown to be the same person as Joseph, son of Jacob.

This political biography sheds new light on the vital role played by the Israeli Prime Minister in establishing peaceful relations with Egypt. Focusing on the character and personality of Menachem Begin, Gerald Steinberg and Ziv Rubinovitz offer a new look into the peace negotiations between Israel and Egypt in the 1970s. Begin’s role as a peace negotiator has often been marginalized, but this sympathetic and critical portrait restores him to the center of the diplomatic process. Beginning with the events of 1967, Steinberg and Rubinovitz look at Begin’s statements on foreign policy, including relations with Egypt, and his role as Prime Minister and chief signer of the Israel-Egypt peace treaty. While Begin did not leave personal memoirs or diaries of the peace process, Steinberg and Rubinovitz have tapped into newly released Israeli archives and information housed at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and the Begin Heritage Center. The analysis illuminates the complexities that Menachem Begin faced in navigating between ideology and political realism in the negotiations towards a peace treaty that remains a unique diplomatic achievement.

These studies on the history, art, religions, and literature of Egypt and the ancient Near East include discussions of previously unpublished archaeological excavations and ancient inscriptions. Some essays engage specific literary texts; others are comparative, interpreting the finds, art, and inscriptions, from a variety of ancient societies.

Based on an insider's knowledge of weaponry and of actual Israeli and Egyptian battle strategies, this book examines how two of the strongest regional militaries would likely fight a high intensity war in the Middle East. The book examines how the various factors in play - the battle for air superiority, air-ground bombardment, armor, and infantry collisions - would shape the outcome of the conflict, discussing each factor separately in order to highlight its importance. The analysis draws on previous (mainly Arab-Israeli) conflicts, and also on the author's 20 years of experience in studying and doing research on Israel's national strategy and military doctrine. Fascinating new issues are looked at, such as the demilitarization of the Sinai Peninsula and both armies being largely equipped with US military hardware. How would the lack of military infrastructure in the Peninsula dictate the course of the conflict? What issues of identification and friendly fire would the similarity of equipment bring? The book also examines the variety of confrontations that Israel might face - such as high intensity, hybrid, and low intensity wars - and the corresponding responses and strategies it might choose in defense. This will be essential reading for anyone interested in modern high intensity warfare, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and the possible future of the Middle East. *** 'Eilam presents a very cogent, judicious and compelling analysis of what the future military confrontation between Israel and Egypt in Sinai could look like.' -- Hillel Frisch, Professor of Political and Middle East Studies, Bar-Ilan University [Subject: Israeli studies, Middle East Studies, Military Studies, Politics]