![[A Test Of Time: Volume One-The Bible-From Myth to History] [Author: Rohl, David] [April, 2001]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41KtF+GLQ4L._AC_UL160_SR160,160_.jpg)
I have been reading David Rohl’s material for a long time and, once again, he does not disappoint. I have read many books/material on this subject by Hoffmeier, Kitchen, and Woods. Although I enjoy their books, Mr. Rohl has a special gift given to him by God (although I’m sure he would disagree with me on the source). I believe part of the reason is because he keeps an open mind on most items and allows the evidence to take him wherever it leads. A truly successful chronologist/archeologist must take this approach in order to have any credibility with me.
The EXODUS book is broken up into four main categories:
Part 1: Creation of the Myth
Rohl does a great job setting the table for his book. In part 1, he examines why archeology has basically confined the Biblical stories of Joseph, the Exodus, the Sojourn and the Conquest into mythological status. The closed minds of these individuals can be traced to the incorrect dating of Ramesses II and the mis-identification of Shishak. This has led to archeologists placing the Semites arrival in Israel in the Late Bronze Age. As a result, the archeological record provides no evidence of these events.
Part 2: The Israelites in Egypt
Much of what’s in part 1 and part 2 were taken from Rohl’s ground-breaking book “A Test of Time” back in 1995. He has added a few more items for evidence that has come to light since he wrote that book. One of which is the independent research conducted in 2001 by David Lappin (University of Glasgow). In short, Lappin’s research proved that the New Chronology dates were fully supported by the new moon sequences. In contrast, the Orthodox Chronology was not supported at all. Lappin’s sequence dates provided accession dates of 1698 BC for Senuseret III and 1678 BC for Amenemhat III. This matched Rohl’s dates to a tee.
Part 3: The Exodus
The part 2 information allowed Rohl to identify Moses and the Pharaoh of Egypt (Dudimose). Armed with this knowledge, the pieces start to fall into place. In my opinion, the archeological data at Avaris is overwhelmingly in favor of Rohl’s findings. I am totally convinced that we have located the home of Jacob, his sons, and the very house of Joseph.
The details of Rohl’s opinion on the route of the Exodus was well researched. His opinion on the Reed Sea crossing (upper Balla Lakes at Yam Suph) is nothing new. It is one of several theories that have floated around for some time. The new satellite imagery offers substance to this theory though.
He actually contradicts himself somewhat on this issue. On page 167 he explains that Hollywood and the King James Bible erred when referring to Yam Suph as the “Red Sea.” It should have been the “Reed Sea” as per the original Hebrew. Fair enough. I’m ok with that. For me it doesn’t matter what exact body of water was crossed. However, on page 204, he admits that “Yam Suph may have referred not only to the Egyptian Sea of Reeds in northern Sinai, where the Miracle of the Sea took place, but also the Red Sea itself.” To me, this leaves open the possibility that the Kings James translators simply used the term ‘Red Sea’ to give you the actual body of water where the miracle took place (at least where they think it did) instead of the collective body of waters. Whether the Miracle of the Sea took place in the upper part of the Sea of Reeds (Balla Lakes) or the lower part of the Sea of Reeds (Red Sea), or somewhere in between makes no difference to me. Wherever the evidence leads. Rohl uses convincing evidence based upon the camps and days of journey (and satellite images) to locate it in the upper Balla Lakes area. However, until I see actual archeological evidence, this will remain a theory in my mind. Even Rohl, on page 191, admits the “’Miracle of the Sea’ awaits discovery.” I hope someone will soon investigate this particular area for archeological evidence. Perhaps Rohl can put this on his itinerary and write another book with his findings. Since this area is basically dried up (due to the Suez Canal) it should be easy to survey.
The “Wanderings” section was a delight to read. Rohl did a great job piecing together the Biblical narrative. I especially like the fact that he personally journeyed from camp to camp in an effort to follow the route of the Israelite’s journey. To me, this was very convincing.
Part 4: The Conquest
By placing the Israelites in the right timeline (Middle Bronze Age ~1400), the archeological evidence at Jericho, Bethel, Ai, Hazor, Shechem, etc fits absolutely perfect with the Biblical narrative. Rohl did a magnificent job proving the Biblical Minimalist wrong.
I highly recommend this book.
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Great book!!!
Still reading But Wow! Great info Bright author!! Great shipping.. This author is already on my shelf but He just keeps making great books lol thanks..
Top reviews from other countries
Ian Patterson
History as it should be presented
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 28, 2015