The Pharaoh most commonly identified during the time Moses returned to Egypt to lead the Israelites out of bondage is Ramesses II, also known as Ramesses the Great.
The Reign and Significance of Ramesses II
Ramesses II was one of the most powerful and long-reigning pharaohs of the New Kingdom. His reign, lasting from approximately 1279 to 1213 BC, marked a period of great prosperity, monumental construction, and military campaigns for ancient Egypt. He is often recognized for his grand building projects, including the city of Pi-Ramesses, and for leading the Egyptian army in significant battles, such as the Battle of Kadesh.
Why Ramesses II is a Leading Candidate
The identification of Ramesses II as the Pharaoh of the Exodus, and consequently the one Moses confronted upon his return, is primarily based on several lines of contextual evidence and biblical references:
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Biblical Place Names: The Bible frequently mentions a place name "Rameses" in connection with the Israelites' presence in Egypt and their departure. For example:
- Genesis 47:11: Refers to Jacob's family settling in the "land of Rameses."
- Exodus 1:11: Describes the Israelites building storage cities, Pithom and Rameses, for the Pharaoh.
- Numbers 33:3: States that the Israelites set out from "Rameses" after the Passover.
These mentions align with the historical period of Ramesses II, who constructed the city of Pi-Ramesses (often identified with the biblical Rameses) as his new capital in the eastern Delta.
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Contextual Evidence: Beyond the place names, other historical and archaeological interpretations, while not definitive proof, align Ramesses II with the narrative timeframe and cultural setting described in the biblical account of the Exodus. This includes the extensive use of forced labor for grand building projects, which could correspond to the servitude described for the Israelites.
While Ramesses II is the most frequently cited figure, it's important to note that direct archaeological evidence definitively proving his role as the "Exodus Pharaoh" remains elusive, leading to ongoing scholarly discussion and various theories. However, based on the available information and biblical correlations, he remains the strongest traditional candidate for the Pharaoh during Moses's return and the subsequent Exodus.
