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SUBJECT: Pharaoh of the Exodus
QUESTIONS: Who was the pharaoh who ruled during the
time of the Exodus? What became of him? Did he drown in
the Red Sea?
ANSWER:
Many believe that this pharaoh, Amenhotep II, drowned in the
Red Sea, along with his army, while the Egyptians were
pursuing the fleeing Israelites. They read Exodus 15:19,
which states, “For the horse of Pharaoh went in with his
chariots and with his horsemen into the sea, and the LORD
brought again the waters of the sea upon them,” and conclude
that Pharaoh did in fact perish. They believe that the word
“horse” indicates that this was Pharaoh’s personal horse.
The fact is that the verse should read “horses,” meaning all
of the horses of Egypt’s army, which were considered to be
Pharaoh’s property. The New King James correctly renders the
verse in this way. So Exodus 15:19 does not indicate that
Pharaoh or his personal horse drowned that day.
Some feel that more proof that Amenhotep II died in the Red
Sea is found in Psalm 136:15. Here, God says that He
“overthrow Pharaoh and his host [army]
in the Red Sea.” Some assert that the Hebrew word translated
“overthrew,” na’ar, means “to drown” or “to toss or tumble
as in the water.” But, as can be found in the margins of
many bibles, na’ar simply means “shook off.” So the verse
states that God “shook off” the Egyptians in their chase
after the Israelites. It says nothing as to who drowned in
the sea.
Had Amenhotep II actually died in the Red Sea, the Bible
would most likely have made mention of it. There are many
references to the demises of enemy kings in the Old
Testament, some of whom would have been far less notable
than the pharaoh of the Exodus.
Also, archeologists have proven that, after the Exodus,
Amenhotep II continued to reign in Egypt for at least
sixteen more years.
Quoted scriptures:
Exodus 15:9
The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will
divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I
will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.
Psalm 136:15
But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his
mercy endureth for ever. |