(2:4) A Flight from Egypt or an Expulsion?

Our historical interpretation of the traditions found in Genesis and applied to the Exodus’ opening narrative, has highlighted some of the economic, social and religious pressures that are as relevant to today’s cosmopolitan societies as they were 4,000 years ago. Pharaoh as maintainer of ma’at, justice, balance and order, was responsible for championing a set of moral, spiritual, and civic responsibilities that fortify humanity, both individually and collectively. Yet our historical interpretation suggests that he was pursuing a sedentary agenda at the expense of the nomadic populous.

The use of the word ‘Hebrew’ clearly highlights the division between pharaoh, his government and the people who opposed their changes. Clearly, the unnamed pharaoh tries to exert his power, which reaches a point where it is no longer acceptable for the Hebrews to endure. They firstly raise a complaint, but as pharaoh’s pride and selfishness compels him to increase their burdens, they initiate a policy of nonco- operation or boycotts. The policies adopted by Aaron and Moses through the use of the plagues, are designed to awaken a sense of moral shame in their opponent. When this policy fails, Israel withdraws its labour. It is not that dissimilar to the negotiations between a company management team and its workforce during a labour dispute.

What is clear is that kingship, both in Egypt and the Near East, would have involved more consensus building than is sometimes supposed. Depending on how much pharaoh was willing to participate in this process, the greater or lesser resistance may have been experienced. As an ensurer of Ma’at, the Exodus account is demonstrating the breakdown in pharaoh’s ability to sustain it. His actions bring about the anti-creation plagues and the fall into chaos. As a contrast to the creation accounts in Genesis or Ra’s journey through the sky, the sojourn of Israel can be seen as a journey through the underworld prior to Israel’s renewal or Ra’s rebirth. [48]

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Part One: Ancient Voices.: The following links reveal the Genesis connection to part one’s geographic and historic overview.
Part Two: Egypt’s Golden Age.: The following links explore the tensions behind Exodus and investigate Israel’s exit route.
Part Three: The Great Migration.: The following links reveal the remaining pieces of Egyptian evidence and retrace the Exodus route.

(2:4) A Flight from Egypt or an Expulsion?

See Joseph, Moses and Egypt’s Three Kingdoms on:

Part One: Ancient Voices.

Part Two: Egypt’s Golden Age.

Part Three: The Great Migration.