The Exodus: How It Happened and Why It Matters

Friedman (Who Wrote the Bible?), a Bible scholar and professor of Jewish studies at the University of Georgia, sets out to prove the historical authenticity of the exodus from Egypt and underscore its significance in this multipronged book. By investigating verses from the Bible, evaluating inscriptions, incorporating material from archeological excavations, and assessing relevant historical data, Friedman builds his case that a small contingent of Levites were the actual group to leave Egypt, and soon after they joined the societies of Israel and Judah. He also claims that the Levites and the Israelites fused their individual gods to worship just one, which was a “necessary step in the formation of monotheism.” Furthermore, Friedman professes that the Levites’ status as “other” in Egypt led to the ethic of caring for the stranger. In an attempt to prove his assertions, Friedman includes many details and takes pains to provide as much evidence as possible—at times falling into prose too dense for the layperson. Christian readers with a strong interest in the Bible will appreciate Friedman’s exploration. (Sept.)