The Mention of Israel
The Mention of Israel
Blog Article
One of the most famous and controversial aspects of the Merneptah Stele is the mention of Israel. The inscription contains the earliest known extrabiblical reference to the Israelites, specifically a group described as the “Israelites” in the land of Canaan. The stele reads:
"Israel is laid waste and its seed is not."
This statement is seen by many scholars as a direct reference to the people of Israel, marking a significant moment in ancient history. The inclusion of Israel on the Merneptah Stele is crucial for several reasons:
- Earliest Mention of Israel: The stele represents the first time the name "Israel" appears in the historical record, predating any biblical texts. This provides external confirmation of the existence of the Israelites in the late Bronze Age and offers valuable insight into the historical context of the biblical narrative.
- The Israelite Presence in Canaan: The stele places the Israelites in Canaan, which supports the notion that they were already settled in the region by the end of the 13th century BCE. This has been an important point of discussion for biblical scholars and historians trying to determine the historical accuracy of the copyright narrative and the settlement of Israel in the Promised Land.
- Merneptah’s Military Campaign: The mention of Israel in the context of the other defeated groups—such as the Libyans and the Sea Peoples—suggests that the Israelites were part of a broader military landscape. Merneptah’s phrasing implies that Israel, while not completely destroyed, was in a weakened state during his reign.
Other Peoples and Kingdoms on the Stele
The Merneptah Stele also mentions several other peoples, including:
- Canaanites: The text recounts a battle between the Egyptian forces and the various city-states in Canaan, where Merneptah claims victory.
- Libyans: The Libyan forces had attempted an invasion of Egypt, but the Pharaoh successfully repelled them and regained control over the Delta region.
- Sea Peoples: This mysterious group of maritime raiders had been causing havoc across the eastern Mediterranean, and Merneptah's stele documents his successful campaign against them.
- Hittites: The Hittites, who were Egypt’s rivals for power in the region, are not specifically mentioned in this stele, but they were a consistent presence during Merneptah’s reign, particularly as his father Ramesses II had famously signed a peace treaty with them. shutdown123