Pharaoh of Exodus?

 AI Overview

The Pharaoh of the Exodus isn't named in the Bible, leading to scholarly debate, but many theories point to Amenhotep II(reigned c. 1427–1401 BCE) or his predecessor Thutmose III(reigned c. 1479–1425 BCE) as likely candidates, fitting biblical timelines around 1446 BCE with his son's succession aligning with the firstborn's death in the plagues. Other theories suggest later pharaohs like Ramses II, or even earlier, unknown rulers. 

Leading Candidates & Theories

• Amenhotep II (c. 1427–1401 BCE): 

  Often favored for the Exodus itself, as he succeeded Thutmose III, whose eldest son died, fitting the biblical narrative where Pharaoh's firstborn perishes. 
• Thutmose III (c. 1479–1425 BCE): 

  Considered the Pharaoh during Moses' exile and early life, with the Exodus occurring near the end of his reign or the start of his son's.

  Overview

  

  Amenhotep II's parents were Pharaoh Thutmose III and his minor wife, Merytre-Hatshepsut (or Meritre), a non-royal woman who became his chief queen after the death of Thutmose III's first wife, Satiah, and their son, Amenemhat, the original heir. 

  • Father: Thutmose III, a powerful pharaoh known as the "Napoleon of Egypt".
  • Mother: Merytre-Hatshepsut, who was not of royal blood but rose to become chief queen after her predecessor's passing. 

  
  

  The first Born Son of Amenhotep II

  Webensenu's 

  father was the Pharaoh Amenhotep II, making him an ancient Egyptian prince of the 18th Dynasty, and his mother's identity is unknown, though he was a half-brother to Pharaoh Thutmose IV. 

  
  

  He died young and was likely buried in his father's tomb (KV35), with his name and titles found on items within, and a young boy's mummy in the tomb is often identified as him. 

  Key Facts:

  • Father: Amenhotep II (Pharaoh).
  • Mother: Unknown.
  • Brother: Thutmose IV (who succeeded Amenhotep II).
  • Burial: Found in Amenhotep II's tomb (KV35) in the Valley of the Kings.
  • Significance: His burial with his father, along with other royal mummies, highlights the complex family dynamics and burial practices of the 18th Dynasty.
    The eldest son of Pharaoh Ramesses II, Amun-her-khepeshef, died before inheriting the throne, as did several subsequent heirs, with the throne eventually passing to Ramesses' 13th son, Merenptah, after a long reign. In biblical tradition, the Pharaoh of the Exodus had his firstborn son die in the tenth plague, with scholars often linking this Pharaoh to Amenhotep II and his son Webensenu, though historical confirmation for the latter's death in the plague is debated. 
    Examples of Pharaohs with Firstborn Sons Who Died:
    • Ramesses II (New Kingdom): His firstborn, Amun-her-khepeshef, died, followed by many other sons, eventually leading to Merenptah (his 13th son) becoming Pharaoh.
    • Amenhotep III (New Kingdom): His eldest, Thutmose, was Crown Prince but died, with Amenhotep IV (Akhenaten) succeeding him.
    • Thutmose III (New Kingdom): His firstborn son, Amenemhat, died, leading to Thutmose III marrying to have more children, including Amenhotep II. 
    Biblical Context (Exodus):
    • The Bible describes the death of Pharaoh's firstborn as the final plague.
    • Many scholars identify the Pharaoh of the Exodus as Amenhotep II, whose son Webensenu died as a child and was buried with him, fitting the biblical narrative's pattern of a firstborn's death. 
    So, while several pharaohs outlived their firstborn sons, the question most often refers to the biblical account or historical figures like Ramesses II or Amenhotep II where such events occurred. 
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