The pharaoh most commonly identified with the time of Moses and the biblical Exodus is Ramesses II.
While the Bible does not explicitly name the pharaoh of the Exodus, several lines of reasoning, particularly from proponents of a Ramesside Exodus, point to Ramesses II as the prominent candidate.
Evidence Supporting Ramesses II
The primary evidence used to connect Ramesses II with the pharaoh of the Exodus stems from the biblical book of Exodus itself:
- Exodus 1:11 Reference: This verse states that the Israelites were forced to build "store cities, Pithom and Raamses."
- "Raamses" City: The city of "Raamses" is widely associated with Pi-Ramesses, a massive new capital city constructed by Ramesses II (reigned c. 1279–1213 BCE) in the eastern Nile Delta. This strong naming convention suggests a direct link to the pharaoh Ramesses II.
- Extensive Construction: Ramesses II was a prolific builder, overseeing monumental construction projects throughout Egypt. The sheer scale of his building endeavors aligns with the biblical description of the Israelites laboring on major cities.
- Geographical Fit: The location of Pi-Ramesses fits well with the geography implied in the Exodus narrative.
This identification places the Exodus event during the 13th century BCE, aligning with certain chronological interpretations of biblical history.
Ramesses II: The Great Builder
Ramesses II, often referred to as "Ramesses the Great," was one of Egypt's most powerful and long-reigning pharaohs. His reign, spanning over 60 years, was characterized by significant military campaigns, grand architectural achievements, and the construction of numerous temples and monuments, including the famous Abu Simbel temples and the Ramesseum. The building of a new capital, Pi-Ramesses, would have required an immense labor force, a detail that resonates with the biblical account of Israelite servitude as described in Exodus 1:11.
Key Connections to Ramesses II
| Aspect | Connection to Ramesses II |
|---|---|
| Biblical Verse | Exodus 1:11 mentions the Israelites building "Pithom and Raamses." |
| City of Raamses | Commonly identified with Pi-Ramesses, a major capital city built by Ramesses II. |
| Construction | Ramesses II was renowned for massive building projects, requiring vast labor. |
| Reign Period | His long reign (c. 1279–1213 BCE) aligns with common Exodus chronologies. |
