Evisceration of the Exodus myth

[SofaKingHigh]

O noes, the Witch King got him!

He did! But I managed to escape. When things are dire in Lord of the Rings, all you need to do is enter the cheat code (up, up, left, X, Y, X, select). Then these massive eagles turn up and just get you out of any danger you are in. If you watch the films in slow motion, you can see the characters entering these codes.

OK, well I was analysing my ring while in captivity and although the writing is similar it's not exactly like that. I've telepathically sent you all an image to see if you can figure out what it is. I'm thinking it's one of the rings given to humans, maybe?

I've always enjoyed analysing my ring.

[The Grand Nudger]

As history, Exodus is garbage.  As narrative, it's pretty solid.  Think of it like a Michael Bay flick, lol. Sure, sure, it's not deep or introspective........but it helps concessions peddle popcorn.

[Crossless2.0]

As history, Exodus is garbage.  As narrative, it's pretty solid.  Think of it like a Michael Bay flick, lol.  Sure, sure, it's not deep or introspective........but it helps concessions peddle popcorn.

Yes, it is garbage as history. But I'm that strange atheist who actually enjoys reading the Bible (well, many of the books -- most of the NT leaves me cold), and I love Genesis/Exodus. The Moses narrative is a fun read so long as one checks one's gullibility at the door.

[Minimalist]

I'm curious, is there even any evidence that the jews were enslaved in Egypt at all?

Actually, there is only a very limited indication of the existence of slavery in ancient Egypt at all and certainly not of entire populations.  The Ancient Egyptians used a corvee labor system in which free citizens were expected to provide labor on various projects.  They were paid, usually in beer and bread (coins had not been invented at the time) and since these were the same workers who were needed to till the fields the bulk of their service was performed during the annual Nile flood when agriculture was impossible.

In addition to the public works application think of it in regard to the Romans' use of the legions for construction work during periods of peace.  Keep them busy, keep them out of trouble.