Quote:The late date (1230 B.C.) – Israel Finkelstein, James K. Hoffmeier
Professor Finkelstein believes that the exodus tale dates from the late 7th century. This was the only time in the entire first millennium BC when Egypt ( as the 26th Dynasty) and Judah ( Finkelstein insists on using the name of King Josiah even though there is no archaeological attestation for his existence) were potential adversaries for lands being vacated by the Assyrians as they were being defeated by the Babylonians. It was no contest. The Egyptians prevailed and then were in turn defeated by the Babylonians at Carchemish c 605 BC. Hoffmeier, a xtian just like Bryant Wood, may believe in the 1230 date. Finkelstein merely agrees that it is a traditional date but he does not buy it in reality.