Amenophis II (Son of Thutmose-III)

This granite statue of an Egyptian king has been identified as Amenophis II who was the son of Thutmose-III). This statue of Amenophis II is important in the study of Biblical Archaeology because many scholars believe that the most evidence points to him as being the Pharaoh of the Exodus.

There are two main opinions among scholars as to who the Pharaoh was during the time of the Exodus in Egypt by the Hebrews. Amenhotep II (1427-1392 B.C.), and Rameses II (1279 - 1213 B.C.).

Amenophis II: Amenhotep II was also known as Amenophis II and he was the son of Thutmose III. If Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt during the reign of Amenophis II, then the main oppressor of Israel would have been his father Thutmose III who was also the greatest conqueror in Egyptian history. His sister Queen Hatshepsut would have rescued Moses and brought him up. 

Rameses II: If the Exodus from Egypt happened during the reign of Rameses II, then his father Seti I would have been the main oppressor of Israel.

Kings of Egypt (New Kingdom)

18th Dynasty

Ahmose (Nebpehtyre) 1539 - 1514  B.C.
Amenhotep I (Djeserkare) 1514 - 1493
Thutmose I (Akheperkare) 1493 - 1481
Thutmose II (Akheperenre) 1491 - 1479
Hatshepsut (Maatkare) 1473 - 1458
Thutmose III (Menkheperre) 1504 - 1450
Amenhotep II (Akheperure) 1427 - 1392
Thutmose IV (Menkheperure) 1419 - 1386
Amenhotep III (Nebmaatre) 1382 - 1344
Amenhotep IV / Akhenaten 1350 - 1334
Smenkhkare (Ankhkheperure) 1336-1334
Tutankhamun (Nebkheperure) 1334 - 1325
Ay (Kheperkheperure) 1325 - 1321
Horemheb (Djeserkheperure) 1323 - 1295

19th Dynasty
Ramesses I (Menpehtyre) 1295 - 1294  B.C.
Seti I (Menmaatre) 1394 - 1279
Ramesses II (Usermaatresetepenre) 1279 - 1213
Merenptah (Baenrehotephirmaat) 1213 - 1203
Amenmesse (Menmire) 1203 - 1200
Seti II (Userkheperuresetepenre) 1200 - 1194
Siptah (Akhenresetepenre) 1194 - 1188
Tausert (Sitremeritamun) 1185-1187
 

Possible Chronology

1 Kings 6:1 "And it came to pass in the 480th year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the 4th year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month Zif, which [is] the second month, that he began to build the house of the LORD."

966 B.C. - Solomon's 4th Year

Go back 480 Years

1445 B.C -  Exodus took place

1445 B.C. - Would have been the 3rd year of Amenhotep II

More evidence:

- According to Acts 7:23 Moses was in Midian for 40 years. Amenhotep's father Thutmose III is the only pharaoh who reigned for so long a time (54 years) to have been ruling in Egypt when Moses left, and still ruling just before Moses returned. This would put Amenhotep II as the pharaoh of the Exodus.

- According to the "Merenptah Stele" inscription the ancient Israelites already occupied the land of Canaan during his reign (1213-1203 BC).

- According to historical sources Amenhotep II did not carry out extensive military campaigns like his father Thutmose III. This brings up the possibility that his army was weakened.

- According to the "Dream Stele" inscription Thutmose IV was not the firstborn son of his father Amenhotep II. This brings up the possibility that his firstborn died as mentioned in the Bible.

- The idea of monotheism was introduced by Amenhotep II's son Thutmose IV and later called the cult of Aton under his grandson Amenhotep IV (Akhnaton).

Exodus 5:2 - And Pharaoh said, Who [is] the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.

Exodus 12:29 - And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.