Archaeological Evidence for Exodus (with Dr. Mark Janzen)

[@scottthong9274]

Thanks to Dr Janzen for his remarks about New Kingdom practices and the number of Israelites!

[@panzeyman]

Favorite quote: "absence of evidence is not evidence for absence".

[@donfullman8696]

Sound and picture are good

[@ExplainApologetics]

Thanks Don! I believe I recorded this last year haha. It took a while to get edited and posted.

[@scottthong9274]

What does Dr Janzen think of David Rohl's conclusion that Avaris (Tell el-Dab'a) was the site of the Israelite settlement in Goshen, as popularized by Patterns of Evidence? Particularly the high proportion of infant burials, high proportion of adult female burials (indicating fewer males surviving to adulthood), and hasty mass graves followed by a sudden abandonment.

[@501Mobius]

Mark Janzen says that in Paul's day Arabia included the Sinai Peninsula and that is true. But then again the Paran Desert today is not where it was in Moses's day. DT 1:1 "This is the message Moses gave to all the people of Israel in the desert east of the Jordan River. They were in the desert area near Suph, between Paran and the towns of Tophel, Laban, Hazeroth, and Dizahab." Paran is given as one of the places being east of the Jordan. And in the battle of Siddim the army of 4 kings goes along the King's highway to El Paran then turns back to Kadesh then goes down into the vale of Siddim to fight the armies of the 5 kings. If El Paran is a mountain it might be Jabal Rum in Jordan.

[@scottthong9274]

I have to disagree that the Hebrew for 'sea of reeds' (yam suph) discounts a deep, saline body of water. The same word suph is used in Jonah 2:5, which indicates that the word can refer to any aquatic plant. 1 Kings 9:26 notes that "King Solomon built a fleet of ships at Ezion-geber, which is near Eloth on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom." Ezion-geber is at the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba. If the term Red Sea (yam suph) is used consistently with Exodus, then the end of the sea crossing was the Arabian peninsula. Has Mr Janzen surveyed the purported archaeological & geological evidence at the Arabian site? Just one split rock with water erosion is one thing, but Ryan Mauro also makes reference to a rock altar with petroglyphs of Hathor-style worship, circular stones he claims are the bases of pillars, etc.

[@501Mobius]

There was a yam suf near Ezion-Geber near Eilat and is thus used consistently in Exodus. The salt marsh is described by Num. 33:10. Besides that it is where millions of quail migrate each spring. Ex 16:13. And have been for thousands of years. Even Josephus mentioned the quail there. thesolutionsjournal.com/2016/02/22/sanctuary-in-the-desert-protecting-migratory-birds-in-israel/

[@LastDaysIntercessors]

Hey brother, I have a question for you. I've been contemplating this lately... Do you think that there's still any value in engaging atheists in formal debates? It seems that no matter how well the Christian performs, the atheist viewers still claim victory and will also flood the comment section with insults towards the Christian. (I know Jesus prophesied that we'd be hated, I'm just wondering if we're "casting our pearls before swine" with some of these internet atheists). Furthermore, atheists like Matt Dillahunty could face a humble saint like you, brother Samuel Nesan, and still come out of the debate fuming at the mouth, as though you insulted his mother! Don't get me wrong, debates used to be productive and respectful forums for idea exchange, but now I'm wondering what value they actually have in the face of this new breed of modern atheism? 🤔

[@ExplainApologetics]

Thank you for the great question. There is so much wisdom in what you said about "debates used to be productive" especially in "respected forums for idea exchange." I have been contemplating this myself and felt the same way as you do. There have been debates with atheists that have been really meaningful, such as my debate with Tom Jump in Macon, GA hosted by Don Fullman. It was a great experience and its something I would gladly do again. There are some debates, however, that were truly a waste of time (I won't name them). It's really hard to predict how the debate will turn out (in terms of quality) prior to the debate itself. Perhaps I need more prayer and guidance from God for wisdom on this matter. My usual approach has been to seize every opportunity to share Christ, His love and His gospel. I also believe there is wisdom in knowing where to engage as well. Really appreciate your comment above. Blessings. Samuel Nesan

[@LastDaysIntercessors]

@@ExplainApologetics Wow, I'm very happy that my humble comment was able to bring you some form of contentment. I deeply respect what you're doing in the name of our Lord. Regarding the question at hand, from talking to other Christians and from the discernment that I believe the Lord has provided, it is definitely case by case. Some debates are to be avoided, less we commit the act of "casting our pearls before swine" and we become "rent" (i.e. torn) in the process. Conversely, other debates will be more civil and consequently more fruitful. There might be some debates that are not readily apparent as to whether we should engage, but as you stated, this can be something better revealed through prayer and asking the Lord. God bless you and Godspeed!