Question

So why does the Bible consistently catch the Israelites as outsiders in Canaan; ________ wanderings from Mesopotamia, ______ leading slaves out of Egypt and into the promised land, and ________ conquering canaan from outside

Answer 1

The Bible's depiction of Israelites as outsiders who migrated to Canaan includes the Exodus from Egypt and settlement led by Joshua, but archaeological evidence suggests a smaller-scale migration possibly related to the Bronze Age collapse.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Bible portrays the Israelites as outsiders in Canaan because it tracks a narrative of their journey, which includes their wanderings from Mesopotamia, Moses leading them out of slavery in Egypt (the Exodus), and the subsequent conquest and settlement in Canaan.

The archaeological record, however, casts doubt on the historical accuracy of these biblical accounts. While there is some evidence of a group of Hebrews in Canaan around 1200 BCE, the complete enslavement in Egypt and the dramatic conquest led by Joshua are not strongly supported by empirical archaeological evidence.

Yet, there is an acknowledgment that a smaller group, possibly the Hebrews, might have migrated from Egypt to Canaan.

This period overall marks a significant transition from the Bronze Age to the establishment of the Hebrews in Canaan, interacting with various other powers and forming their identity centered around monotheism and the worship of Yahweh.