Final answer:
Pharaoh decided to let the Israelites leave Egypt because of divine punishments, particularly the death of the firstborn, according to the biblical narrative of the Exodus. However, historical and archaeological evidence provides different perspectives, potentially involving economic or diplomatic factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Pharaoh decided to let the Israelites leave Egypt after experiencing a number of divine punishments brought upon him and Egypt by the Hebrew god. These events are described in the religious text of the Bible and are known as the plagues. The final and most devastating of these was the death of all the firstborn in Egypt, which finally compelled the Pharaoh to relent and allow Moses to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt. This event is a pivotal part of the narrative known as the Exodus, marking the Hebrews' departure from Egyptian bondage and their journey to Canaan.
Despite the biblical account detailing religious and supernatural reasons for the exodus, historical and archaeological evidence for such an event and its circumstances remains sparse. References to similar events can be found in some historical texts, such as King Bocchoris seeking advice from the oracle of Ammon and the presence of a Hebrew population in Canaan. However, these accounts offer diverse reasons for the Hebrews' departure, including potential economic and diplomatic motivations, rather than purely the religious reasons detailed in the Bible.
In conclusion, while the story of the Exodus is rooted in religious tradition, the exact reasons for the Hebrews' departure from Egypt, as recorded in different sources, may vary and are subject to interpretation.