Pharaoh Merneptah's Premature Obituary
Jewish History Lectures
The video discusses the earliest non-Biblical mention of Israel, found in Pharaoh Merneptah’s stele, which dates back to around 1209 BCE. This stele contains a victory hymn celebrating the Pharaoh's military achievements, and notably, it declares the people of Israel to be laid waste and without offspring, suggesting an anticipated decline or destruction. This entry provides an important piece of historical evidence outside of the biblical narrative, highlighting the existence and recognition of Israel as a group during that era. It reflects on the significance of perspective and bias in historical records, especially in the context of political victories and propaganda.