Richard Elliott Friedman
HarperOne, 304 pages
Reviewed by Jamieson Prevoznak
I am always excited to see biblical archeology books on the new non-fiction shelf. Richard Elliott Friedman poignantly reasserts the great story of the exodus back into the public imagination by explaining why it still matters to us today in a time where much of the biblical narrative is being forgotten or at very least dismissed to the category of folklore. Friedman weaves complex research into a smooth narrative that gives the reader a story of the exodus in very relatable way. For example, Friedman details research into the songs of Miriam and Deborah, citing them as some of the oldest passages in the entire Bible. Songs and poetry are much easier to remember and pass down from one generation to the next. Friedman states he probably can sing the entire Beatles collection of songs, but could never recite prose that would span the same length.
Friedman presents fascinating biblical research detailing a very probable hypothesis of how the exodus might have occurred. He agrees with conventional research there are many conflated elements of the exodus story, but challenges the outright notion that the entire event did not occur. He argues the people of the exodus could have been the Levites escaping Egypt who later merged with the existing people already established in the Levant becoming the Israelite people. The evidence that is presented is coherent and fascinating, challenging established theories that much of the Pentateuch and others books of the Bible were written (or at least redacted) primarily during the Babylonian exile. Friedman argues that if this is true, then the ancient Israelites produced no culture of note for hundreds of years.
Friedman gets into topics that you were always afraid to ask about (such as the Nephilim in Genesis) and covers the current state of biblical scholarship. The topic and ease of readability makes this perfect for an adult education class and provides a unique companion to the “Ten Commandments” that is shown on network TV every spring.
However, this book could be better served with a more comprehensive title and overarching connectivity. Friedman attempted to combine several Old Testament topics together when he seemingly ran out of material about the exodus, causing some confusion on what the actual topic of the book was about. Friedman works to bring everything together concluding that all of these issues are critical in understanding the meaning of the exodus in our current time.
The story of the exodus has captured the imagination of so many through its message of freedom and hope for a better life. Professional and amatuer biblical scholars alike will truly appreciate Friedman’s work as it shines a light on our own current discussions on immigration and identity origins all within the framework of an ancient story.
Jamieson Prevoznak is associate pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Richmond, California, and the chaplain in the Port of Oakland, California.