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Why don't we start with the CW that Moses, Hofni,
Phineas, perhaps Aaron (and according to one set of opinions in a recent
discussion on the ANE List, Miriam as well; but I suggested an Amorite or
Canaanite etymology) are Egyptian names? Moses is a hypocorisitc of an
Egyptian
theophoric name, like Ra--mses, Thoth-mes. I don't remember the suggested
etymologies of the other names.
Add to this the anonymous prophet's words to Eli in
1 Sam. 2:17: "Did I not reveal Myself your father's house when they were in
Egypt [belonging to/serving] Pharaoh's house?" The story there may be fictional;
but this detail, serving as motivation for Divine punishment, would be a strange
thing indeed to invent.
It's things like these that lead me to the
conclusion that the Exodus traditions have some sort of historical kernel in
them, however much it may have been distorted by later accretions and theology.
Exactly what sort of kernel? It's a matter of conjecture, like that cited below
(and which is as good, or as bad, as any other conjecture).
Sincerely,
Jonathan D. Safren
Chairman Dept. of Biblical Studies Beit Berl College 44905 Israel
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