Did Nefertiti Pull Moses Out of the Nile?

The question of whether Nefertiti pulled Moses out of the Nile is a common misconception. Let's delve into the historical and biblical contexts to clarify this myth.

The Biblical Narrative and Moses

The story of Moses being found in the Nile is a well-known narrative found in the Book of Exodus. According to the biblical account, Moses was placed in a basket and set adrift in the Nile River by his mother, Miriam, with the hope of saving him from a decree by the Pharaoh that all Hebrew male infants were to be killed. Subsequently, the daughter of Pharaoh, often referred to as Bithiah in Jewish tradition, discovered Moses in the basket and took him in. In the Midrashic traditions of Judaism, she is called Batyah, and according to Josephus, she is named Thermutis.

Nefertiti and Historical Context

It is important to note that Nefertiti, an Egyptian queen and the wife of Pharaoh Akhenaten, lived much later than the time traditionally associated with Moses. Historical timelines place Nefertiti in the 14th century BCE, whereas the Exodus narrative is generally dated to a much earlier period. The debate surrounding the exact dates and historicity of the events involving Moses is ongoing among scholars. Nefertiti, while a significant figure in ancient Egypt, is not historically linked to the story of Moses being found by the daughter of Pharaoh.

Popular Culture and Misconceptions

The confusion arises partly due to popular cultural depictions, such as the 1956 film "The Ten Commandments," directed by Cecil B. DeMille. In this portrayal, Nefertiti is depicted as the Egyptian Princess who pulls Moses from the Nile, played by Anne Baxter. In the movie, the character is named Bithia, reflecting various Talmudic traditions. Nina Foch played the role of Bithia in the film, further cementing the notion that Nefertiti was the one to save Moses.

Historical and Biblical Evidence

The story of Moses being found in the Nile is based on biblical narratives, and there is no non-biblical historical or archaeological evidence to support the events of the Exodus as described. Many scholars believe that the Exodus narrative was written as an allegorical story to provide hope for the Judahite people during the Babylonian Exile. The character of Moses, as well as other aspects of the narrative, may have been inspired by older myths and texts, such as the Sargon of Akkad story, which features a similar scenario involving a basket and a river.

Conclusion

The misconception that Nefertiti pulled Moses out of the Nile stems from blending historical facts with popular cultural depictions and the rich tapestry of biblical narratives. It is crucial to understand the historical and cultural contexts to clarify such myths. Understanding the facts can help us appreciate both the literary and historical significance of these stories.