The Pharaoh's Son in the Exodus and Biblical Accounts

The historical and biblical accounts of the Exodus are rich with detail, but one question often emerges: who was the prince of Egypt in the Bible, and more specifically, the son of Pharaoh who died during the Last Plague? This article delves into the biblical records and historical research to provide answers.

Pharaoh and the Biblical Context

It is important to distinguish between the title 'Pharaoh' and 'King' in the context of ancient Egypt. The term 'Pharaoh' does not mean 'King' as many think. The title 'Pharaoh' signifies the ruler and symbol of divine authority over Egypt. In the biblical narrative, Pharaoh is portrayed as a powerful and resistant ruler who refused to let God's chosen people, the Israelites, leave.

The biblical account of the Exodus (Exodus 12:29) records only one specific son of Pharaoh being mentioned. He was the son ruling at the time of the Red Sea crossing and perished on the night of the Passover. This event is shrouded in biblical history and theological significance, embodying the divine will and justice.

Historical Context and Archaeological Evidence

The identity of the Pharaoh of the Exodus is also a subject of scholarly debate. One prominent hypothesis suggests that the Pharaoh may have been Amonemhet IV, the last male ruler of the 12th Dynasty, whose reign transitioned to the female queen, Sobeknefru.

Aronofsky's 2006 movie The Prince of Egypt attempts to fill in the blanks based on these accounts, but it remains fiction. Historical evidence points to a son of Pharaoh who was approximately a teenager when he died during the tenth plague. The tomb of this youth has been excavated at KV5, inside the Valley of the Kings, but no remains were found.

Archaeological Discoveries and Unanswered Questions

The tomb at KV5, commissioned by Pharaoh Ramesses II, contained canopic jars with the inscriptions of his firstborn son, Amun Her Khepeshef. However, the remains of the son who died during the Exodus have not been confirmed. The Egyptian authorities have consistently refused to allow DNA testing.

Archaeologists and historians agree that the canopic jars containing organs were likely from a different tomb. The embalmed remains of the tomb's occupants were likely moved after the tomb was robbed in ancient times. The age of the son remains speculative, given that there is no definitive way to identify the remains.

Conclusion and Theological Reflections

The biblical and historical discussions of the Pharaoh and his son add a layer of complexity to the Exodus narrative. The Pharaoh is portrayed as a tyrant, and his son as a tragic figure, whose demise underscores the power of divine intervention. While the historical details may never be fully known, the biblical accounts provide essential theological insights and moral lessons for believers.

The Pharaoh of the Exodus will remain a topic of debate among scholars, but the enduring significance of the story lies in its spiritual and moral teachings. The story serves as a timeless reminder of God's power, His plan for His chosen people, and the consequences of resistance to divine will.