The Pyramids and the Bible
Brian Dunning’s Skeptoid podcast has tackled an issue I’ve been meaning to bring up for some time: did the Hebrews of the Old Testament build the Pyramids? And the answer is a resounding “no.”
Open your Bible and check out the book of Exodus. You’ll notice it specifically mentions the Hebrews building supply cities, but does not say anything about pyramids. In fact, no verse in the entire Bible mentions pyramids, and chronologically, it wouldn’t make sense if it did mention them as anything but tourist attractions.
The first Egyptian pyramid (I think that the oldest known pyramid is in Malta) was designed by a genius named Imhotep in approximately the 27th century B.C. The concept of pyramid building caught on and the original design was improved by architects and builders who are known to us because they put their names on the pyramids – just like artists sign paintings. (There is generally less mystery then people think that is attributed to the pyramids. Now, the Sphinx on the other hand…) I have a few colleagues who are classical historians, and the idea that the pyramids were built by Hebrew slaves is a good way to make them laugh. The same could be said of any Old Testament historian; this myth just doesn’t hold up to simple historical observation.
Let’s be honest, half of you didn’t know this guy was real.When did this urban legend start? A long time ago, apparently. Brian Dunning points out that Herodotus, “The Father of History,” is to blame. As he puts it:
Mr. Dunning goes on to deny the historical events of the Exodus, which I think is taking things to far. There is no independent verification of the Exodus, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. Some doubted the existence of King David until archaeological evidence turned up a slab with his name on it, and this led to a number of retractions. I could tell you a lot of historical records that seemed unlikely until evidence turned up that proved the record was correct, so we have to be careful in how quickly we dismiss something as myth. (Lest I tarnish a good name, I’d like to point out that I enjoy the Skeptoid podcast quite a lot, but I think this part was a stretch.)
So, let’s move forward and not perpetuate ancient misunderstandings. The Hebrew slaves didn’t build the pyramids, the Egyptians did, and Christians should be the first people to correct this error.
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About The Author
Adam Jones
Adam Jones is a licensed minister who also has an M.A. in medieval Studies from Southern Methodist University. His academic work has been focused on church history, monastic approaches, and pop-culture.
This reminds me of one of the most devastating critiques of the Bible’s historical accuracy: the fact that it mentions this mythical people called the Hittites. And then in the early twentieth century, archaeologists started finding all sorts of evidence for them. And not a little pot that said “Property of Bob the Hittite,” but volumes of artifacts and even a few cities, I believe.
Of course it’s a huge step (which most apologists don’t seem to understand) between proving the OT to be historically reliable and proving it to be the inspired word of God, but it is comforting to my faith nonetheless.
Indeed. Historians should have learned, by now, that we can’t overturn something simply because of a lack of evidence. The most successful historians use their energies elsewhere.
So, what does it say, Adam, that you are using your energy here debunking this? 😉
I want to read more… It seems your sentence was left unfinished. I’m linking this to my Egypt study by the way. I love Egyptian history… So what’s your view on Moses? My guess is during Hatshepsut’s reign somewhere.
did you see the special exodus decoded with james cameron and simcah jacobovici it shows achmose as the pharoah, very convincing evidence….
Anonymous, thanks for the heads up. I proofread and proofread and I still miss things. Thanks for the link, as well.
Moses, as you know, is a tough one. I once wrote a 20 page paper in which I declared that I knew, with absolute certainty, which Egyptian ruler was present during Moses’ lifetime. Then, I read some more stuff and thought I might be wrong. The more I read, the more difficult it became. Now, I have to relegate that question to greater authorities on ancient history (since I’m a medievalist). It’s a good question, but a tough one.
I heard a very convincing lecture that argued that Thutmoses IV of the 18th dynasty was the pharaoh of the exodus. I’m not an authority on ancient history by any stretch, so I couldn’t fact check him. However, his logic was quite compelling.
No one’s brought up aliens yet?
The Goa’uld did it!
Many have commented over the years that Isaiah 19:19-20 refers to the pyramids. Though I have never seen a reasoned explanation why God would be building the pyramids.
Read the book of the “exodus case” imohotep was proven to be Joseph.. Just a small proof was in the Egyptians pyramids there were tunnels of grain that were found.. In the Bible Joseph stored grain for seven years..
Josephus (first century) said, “[T]hey set them [Israel] also to build pyramids…” (Antiq. II, 9:1) No one today believes what Josephus said about Israel building pyramids, but pyramids were built up till the time of Ahmose, of the 18th Dynasty. Both the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx are mentioned in the Bible moe than onces, see = http://www.sinai-horeb.com/ Their inability to find something is what they offer as proof! They only recently found (2002) the “workers’ village” for the pyramids of the Giza Plateau. It is estimated this town housed 20,000 people and was built out of bricks.
What am I missing? The search engine brought this up: “The Pyramids and the Bible. Adam Jones | February 2, 2010 | Bible, … Both the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx are mentioned in the Bible moe than onces, …” and the link to this page….but I’m not seeing that comment. Hmmmm. Misleading.
Hello, Shebon. Thanks for your comment. Please provide textual support (chapter and verse would be great) for your claims so we can discuss your comment. Cheers!
The anonymous commenter on December 8, 2012, right above your post has that quote in his reply. It is misleading for the search engine to imply that it is in the text of the blog post, especially since it is basically the exact opposite of the author’s intent. Not sure how to fix or correct that sort of thing, but hopefully the original article is clear to you.
Thanks for helping to clarify, David.