Abstract:
Exodus 11:5 declares that “all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne … and all the firstborn of the cattle.” According to the Biblical-Lunar-Solar Chronology (BLSC), the Exodus occurred in Year 42 of Thutmose III’s reign (April 1438 BC). This article examines the identity of Pharaoh’s firstborn at this time and argues that Prince Amenemhat fits this role and died in the plague, with the subsequent ascension of Amenhotep II following a period of royal protection during his minority.
1. The Biblical Mandate and Its Scope
Exodus 11:5 sets forth the devastating judgment on Egypt’s firstborn, both human and animal:
“All the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the slave girl who is behind the mill, and all the firstborn of the cattle.”
This passage highlights the comprehensive nature of the plague, striking the royal heir, all Egyptian households, and the livestock economy. Josephus reiterates this in Antiquities (II.14.6), stating that Pharaoh’s son, “who was about to succeed him,” also died.
2. Amenemhat: The Eldest Son and Overseer of Cattle
Egyptian records identify Prince Amenemhat as sA-nsw smsw — “Eldest Son of the King.” He appears in inscriptions at Karnak as late as Year 24 of Thutmose III’s reign, shortly after Hatshepsut’s death and Thutmose’s sole rule began. Unusually for a prince, Amenemhat also held the title “Overseer of the Cattle,” linking him directly to the livestock sector targeted by the plague.
No other older sons of Thutmose III are known, making Amenemhat the most plausible historical candidate for the “firstborn of Pharaoh” referenced in Exodus.
3. The Timing of Amenemhat’s Death and the Succession Dynamics
While some have speculated that Amenemhat died before regnal year 37 to 42, these claims rely largely on absence from inscriptions rather than direct evidence. The Biblical-Lunar-Solar Chronology places the Exodus—and thus the plague killing the firstborn—in Year 42 (April 1438 BC), consistent with Amenemhat’s death at this time.
Following his death, Amenhotep II, likely only around six years old, became the heir. Historical and archaeological evidence suggest Thutmose III continued to reign for approximately twelve more years, providing protection and preparation for his young successor before Amenhotep II’s formal accession. This explains the gap between Amenemhat’s death and Amenhotep II’s coronation, as well as the abrupt shift in the royal heir apparent.
4. Conclusion
Aligning biblical narrative, Egyptian titles, and the BLSC timeline creates a strong case that Amenemhat was the Pharaoh’s firstborn who died during the Exodus plague. His dual role as heir and Overseer of the Cattle underscores the plague’s devastating blow to both royal lineage and economic stability. The subsequent minority of Amenhotep II and extended reign of Thutmose III align with the biblical pattern of divine judgment and political succession.
This synthesis bridges biblical text and Egyptian history in a compelling way, reinforcing the historicity of the Exodus within the BLSC framework.