Patterns of Evidence: The Exodus (2014)

If you don't like this, we can't be friends.

Absolutely the worst movie.

A different way of telling a story

There are better movies of two hours length. I loved the actress'performance.

Ce documentaire est extrêmement bien documenté et sérieux, captivant passionnant...

This film explores new ideas that might support the idea of an Exodus from Egypt. We may never really know, but the reality is that ancient civilizations are constantly in flux as for revisionists. In recent years, archaeologists and historians have re-written historical events as new evidence comes to light. The relating of the bronze age in different parts of the world and the reconstruction and recent revisions of Mayan history and language are examples. Surprisingly many archaeologists interviewed in the film feel the periods and dating are final. On the other hand, many ancient texts are legends that have truth but inaccuracies. Most likely there is truth in Hebrews in Egypt and some type of migration that eventually formed a kingdom. The specific details can never be known but assumptions should be discarded in favor of more recent and clear evidence. Some comments and reviews here claim the documentary is not scientific. David Rohl comments in the film are falling in that unscientific line but his comments may be taken out of context as the interviews are often chopped up. Nevertheless, director Tim Mahoney takes a neutral position only to give suggestion that we might have history wrong. The film is beautifully done with an archaeological professional bent except for the political historical versions from Shimon Peres and Benjamin Netanyahu. Out of preference to stay politically neutral, this documentary probably should not look to interview them unless it has additional financing from the Israeli government. Then the film is no longer a true documentary but falls into the category of propagandistic Leni Riefenstahl's Triumph of the Will. So it is far better to stay neutral not to politicize Biblical truths and untruths. In fact, it is suggested that the Egyptian government tries to avoid any archaeological digs that might support Biblical meaning. So it walks along those lines dangerously, from a factual perspective.Back to David Rohl's suggestions. He supports that Hazor and Jericho fell to Joshua which supports the Exodus version. And yes, there was a King Jabin and both cities did fall in violence according to recent evidence. However, the collapses were about 200-250 years apart as Hazor fell ca 1200 BC which matches the classical version of Egyptian chronology whereas Jericho fell well before.Most likely the Exodus did occur well before we think and Joseph's tomb was found. But the actual Exodus might have taken 200 or more years before Israel finally formed rather than the claimed 40 years of wandering. Chances are Joshua did not conquer those cities but a series of Hebrew leaders might have led campaigns. And a thousand years later, the Torah writers relied on a condensation of history with facts and myths. Perhaps the conqueror and brother of Moses, Joshua was several persons. But all civilizations have a origin often based on a conquering hero. In addition, the Hyksos who invaded Egypt and the land could have been responsible for in part creating the turmoil that set the Middle Kingdom into chaos and descent, allowing the Hebrews to set free. Probably a series of famines and wars that tore Egypt from the prosperous Middle Kingdom. In any event, I would suggest that Rohl's descriptions themselves don't have a chronological sense unless we assume Joshua was not one person and the Exodus actually took at least 200 years. That might make sense since there were so many small cities and the Hebrews were presuming impoverished after leaving Egypt. Converting a nomadic people into an organized army and then settling down as a kingdom would take time. Especially if there was constant strife in the area. And if famine hit Egypt, chances are, it affected everyone.A provocative film to watch, nonetheless.

Patterns of Evidence is brilliant, masterful; detective work which had me on the edge of my seat! Blinking was not an option, and what would I miss if I did! A whodunit story from antiquity brought into the limelight of the modern era challenging fast held Judeo- Christian faiths and beliefs. Finally a documentary where the audience are invited to make their own conclusions, and I cannot help wondering if God has not preserved this movie for our jaded world where reason supersedes common sense, even when the writing on the wall confirms, reaffirms the truth of scripture. 'Truth is stranger than fiction, but it is because Fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities; Truth isn't. ― Mark Twain

Exodus 6:7 I will take you as my people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am Adonai your God, who freed you from the forced labor of the Egyptians.G-d has never called on us to only believe in Him, but He always blesses us by showing His works so we may KNOW He is G-d. Tim Mahoney taking us on his journey does just this! Tim walks us through events, timelines and places of the Exodus with many experts giving their opinions regarding the 5 W's of the story. This documentary is fair to all especially regarding the point of view Mr. Mahoney. He is candid about his religious background and desire to have knowledge of this event in history.For a 2 hour and 40 minute documentary time flew as the journey is compelling, well paced and visually enjoyable. The knowledge provided will encourage you to look at the work David Rohl, John Bimson, Eilat Mazar and many other scholars/archaeologist are doing.Thank you, Tim Mahoney, for a job well done!