Amarna Letters: Extra Biblical Evidence of the Conquest

Is there any extra biblical evidence of the Hebrew conquest on the Canaanites?

Yes! However, before exploring the relevant data I want to point out that archaeological evidence is akin to stain glass windows. You see a church or cathedral can stand and function completely without stain glass windows. Such is the Christian Faith. However, the stain glass windows increase and aid in creating the atmosphere and attitude of reverence when entering the house of worship. Archaeology, therefore, is not a crutch to help our faith stand. Our faith, and confidence in the written divine self-revelation of God—The Bible, stands because of a full reliance on the person and promises of Jesus Christ for our present and personal justification, ongoing sanctification begun in the new birth and adoption by the indwelling Holy Spirit as a child of God. Archaeology is, rather, beautiful stained glass windows that bring a new and fuller appreciation for God and His Word. Now, to the data!

The Amarna letters are tablets from the 14^th century BC. They are correspondents between Canaanite city-state kings and Pharaoh Amenhotep III. The correspondents of importance to the question at hand deals with the Canaanite kings requesting military aid from Eygpt to quell the conquest of the Apiru. Thus, this is of special interest because the ‘Apiru’ fit the exact description of the Hebrew people. Also, the name ‘Apiru’ among ancient peoples fits the name ‘Hebrew’ more than any other. Thus, the data supports the account of the Hebrew people moving into Canaan and attacking and conquering cities and Egypt’s reluctance to enter the conflict.