Who were the Shasu of Yahu?

Summary

The video discusses the Shasu, a tribal group in the Southern Levant, and their potential link to the Israelites. It focuses on the Soib Temple inscription mentioning 'Shasu of Yahu', critically examining the theory that they were Israelites before entering the Promised Land. The script explores who the Shasu were, their geographical distribution, and the meaning of 'Yahu'. It concludes that while the Shasu may have worshiped Yahweh, they were not the Israelites, challenging the early Exodus theory and highlighting the cultural and geographical distinctions between the Shasu and the Israelites.

Takeaways

• 🛡️ The Shasu were a mysterious, wandering tribal group from the Southern Levant, particularly around Sinai and Edom.
• 📝 An inscription from the temple of Amenhotep III references the 'Shasu of Yahu,' sparking debate about their potential connection to the Israelites.
• 🏕️ Some scholars, like Titus Kennedy, suggest that the Shasu of Yahu were actually Israelites, with 'Yahu' being an early reference to Yahweh.
• 🧐 There is no conclusive evidence that the Shasu were Israelites, as other records show them entering Egypt to water their flocks during the Ramesside period.
• 📜 Papyrus Harris I, dating to the reign of Ramses III, mentions the Shasu of Seir, placing them firmly in the Edom region rather than in Canaan.
• ⛏️ The Solab inscription, while incomplete, mentions the 'land of the Shasu of Yahu,' but it is unclear whether 'Yahu' refers to a deity (Yahweh), a place, or a person.
• 📍 Other Shasu groups mentioned in the inscription, such as those from Seir and Samata, are confirmed to be from the Edom region.
• ⛓️ The inscription's context shows that these Shasu groups, including the Shasu of Yahu, were conquered by Amenhotep III, further complicating the theory that they were Israelites.
• 📅 The timing of Amenhotep III’s reign is inconsistent with the timeline of the Israelite Exodus if one adheres to an early Exodus date.
• 🕵️ Scholars like Larry Stager and Mark Johanson suggest that while the Shasu may have worshipped Yahweh, they were distinct from the Israelites culturally and geographically.

Q & A

Who were the Shasu mentioned in the video?

The Shasu were a mysterious, tribal group that lived in the Sinai and the region of Edom. They were known to be wandering tribes.

What is the significance of the Shasu of Yahu inscription found at the Soib Temple?

The Shasu of Yahu inscription is significant because some early date supporters, like Titus Kennedy, argue that it refers to the Israelites, associating 'Yahu' with the name for Yahweh.

What is the earliest reference to the Shasu and where is it found?

The earliest reference to the Shasu is found dating to Thutmose II and is located in the biography of Osarpenchat.

Why might the identification of Shasu as Israelites be problematic according to the video?

The identification of Shasu as Israelites is problematic because historical records show them coming into Egypt during the Ramesside period, which contradicts the biblical narrative of the Israelites' relationship with Egypt.

What does the Papyrus Anastasia 6 tell us about the Shasu?

Papyrus Anastasia 6 records the Shasu of Edom passing the Border Fortress of Mpa to water their flocks in the W talot, indicating their presence in Egypt.

What does the Solab inscription reveal about the Shasu of Yahu?

The Solab inscription is badly damaged, but it mentions the Shasu of Yahu alongside other Shasu groups, suggesting they were conquered or subdued by Amenhotep III.

What is the potential meaning of 'Yahu' in the context of the Shasu of Yahu?

The meaning of 'Yahu' is unclear. It could be the name of the god Yahweh, a place name, or named after a specific person or deity.

What does the Amara letter indicate about the time period of Amenhotep III's reign?

The Amara letter indicates that Amenhotep III reigned from 1389 to 1351 BC, which places the Shasu of Yahu inscription 57 years after the early date of the Exodus.

How does the Kur deashi wall at Carac relate to the Shasu and Israelites?

The Kur deashi wall at Carac shows the early conquest of the Levant, with the Shasu depicted differently from other groups that are likely the Israelites, indicating a cultural and geographical distinction.

What is the conclusion of the video regarding the Shasu of Yahu and their relation to the Israelites?

The conclusion is that while the Shasu may have worshiped Yahweh, they were not Israelites, based on geographical, cultural, and chronological evidence that does not align with the biblical narrative of the Israelites.

What does the video suggest about the Shasu's relationship with the region of Edom?

The video suggests that the Shasu were firmly in the region of Edom, which contradicts the biblical directive for the Israelites to pass through and not occupy Edom.