9. Egypt and the Era of the Israelite Judges

The Israelite nation gradually established itself in Canaan during a period of significant international conflict between Egypt and the Hittites, culminating in the Battle of Qadesh in 1276 b.c. The mention of the "Apiru" by the Phoenicians, as well as the reference to Israel in the so-called "Israel Stele" of Meremptah, all point to a significant Israelite population in Canaan during the latter part of the second millenium b.c. According to the biblical chronology, this would coorelate with the era of the charismatic leaders in Israel generally known as the 'judges.'