Did Pharaoh Die in the Red Sea in the Bible?

One of the most compelling and fascinating stories in the Bible is the account of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt under the guidance of Prophet Musa. This narrative is detailed in the Book of Exodus, where a significant event revolves around the Red Sea.

Pharaoh's Pursuit and Fate

According to Exodus 14:26-30, Pharaoh and his army pursued the Israelites as they crossed the Red Sea. However, it is important to note that Pharaoh does not die in the Red Sea itself. Instead, God parts the waters for the Israelites to escape, and when they have crossed, the waters return to their original state and drown Pharaoh and his army. This event is strongly described in verses Exodus 14:27-28:

Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the Israelites may go through the sea on dry ground. But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will chase after them. So they will have no way to return to Egypt, for they will see the dead bodies of the Egyptians floating on the seashore, and all the hosts of the Lord have fought against Pharaoh’s army, and save the Israelites. Then the Israelites will believe in You, for they have heard that You, O Lord, are with them, and that You, O Lord, have brought them out from among the Egyptians.'

Pharaoh's Death in the Bible

While there are clear assertions in the Bible about Pharaoh's fate, it is also important to look at other scriptures that provide additional insight. For instance, Psalm 136:15 states:

He shook off Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea, For his loyal love endures forever.

This verse again confirms that Pharaoh and his army were drowned, but the timing of their death is not specified as it is in Exodus.

Merneptah: The Likely Candidate

Many scholars have speculated about which pharaoh of Egypt is being referred to in the Exodus story. Some claim it was Merneptah, a son of Ramesses II. This theory is supported by a mummy identification conducted by American doctor Morris Bukali in the late 20th century. Bukali found evidence suggesting that Merneptah may have drowned while pursuing Prophet Musa.

Physical Evidence

Dr. Bukali's examination of the pharaoh's mummy provided physical proof that Merneptah's body was found to be consistent with an individual who drowned. This aligns with the Quran’s statement and the evidence uncovered by Bukali's scientific examination. Bukali was so moved by this finding that he converted to Islam and wrote a book about his research. You can find the book and its PDF link for further reading.

Read the book and get the PDF link here.

Pharaoh's Tiger-Like Drowning in the Red Sea

Another intriguing interpretation suggests that Pharaoh did indeed die in the Red Sea, but in a more specific manner. According to some verses, Pharaoh died when the agitated waters of the Sea of Edom (later called the Red Sea) rushed over his army and the force of the water undermined a banking he was on. This caused Pharaoh and a few elite officers to fall into the churning waters and drown.

Exodus 15:19 also supports this interpretation: 'For the horse of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea and the LORD brought again the waters of the sea upon them…' (KJV)

This interpretation aligns with Psalm 136:13-15, which reinforces the idea that Pharaoh and his army were submerged and taken down by the waters of the Red Sea. The use of descriptive language in these verses makes it clear that Pharaoh perished in the waters.

Conclusion

While there are different interpretations of the exact moment when Pharaoh died, the Bible and historical evidence both support the idea that he and his army perished at the hands of the Red Sea. Whether in Exodus itself, or through the correlations with Merneptah’s mummy, or the detailed accounts in the Red Sea, it is evident that Pharaoh met his end due to the waters of the Red Sea, whether on dry ground or under the force of the waters.