Unwrapping the Pharaohs: How Egyptian Archaeology Confirms the Biblical Timeline teaches what archaeologists have discovered about the Egyptian Pharaohs within the context of a larger goal of demonstrating that the Bible is historically accurate. While the book briefly mentions the authors’ young-earth, creationist perspective, the content relies primarily on historical and archaeological evidence. Occasionally, it ventures into speculative territory when making connections to the biblical timeline and when it advances alternative dating methods. For instance, on page 75 it says in relation to the dating of Egyptian dynasties,
The villain in the piece is of course the third intermediate period, consisting of Dynasties 21-24. Very little is known about this period, and scholars say that the reason is that it did not exist, at least as independent dynasties, and if these dynasties are to be placed contemporary with each other or with other dynasties, this would dramatically reduce the dates assigned to all the earlier dynasties.
The book draws on historical sources, such as Herodotus, Josephus, Eusebius, and the Old Testament of the Bible. Evidence also comes from physical artifacts such as pyramids, statues, shrines, mummies, boats, jewelry, cups, bowls, and documents. The stories of archaeological digs draw readers into the adventurous discoveries that have revealed information hidden for thousands of years.
This 224-page book is heavily illustrated, primarily with photos. Focused on the pharaohs, it necessarily devotes much attention to their monuments and burial places. Of particular interest to many Christians will be the authors’ discussions about which pharaoh was confronted by Moses and other aspects that tie directly to the biblical timeline. Several pages have charts showing various correlations, such as those on pages 197 and 198 showing Adam and his descendants through Abraham, their approximate ages when they sired sons, the sons’ names, and the biblical references. Pages 205 through 210 chart out a timeline that shows the alignment of biblical events with Egyptian dynasties that the authors believe is defensible based on history and archaeology. The authors make it clear when they are expressing opinions about the chronologies rather than proven facts.
Unwrapping the Pharaohs is a fascinating information book that can be read on its own, and it will probably be of equal interest to adults curious about the topics it covers. However, it can be used as part of a course for high school students called Biblical Archaeology. Biblical Archaeology is a teacher guide for Unwrapping the Pharaohs along with two other Master Book publications, Unveiling the Kings of Israel, and The Archaeology Book. Biblical Archaeology has schedules, worksheets, quizzes, tests, and answer keys for all three books.