This article first gives a survey of scholarship on the study of Genesis 12, Genesis 20, and Genesis 26, passages where Abraham and Isaac claim that Sarah (12:11-16; 20:2-3) and Rebekah (26:6-11) were their sisters. Next, it develops suggestions that have been considered only in passing by a few scholars, and that is that some type of diplomatic marriage may be involved in the stories.

What is the biblical date for the exodus? This article is a critical response to an earlier article by Bryant Wood who argued for an early dating of the exodus. Hoffmeier is convinced that the 13th century date is equally based on biblical evidence. He, therefore, offers a modest critique of some aspects of Wood’s apology for the 15th century. The discussion is placed within the context of the mainstream scholarship regarding the Israelite exodus from Egypt.