Why are most historians averse to the possibility of the Ipuwer Papyrus referring to (a non-literal reading of) the events of the Book of Exodus?

by cantorb

Not looking to reopen the debate over the veracity of a mass exodus of Semitic people being the forerunner of the early Israelites. Just wanted to know what aspects of the Papyrus itself are viewed as reasons/evidence to not consider it the parallel of the Exodus tale considering that there are quite a few similarities- Nile turning to blood, afflicted cattle, slaves rebelling, death of children of princes, and more.

meekrobe

The Ipuwer Papyrus is about people coming to Egypt and social change, the Exodus would have been people leaving Egypt.

the tribes of the desert have become Egyptians everywhere.

Indeed, the desert is throughout the land, the nomes are laid waste, and barbarians from abroad have come to Egypt. Indeed, men arrive [. . .] and indeed, there are no Egyptians anywhere.

Those who were Egyptians [have become] foreigners and are thrust aside.

The dating of both the papyrus and the Exodus are unknown, tying the two together based on common events doesn't produce good evidence.

http://www.reshafim.org.il/ad/egypt/texts/ipuwer.htm