<P> The exodus narrative is not history in the modern sense, (no archeological evidence has been found to support the historical accuracy of the biblical story) but rather a demonstration of God's acts in history through Israel's bondage, salvation and covenant . It was shaped to its present form in the post-Exilic period, but the traditions behind it are older and can be traced in the writings of the 8th century BCE prophets; it is unclear how far beyond that the traditions might stretch, and their substance, accuracy and date are obscured by centuries of transmission . </P> <P> The Exodus is central to Judaism, and even today it is recounted daily in Jewish prayers and celebrated in the festival of Passover . In addition, the Exodus has served as an inspiration and model for many non-Jewish groups, from early Protestant settlers fleeing persecution in Europe to African - Americans striving for freedom and civil rights . </P> <P> The story of the Exodus is told in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, the last four of the five books of the Torah (also called the Pentateuch). It tells of the events that befell the Israelites following the death of Joseph, their departure from Egypt, and their wanderings in the wilderness, including the revelations at Sinai, up to their arrival at the borders of Canaan . The story begins with the Israelites in slavery in Egypt . Moses leads them out of Egypt and through the wilderness to Mount Sinai, where Yahweh reveals himself and offers them a Covenant: they are to keep his torah (i.e. law, instruction), and in return he will be their god and give them the land of Canaan . The Book of Leviticus records the laws of God . The Book of Numbers tells how the Israelites, led now by their god Yahweh, journey on from Sinai towards Canaan, but when their spies report that the land is filled with giants they refuse to go on and Yahweh condemns them to remain in the desert until the generation that left Egypt passes away . After thirty - eight years at the oasis of Kadesh Barnea the next generation travel on to the borders of Canaan, where Moses addresses them for the final time and gives them further laws . The Exodus ends with the death of Moses on Mount Nebo and his burial by God, while the Israelites prepare for the conquest of the land . </P> <P> The Exodus is remembered daily in Jewish prayers and celebrated each year at the feast of Passover . The Hebrew name for this festival, Pesach, refers to God's instruction to the Israelites to prepare unleavened bread as they would be leaving Egypt in haste, and to mark their doors with the blood of slaughtered sheep so that the "Angel of Death" or "the destroyer" tasked with killing the first - born of Egypt would "pass over" them . Despite the Exodus story, a majority of scholars do not believe that the Passover festival originated as described in the biblical story . </P>

Who led the hebrews out of their captivity in egypt