Khnumhotep II was a nomarch (regional governor) of Oryx. He ruled during the reigns of Amenemhat II and Senusret II. His tomb was decorated with elaborate wall paintings and accompanying inscriptions. These are of particular interest to us because these paintings recount events and illustrate the lifestyle of 19th century BC Egypt.
One of the paintings from about 1870 BC sheds light on details of the period in which Jacob (Israel) and his family migrated to Egypt. The painting depicts people of all ages along with their livestock and supplies entering Egypt from Canaan during the reign of Pharaoh Senusret II. This panel of the painting is colorful and detailed, giving a captivating insight into the look and style of Canaanite people during the time of the patriarchs.
The leader or chieftain of this group, Abi-Shai, follows an Egyptian man named Khety, who was their escort within Egypt. It is important to note that during the Middle Kingdom and Second Intermediate Period, people from western Asia were able to cross into Egypt more easily.
The painting in the tomb shows one other fascinating detail: it shows a man wearing a multicolored tunic, which was a fashionable and expensive piece of clothing from Canaan. The Genesis narrative recounts that Joseph, son of Jacob, was given a similar multicolored tunic as a gift from his father, much to the displeasure of his older brothers who later sold him into slavery.
Summary
Curious coincidence? Jacob and his entire family immigrated to Egypt from Canaan in the early 17th century BC, and were guided to a designated area which was given to them to settle in Egypt, mirroring what had happened with Abi-Shai and his people as depicted in the painting.
