If Amenhotep II is considered the Pharaoh of the Exodus, historical indications suggest he lived for several more years after the event. However, if he survived, he reigned in disgrace and significant political and military weakness for the remainder of his life. The devastating impact of the ten plagues on Egypt's commerce, religion, and agriculture, combined with the destruction of the Egyptian army in the Red Sea, left the nation severely weakened. It took three generations for Egypt to regain enough strength to mount an attack outside its borders. This profound humiliation likely explains the absence of records about this event in Egyptian hieroglyphs, as they sought to conceal the shame of being brought low by a slave people and their God.

Amenhotep II, identified as the Pharaoh during the Exodus, emerged as a ruler following the death of Thutmose III around 1450 BC. Known in historical records as a fierce and warlike leader, he was characterized by aggression and pride in his dynasty's accomplishments. His stern and somewhat cruel nature is exemplified by accounts of him personally beheading captive officers in a victory ceremony after a Syrian campaign. This portrayal aligns with the unyielding and proud Pharaoh described in biblical accounts, who resisted Moses until the devastating loss of his firstborn son during the plagues. Under Amenhotep II's reign, Egypt was at the height of its power, having inherited a vast empire from his father, Thutmose III. However, historical records note a significant decline in military campaigns after his early years, attributed to the loss of much of his army in the Red Sea during the Exodus. This event, coupled with the immense wealth taken by the Israelites, dealt a severe blow to Egypt, from which it took over a generation to recover. Amenhotep II's proximity to Goshen, due to the capital's location in Memphis, further situates him as a central figure in the dramatic confrontation with Moses, who, empowered by God, brought this mighty empire to its knees.

The most conservative scholarship suggests that Amenhotep II (1450-1424 BC) was the pharaoh of Egypt during the Exodus, dated around 1446 BC. Historical and biblical evidence indicates that he did not perish with his army while pursuing Israel. Archaeological findings confirm that Amenhotep II continued to rule for approximately 22 years after the event, supporting the notion that he survived the encounter at the Red Sea.