Moses and the Israelites from BL Harley 616, f. 53

Detail of a miniature of Moses and the Israelites. Image taken from f. 53 of Bible (Genesis-Psalms), imperfect, ending in Psalm 109. Written in French.

The Israelites' escape from Egypt is a central event in the history of the Jewish people, as described in the Old Testament in the book of Exodus. According to the biblical account, the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt for many years, but God chose Moses to lead them out of slavery and back to the land promised to their ancestors. After a series of plagues and divine interventions, Pharaoh agreed to let the Israelites go, but later changed his mind and chased after them with his army. At the Red Sea, God parted the waters to allow the Israelites to escape, but the pursuing Egyptian army was drowned as the waters closed in on them. The Israelites' escape from Egypt is marking the beginning of their journey to the Promised Land and their liberation from slavery. It is celebrated as a major holiday in the Jewish calendar, Passover.

The "BL Harley Manuscript" refers to a collection of medieval manuscripts held in the British Library in London. The Harley Manuscripts are part of the larger collection known as the Harley Collection, which was assembled by Robert Harley (1661–1724) and his son Edward Harley (1689–1741). Robert Harley was a prominent English statesman and bibliophile, and he began amassing a vast collection of books and manuscripts in the late 17th and early 18th centuries.

The Harley Manuscripts are known for their diversity and include a wide range of texts, including historical chronicles, illuminated manuscripts, legal documents, literary works, and scientific treatises. The collection contains over 7,000 manuscripts, and it is considered one of the most important manuscript collections in the British Library.

The Harley Manuscripts are numbered with the prefix "Harley," followed by a specific manuscript number. Each manuscript in the collection has its own unique content and history, and they cover a broad spectrum of topics and time periods. Some of the manuscripts in the collection are beautifully illuminated, with intricate illustrations and decorations.