The Second Intermediate Period was of particular interest to Josephus , where he equated the Hyksos or `` shepherd-kings '' as the ancient Israelites who eventually made their way out of Egypt ( `` Apion '' 1.82 -- 92 ) .
Josephus believed the Hyksos or `` shepherd-kings '' were the ancient Israelites who made their way out of Egypt ( `` Apion '' 1.82 -- 92 ) .