>>17911599 (OP)
The early history certainly revolves around their existence as part of the Kingdom of Egypt. Imperial control was fairly ineffective and inevitably states would develop and break off, though not totally escaping Egyptian influence.
When you have important narratives like Exodus, they are going to contain encodings for historical movements, but more as a kind of dream that represents the collective experience.
Moses escaping from Pharaoh and leading his people to wander for 40 years in the wilderness is akin to the process of a nation fighting for independence.
As far as cultural influences go, you can pretty much look at whatever was around 1500-1000 BC and find possible connections since there was plenty of trade and political realignment going on.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwQROdm40lU&t=57s&ab_channel=AncientLevant