|
THE REGION
EGYPT
Egypt is long and narrow. Thebes, the ancient capital of Egypt, is about 150 miles south of the Suez arm.
RAMESES
This is an area, not an exact city. It is also known as the Land of Goshen. Joseph gave his brothers and family possession in this area of Egypt (Ge.47:11, 27). At the time of the Exodus, we find the Hebrews living in their homes for they were to take blood and place it on their door so the angel of death would pass them (Ex.12).
MIDIAN
Early in Moses' life God told him that he would bring the children of Israel out of Egypt to a mountain in Midian (Ex.3:12). Paul describes Agar as mount Sinai in Arabia (Ga.4:25). This is the mountain where God spoke to Moses from the burning bush (Ex.3). This area is where Moses tended the flock of Jethro (father-in-law).
SUCCOTH
Succoth may be the ancient city Tharu (or some variation), which was a staging point for those traveling from Egypt to Syria. It was fortified, including a canal, and when crossing this area you leave Egypt proper. This canal formed a line from the Mediterranean Sea to at least Succoth. Israel left Succoth in ranks (Ex.13:18, cf.Jo.1:14; 4:12; Ju.7:11). Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians (Ac.7:22). He wisely used Succoth to organize the people for travel.
ETHAM
Etham is an area, not a single location like a city. It is the area around the mid-northern edge of the Gulf of Aqaba. After the Israelites pass the sea, and traveled 3 days in the wilderness they are still in the area called Etham (Nu.33:8). Etham was at the edge of the wilderness (Ex.13:20). While at Etham God spoke unto Moses giving directions to encamp before Pi-hahiroth which is between Migdol and the sea, and is positioned
opposite of or across from Baal-zephon (Ex.14:2-3, cf. Du.32:49).
SITE OF THE CROSSING
Pharaoh believed the children of Israel were entangled or trapped in (Ex.14:2-3).
MARAH
The traditional route places the springs of Marah east in the northern area of the Gulf of Suez. More modern researchers place Marah East of the Gulf of Aqaba where there are springs with bitter water (Ex.15:22-23).
PI-HAHIROTH
MIGDOL
BAAL-ZEPHON
Migdol could be the mountains to the west of Israel.
ARABIA
The word Arab or Arabia first appears in the Bible well after Moses wrote the Pentateuch (1Ki.10:15; 2Ch.9:14; Ne.2:19; Is.13:20; Ek.27:21). Paul in Galatians 4:25 uses “Arabia” as it existed in his own day since “Arabia” did not exist in Moses' day. Herodotus considered the area east of the Nile River, and from the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea as Arabia.
RED SEA
It appears the Red Sea consists of the main body, the Gulf of Suez, and the Gulf of Aqaba. Elath (modern Eilat) on the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba is still considered the Red Sea. The Hebrew term Yam Suph means “sea of reeds”. 1 Kings 9:26 tells us, “King Solomon also built ships at Ezion Gerber, which is near Elath in Edom, on the shore of the Red Sea.” The term is the same for where Israel crossed and for the Gulf at
Elath.
MT SINAI
The traditional site for Mount Sinai was chosen by Queen Helena the mother of Constantine the “Great”. She claimed Jebel Musa, near the southern point of the Sinai peninsula, to be Mount Sinai. A more recent site is in the ancient land of Midian, Saudi Arabia, currently called Jabel el Lawz. Mt Sinai had boundary markers around the base of the mountain (Ex.19:23). Earlier Aaron went into the wilderness to meet Moses at the mount of God (Ex.4:27). There are
two verses that seem to place Mount Sinai and outside of Midian (Ex.18:27; 10:29). But these may be a matter of distance and exactness. In other words, to go to your own land may be only a couple of miles. These verses are not conclusive concerning the distance. Mt. Horeb is 11 days journey from Kadesh Barnea (Du.1:2).
KADESH BARNEA
It is here that the 12 spies are sent into the Promised Land. After Kadesh Barnea Israel started the 38 year wandering (De.1:19-21; 2:14; 9:23; Nu.10:12, 33; 13:26; 14:25).
SOME PARTICULARS
THE TRAVELING
The Israelites were told to use unleavened bread, and that in the 7th day shall be a feast to the Lord (Ex.13:6,8). Israel did not stop and encamp every night. In fact, God provided a pillar of a cloud and a pillar of fire to give light and guide them along the way (Ex.13:21). They traveled with great speed from the Egyptians (Ex.19:4 "I bare you on eagles' wings" signifying speed, cf. 2Sa.1:23).
PILLAR OF CLOUD/FIRE
The pillar first appeared in Scripture when Israel marched from Succoth to Etham (Ex.13:20-22). It was called a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Ex.13:22). It remained with Israel their whole journey of 38 years, until they reached the borders of Canaan (Ex.40:36; De.2:14). The pillar gave light that illuminated the entire camp during night-time hours. By it they were able to travel by day and night with the pillar guiding them (Ex.13:21-22).
The pillar was a manifestation of God's presence and glory on the earth (Ex.40:34-35; 2Ch.7:1-3). When the cloud went up from over the tabernacle, it signified Israel was to move on their journey. It stopped and rested over the tabernacle when they were to pitch their tents (Ex.13:21-22; 40:36; Nu.9:17; De. 1:33). Many believe that the cloud protected the people from the heat of the sun during the day. Paul considered the cloud a type of baptism which covered all the fathers (1Co.10:1-2,6). From this we may understand the cloud to have completely cover them. We know the cloud protected Israel from the Egyptians (Ex.14:19-26).
MESSAGE
Jeremiah 16:14 “Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that it shall no more be said, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel out
of the land of Egypt.” |
|
Suggestions
and comments welcome at 
©1989-2007