Exodus and the Wilderness

The fertile delta region where Joseph settled his family and where the Israelites grew into a great people during the four hundred years before the Exodus. Spared from several of the plagues. Pi-Ramesse and Pithom are likely the cities Israel built (Ex 1:11).

Where God parted the waters for Israel and drowned Pharaoh's army. The Hebrew Yam Suph ('sea of reeds') has long been debated — proposals range from the Gulf of Suez to the Bitter Lakes to the Gulf of Aqaba. Scripture treats it as a foundational redemption event regardless of the precise location.

The mountain where God gave the Law to Moses and entered into covenant with Israel. Also called Horeb. Multiple modern candidates exist (Jebel Musa, Jebel al-Lawz in Saudi Arabia, Jebel Sin Bishar); the traditional Christian site is Jebel Musa.

The oasis where Israel camped for much of the 38 wilderness years. The twelve spies were sent from here; the people refused to enter Canaan here; Moses struck the rock here in disobedience, costing him entry into the land; Miriam died and was buried here.

The river that separated Israel from the promised land; crossed on dry ground in the conquest; the site of Naaman's healing; the place of John the Baptist's ministry and Jesus' baptism. Flows from the Sea of Galilee south to the Dead Sea.