The Exodus begins with a brisk walk to Succoth, followed by a supernaturally fast day-and-night journey to Etham. It’s there they realize the wide flat desert road they’d followed around the edges of the Sinai Peninsula suddenly ends.
My characters’ intention is to take the far southern route from Succoth (going along the edge of the Sinai Peninsula as it borders the Red Sea), through Etham, and all the way up to what is now Eilat, at the northern tip of the eastern branch (the Gulf of Aqaba) of the Rea Sea. From there they can either continue north into the heart of what is now Israel or first go southeast into Midian (where Moses’ wife and sons are).
Their plan was a route that could handle tens of thousands of people, large amounts of livestock, and wagons. A route where they were unlikely to encounter Pharaoh’s soldiers (the Sinai Peninsula was part of the territory of Ancient Egypt and Pharaoh operated mines in the central portion).
They avoid the northern road along the Mediterranean (the Way of the Philistines) because it was crowded with soldiers (and they would “see war” and turn back). They avoid the central road (the Kings Road that touches both northern tips of the Red Sea) because of soldiers and mountains. The coastal road was flat and deserted.
Now when Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although it was nearer; for God said, “The people may have a change of heart when they see war, and return to Egypt.”
So God led the people round about, by way of the wilderness at the Sea of Reeds.
Exodus 13:17-18
Now the Israelites went up armed out of the land of Egypt.
Unfortunately, their way was blocked due to the terrain and they had to turn back then head south about 12 miles to Pi-Hahiroth at the Straits of Tiran.
GOD said to Moses:
Tell the Israelites to turn back and encamp before Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, before Baal-zephon; you shall encamp facing it, by the sea.
Pharaoh will say of the Israelites, “They are astray in the land; the wilderness has closed in on them.”
Exodus 14:1-3
What is next for the Hebrews?
If you know the tale, you know this leads to what is perhaps Judaism’s central story, the one talked about in every service: Crossing the Red Sea.
Crossing the Red Sea – Out of Egypt
September 22, 2020 at 10:27 am[…] Exodus travelers are at Pi-Hahiroth, at the western shores of the Red Sea. They look out to the east, at the expanse of water they must […]