The Exodus Route: Wilderness of Egypt is the Sinai Peninsula
"I entered into judgment with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt" Ezekiel 20:36
(Ezekiel 20:36; Judges 11:16; Exodus 13:18)
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Introduction:
1. The Wilderness of Egypt is the Sinai Peninsula
a. This wilderness of Egypt is between Goshen and where they crossed the Red Sea.
2. Josephus said the Sinai Peninsula was Egyptian territory:
a. "The lot of Simeon (inside Judah), which was the second, included that part of Idumea [Edom] which bordered upon Egypt and Arabia." (Josephus, Antiquities 5.82)
a. There is no wilderness area between Goshen and the Bitter Lakes or the Port of Suez because these were heavily travelled areas.
b. The major caravan route started at Goshen (Tel e;-Dab’a) and passed directly by the Bitter Lakes up the coastline.
c. Several Egyptian Migdol fortresses have been excavated near the Suez Canal east of Goshen.
d. The Port of Suez was a major commerce and military hub.
4. Moses considered it necessary to travel at least three days from Goshen to outside of Egyptian populated areas.
a. "Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron and said, “Go, sacrifice to your God within the land.” But Moses said, “It is not right to do so, for we will sacrifice to the Lord our God what is an abomination to the Egyptians. If we sacrifice what is an abomination to the Egyptians before their eyes, will they not then stone us? “We must go a three days’ journey into the wilderness and sacrifice to the Lord our God as He commands us.” Pharaoh said, “I will let you go, that you may sacrifice to the Lord your God in the wilderness; only you shall not go very far away. Make supplication for me.” (Exodus 8:25–28)
Bible references to the Wilderness of Egypt:
1. Wilderness of Egypt is the Sinai Peninsula: "As I entered into judgment with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt" Ezekiel 20:36
2. Two passage say they went through a wilderness before crossing the Red Sea:
a. "For when they came up from Egypt, and Israel went through the wilderness to the Red Sea and came to Kadesh" Judges 11:16
b. "Hence God led the people around by the way of the wilderness to the Red Sea; and the sons of Israel went up in martial array from the land of Egypt." Exodus 13:18
3. The wind blows from the Sinai, through the Negev: "As windstorms in the Negev sweep on, It comes from the wilderness, from a terrifying land." Isaiah 21:1
By Steve Rudd: Contact the author for comments, input or corrections.
