Exodus 13:20 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And they moved on from Succoth and encamped at Etham, on the edge of the wilderness.

NIV: After leaving Sukkoth they camped at Etham on the edge of the desert.

NASB: Then they set out from Succoth and camped in Etham, on the edge of the wilderness.

CSB: They set out from Succoth and camped at Etham on the edge of the wilderness.

NLT: The Israelites left Succoth and camped at Etham on the edge of the wilderness.

KJV: And they took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness.

NKJV: So they took their journey from Succoth and camped in Etham at the edge of the wilderness.

Israel is leaving Egypt (Exodus 12:40–41) where they had been enslaved for centuries (Exodus 1:11–14). The large group has passed through Succoth (Exodus 12:37–38). God is not leading them along the main northern roads near the Mediterranean (Exodus 13:17–18). Instead, He takes the people southeast, towards what Scripture calls yam suph: literally, the "Sea of Reeds." Though translated as "Red Sea" in most Bibles, this is not exactly the same body of water as the modern-day Red Sea. Most likely, God is taking them towards the northern edge of the Gulf of Suez and the many lakes nearby.

Israel passes through Etham, near a region today called the "Bitter Lakes." This location has not been precisely identified. However, it is close to another as-yet precisely discovered place called Pi-hahiroth (Exodus 14:1–2). This is on the shores of the Sea of Reeds, where Israel will be met by a pursuing Egyptian army (Exodus 14:3–9). There, God will miraculously rescue them and devastate the Egyptian army (Exodus 14:27–29).

Exodus 13:17–22 depicts Israel's initial travel out of Egypt. Moses personally carries the bones of Joseph (Genesis 50:25). God's chosen path avoids Philistine territory so the people won't be tempted to backtrack into Egypt. He leads the people using a column of clouds which also contains flames or lightning. This allows the nation to keep moving, day and night. This hasty movement is important. Egyptian soldiers will not catch up to Israel until they are at the shores of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:5–9). There, the Lord will perform another miraculous act of rescue (Exodus 14:26–30).

God reiterates the requirements of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Israel is to celebrate this every year as a way of remembering their liberation from Egyptian slavery. In addition, the people are to consecrate all of the first-born of any mother—both people and animals. Animals that cannot be sacrificed are to be redeemed. Sons are to be redeemed by an animal sacrifice. The Lord creates a column of clouds for the people to follow during the day, which is lit by fire so they can also follow it at night. This keeps them moving quickly. Soon, Egyptian soldiers will catch up to them and God will once again provide miraculous rescue (Exodus 14).

The Lord has just freed Israel from centuries of Egyptian slavery (Exodus 12). The final blow to Egypt was the death of all firstborn (Exodus 12:29–32) on the night of the first Passover (Exodus 12:12–13). God's guidelines for that night are partly repeated here along with directions for the Feast of Unleavened Bread. He instructs the nation about consecrating their own firstborn as He guides them. A column of fiery clouds helps the people travel day and night. This haste is important because Egypt's king is about to change his mind. He will soon send the Egyptian military to chase down the Israelites (Exodus 14).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 6/15/2025 9:32:06 AM