New Evidence from Egypt on the Location of the Exodus Sea Crossing: Part I

Introduction

• The original Hebrew text refers to the sea crossing as yam suph (Sea of Reeds), not the Red Sea.
• The term "Red Sea" was introduced in the third-century BC Greek translation (Septuagint).
• This mistranslation has caused historical confusion over the true location of the crossing.
• Recent scholarship re-evaluates the Hebrew context with archaeological findings.

The Red Sea

• Red Sea consists of two branches: Gulf of Aqaba (east) and Gulf of Suez (west).
• The term "Red Sea" was used broadly in classical Greek for multiple maritime regions.
• Possible origins of the name:
  • Association with the Edomites (whose name means "red").
  • The Gulf of Suez might have initially been known as the Red Sea.
• New Testament follows LXX by referring to the crossing as the Red Sea.

Sea of Reeds

• Consensus among scholars that yam suph means Reed Sea.
• The term suph is linked to Egyptian water plants (twf).
• Reed Sea likely refers to large water bodies with reeds on Egypt’s eastern border.
• Candidate locations: Gulf of Aqaba, Gulf of Suez, and possibly Ballah Lake area.

Suez Isthmus

• Lies between the Gulf of Suez and the Mediterranean, home to former lakes: Ballah, Timsah, Bitter Lakes.
• Region known for marshy freshwater lakes, historically significant for the Suez Canal.
• Ancient texts indicate prominent reeds in the area, suggesting the Hebrew yam suph.

Eastern Frontier Canal

• Ancient canals in the Suez Isthmus served for defense, irrigation, and navigation.
• Known as the Eastern Frontier Canal; played a role in defining Egypt's border.

Wadi Tumilat

• An ancient watercourse and part of the Biblical Land of Goshen.
• Historically linked to periodic flooding from the Nile.
• The name Tumilat reflects the Egyptian god Atum, relevant for sites like Pithom and Etham.

Horus Way

• Three main roads left the Nile delta east; the Horus Way was a major military route.
• Starting from Rameses, the Israelites did not take the coastal Horus Way to Canaan.
• Tjaru, a major fortress on Egypt's eastern border, was key on this route.
• Recent research identifies Tjaru with the Exodus crossing location yam suph.

Conclusion

• A literal understanding of the text, combined with archaeological evidence, suggests a different location for the crossing than traditionally accepted.
• Further research is needed to piece together missing aspects of the historical puzzle.

Bibliography

• A selection of works from scholars such as Hoffmeier, Kitchen, and others that provide detailed research and analysis on the topic.

Images

• Illustrations of canals, lakes, and archaeological sites relevant to the discussion of the Exodus crossing.
• Depictions of the Suez Canal and related areas provide contextual background.