Journeys · Moses and Israel

The Exodus and the wilderness

God brought Israel out of slavery in Egypt, through the sea, to Mount Sinai where he gave his covenant, and after forty years in the wilderness to the edge of the promised land.

Exodus 12:37–19:2Numbers 10:11–22:1Numbers 33Deuteronomy 34Joshua 3–4

How sure is this route? Debated. This map follows the traditional southern route with Mount Sinai at Jebel Musa. The place of the sea crossing, Sinai itself and most wilderness camps are not known for certain, and scholars propose other routes (a northern route, or Sinai in Arabia).

Stop by stop

1. 1
   RamesesExodus 12:37

   Usually identified with Pi-Ramesses (Qantir) in the eastern Delta.

2. 2
   Succothlocation approximateExodus 12:37

   Often placed at Tell el-Maskhuta.

3. 3
   Etham, at the edge of the wildernesslocation approximateExodus 13:20
4. 4
   The sea crossing (Pi-hahiroth)location approximateExodus 14:2; 14:21–22

   The crossing point is unknown; the traditional view places it near the head of the Gulf of Suez.

5. 5
   Marahlocation approximateExodus 15:23

   Bitter water made sweet.

6. 6
   Elimlocation approximateExodus 15:27

   Twelve springs and seventy palm trees; traditionally Wadi Gharandel.

7. 7
   Wilderness of Sinlocation approximateExodus 16:1

   Manna and quail.

8. 8
   Rephidimlocation approximateExodus 17:1

   Water from the rock; the battle with Amalek.

9. 9
   Mount Sinailocation approximateExodus 19:1–2

   Jebel Musa, the traditional site; its identification is debated.

10. 10
    Kadesh BarneaNumbers 13:26

    The spies' report; Israel refused to enter and wandered forty years. Usually Ein el-Qudeirat.

11. 11
    Mount Horlocation approximateNumbers 20:22–28

    Aaron died here; traditionally Jebel Haroun near Petra.

12. 12
    Ezion-geber (around Edom)location approximateNumbers 21:4; Deuteronomy 2:8

    Israel went by the Red Sea road to go around Edom.

13. 13
    Wilderness east of Moablocation approximateNumbers 21:11
14. 14
    Plains of Moablocation approximateNumbers 22:1

    Camp beside the Jordan across from Jericho.

15. 15
    Mount NeboDeuteronomy 34:1

    Moses saw the land and died.

16. 16
    Crossing the Jordan to Gilgallocation approximateJoshua 3:16; 4:19

    Israel entered the land under Joshua.

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Lines join the stops in order; they are not the actual roads or sea lanes. Modern map: OpenFreeMap, © OpenMapTiles, data © OpenStreetMap contributors.