The Israelites depart Egypt from Rameses. This is one of the few locations that is fairly well agreed upon by Bible scholars. Rameses is associated with Qantir, (Tell ed-Dab'a) and marks the center point of the circle shown below. To begin the journey, Exodus 12:37 says they leave from Rameses and travel to Succoth (1st days journey). Succoth is another location that is fairly well agreed upon and is associated with Tell Maskhuta. These are the only two locations used in this study in which an assumption is made that they are correct.

Referring to the the satellite image below, notice the radar like range circles. Rameses is the center point. Each range circle represents 10 miles. This would be the distance the Israelites could be expected to travel in a single day. The Bible list three days of travel, beginning at midnight when the Israelites begin their journey to the point that they reach the body of water that they're to cross. The first problem that we face is Succoth is more than a one day journey from Rameses. Also, note that there are only a few small lakes that are within range. Lake Tamsih and Lake Ballah have been identified in the past as "Red Sea" crossing points. Could these be the locations of where they crossed the Red Sea? Why is Succoth more than a one day journey? So, how can we resolve these apparent conflicts - continue reading.

(Note - North is Up)

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Last updated on 11/08/03

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