Our third period of Israel's history —Wilderness Wandering— covers only 40 years, although it could have been but 40 days if not for the Exodus generation's disqualification from entering the promised land.

Time ~ 3. Wandering in the Wilderness
Span ~ 40 years
Books ~ Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy
Figures ~ Moses
Begins with ~ Exodus from Egypt across Red Sea
Ends with ~ Entry into promised Land across Jordan

The Exodus

This time of Wandering in the Wilderness starts with the crossing of the Red Sea (marking the Exodus from Egypt) and ends with the crossing of the Jordan River (marking the entry into the promised land). The period includes an encampment at Sinai, where God gave the Law to Moses on the mountain. In this lesson we look at the first part of the wilderness wanderings —from crossing the Red Sea to the arrival at Sinai.

1 Moving a Multitude

The Exodus from Egypt actually begins with the journey from Ramases to Succoth (Exo 12:37-41).

The number of 600,000 men on foot does not include women and children. Possibly a mixed multitude of some two million people and a huge number of livestock began the journey that was to last 40 years. Some scholars think of this number as a problem. However, to move and encamp such a large number is by no means impossible logistically. We must remember, too, that God was providing miraculous help.

2 Bible Summary (Exodus 14-19)

• The Exodus (14)
• Pharaoh pursues the Israelites (14)
• Crossing the Red Sea (14)
• Egyptian army destroyed (14)
• Song of Israel (15)
• Grumbling begins (15)
• Bitter water turned sweet (15)
• Quail and manna given to eat (16)
• Water from the rock (17)
• War with Amalek (17)
• Jethro advises Moses on a judicial system (18)
• Arrival at Sinai (19)