Topical Bible: Israel: Number of, at the Time of the Exodus

◄ Israel: Number of, at the Time of the Exodus ►

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The number of Israelites at the time of the Exodus is a topic of significant interest and discussion within biblical studies. The Exodus marks a pivotal moment in Israelite history, as it signifies their liberation from Egyptian bondage and the beginning of their journey to the Promised Land. The biblical account provides specific details regarding the number of Israelites who participated in this monumental event.

Biblical Account

The primary source for understanding the number of Israelites at the time of the Exodus is the Book of Exodus itself. According to Exodus 12:37 , "The Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Succoth with about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children." This figure refers specifically to the men, likely those of fighting age, which traditionally would be considered from twenty years old and upward.

In addition to the men, the text notes the presence of women and children, suggesting that the total number of Israelites would have been significantly higher. Some estimates, considering the inclusion of women and children, suggest a total population ranging from two to three million people.

Census and Tribal Organization

The Book of Numbers provides further insight into the organization and number of the Israelites. Numbers 1:45-46 states, "So all the Israelites twenty years of age or older who could serve in Israel’s army were counted according to their families. And the total number was 603,550." This census, conducted in the wilderness of Sinai, corroborates the earlier figure given in Exodus and provides a structured account of the Israelite community organized by tribes.

The census was conducted by Moses and Aaron, along with the leaders of each tribe, and it served not only to count the people but also to organize them for their journey and eventual conquest of Canaan. Each tribe was counted separately, and the Levites were excluded from this military census as they were set apart for religious duties (Numbers 1:47-53).

Historical and Theological Considerations

The large number of Israelites at the time of the Exodus has been a subject of debate among scholars and historians. Some have questioned the feasibility of such a large group traveling through the desert, while others affirm the biblical account as a testament to God's miraculous provision and guidance.

From a theological perspective, the large number of Israelites underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham to make his descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky (Genesis 15:5). It also highlights the magnitude of the Exodus event as a foundational narrative for the identity and faith of the Israelite people.

Conclusion

The biblical account of the number of Israelites at the time of the Exodus provides a detailed and structured understanding of the community that embarked on this significant journey. While the figures presented in the Scriptures are substantial, they serve to emphasize the fulfillment of divine promises and the establishment of Israel as a nation under God's covenant.

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Exodus 12:37,38
And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children.
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Genesis 47:27
And Israel dwelled in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen; and they had possessions therein, and grew, and multiplied exceedingly.
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Exodus 1:7-20
And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them.
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Psalm 105:24
And he increased his people greatly; and made them stronger than their enemies.
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Acts 7:17
But when the time of the promise drew near, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,
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Library

Fragment xiii. 1. Up to the Time of the Olympiads There is no ...
... accurately, there are altogether 1020 years; which number both coincides ... to the first
year of the exodus of Israel under Moses ... And at his time Moses left Egypt ...
/.../africanus/the writings of julius africanus/fragment xiii 1 up to.htm

"In the Spirit and Power of Elias"
... forever." Exodus 31:13, 17 ... Elijah would have done in numbering Israel at the time
when God's ... Then let no man attempt to number Israel today, but let everyone ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 14 in the spirit.htm

The Exodus
... you what a wonderful exodus of the people of Israel this was ... place, and all coming
out of the country at one time. ... The number must have been so large that it is ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the exodus.htm

Why it is Called Quadragesima, when the Fast is Only Kept for ...
... Egyptians try to bow down the true Israel, ie, the ... forty" is the number associated
with a time of probation ... expressly for the purpose of making the number forty ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xxviii why it is.htm

Exodus
... that the fathers knew the God of Israel only by ... because he considers it unknown before
the time of Moses ... Again in J, the people number over 600,000, xii.37; in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/exodus.htm

The Story of Moses, the Child who was Found in the River
... the people of Israel were growing in number, and becoming greater ... You have heard
how the children of Israel came to ... way, and traveled for a long time through a ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of moses the.htm

The Second vision "In Heaven"
... palm branches in their hands;] The definite number of Israelites ... O thou that inhabitest
the praises of Israel" (Psalm 22 ... the judgments of God at the time of the ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the second vision in heaven.htm

The Almighty
... at this juncture, and here used for the first time, told of ... Then, too, will Israel
fulfil the forty-sixth Psalm, and say: ... [12] Nine is the number of judgment ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bullinger/commentary on revelation/the almighty.htm

Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel
... from the manner of the daughters of Israel, who go ... It was interdicted for a time
by the Rabbis after ... frequently used, while ten is the number always mentioned ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 9 mothers daughters and.htm

Whatever Has Been Rightly Said by the Heathen, we must Appropriate ...
... the idols and heavy burdens which the people of Israel hated and ... How much Greeks
out of number have borrowed ... For what was done at the time of the exodus was no ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 40 whatever has been rightly.htm