Topical Bible: Journey of Israel Through The Desert: Date of Its Commencement

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Topical Encyclopedia

The journey of the Israelites through the desert, often referred to as the Exodus, marks a pivotal moment in biblical history. This event signifies the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage and their subsequent journey to the Promised Land. The date of its commencement is a subject of considerable interest and is rooted in biblical chronology and historical context.

Biblical Context

The commencement of the Israelites' journey through the desert is traditionally linked to the Passover, a significant event that marks their departure from Egypt. According to the Book of Exodus, the Israelites left Egypt on the fifteenth day of the first month, following the Passover. Exodus 12:17 states, "So you are to keep this Feast of Unleavened Bread, for on this very day I brought your divisions out of the land of Egypt." This passage underscores the importance of the Passover as the starting point of their journey.

Chronological Considerations

The dating of the Exodus is a complex issue, with scholars proposing various timelines based on biblical and extrabiblical evidence. A traditional conservative viewpoint often places the Exodus around 1446 BC. This date is derived from 1 Kings 6:1 , which states, "In the four hundred and eightieth year after the Israelites had come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, the second month, he began to build the house of the LORD." Solomon's reign is generally dated to the 10th century BC, and counting backward 480 years places the Exodus in the mid-15th century BC.

Historical and Cultural Context

The historical context of the Exodus is intertwined with the broader history of the ancient Near East. The period around 1446 BC corresponds to the Late Bronze Age, a time characterized by significant political and cultural developments. Egypt, under the rule of the New Kingdom pharaohs, was a dominant power in the region. The biblical narrative of the Exodus reflects the Israelites' escape from this powerful empire, an event that would have had profound implications for their identity and faith.

Theological Significance

The commencement of the Israelites' journey through the desert is not merely a historical event but also a profound theological moment. It represents God's deliverance and faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The journey through the desert is a period of testing and transformation, where the Israelites learn to rely on God's provision and guidance. Deuteronomy 8:2 reflects on this period, stating, "Remember that the LORD your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commandments."

Conclusion

The date of the commencement of the Israelites' journey through the desert is a foundational aspect of biblical history, deeply embedded in the narrative of God's redemptive plan for His people. Through the lens of Scripture, this event is seen as a testament to God's power, faithfulness, and the unfolding of His divine purposes.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 12:41,42
And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Altar and Temple
... He is good, for His mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. ... But the journey across
the desert must have taken ... could not have been suddenly got through, so that ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/altar and temple.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... and food for their return journey, besides having ... a broad beam of light falling through
the aperture ... prevented the subjugation of Damascus, Israel, Tyre, the ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

In Judaea
... Messiah there was only this difference, Israel's servitude ... was better, but because
the transport through Samaria would ... v.2) within an easy day's journey west of ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 5 in judaea.htm

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... by Tiglath-pileser III., at length broke through the barrier ... merely one stage in
the journey towards Syene ... the provinces of Philistia and Israel, and received ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... While these were passing through the mountains they called ... in answer to the question
whether their journey would be ... the most bellicose of the tribes of Israel. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Book of Jubilees
... the new creation Zion shall be sanctified, and through it shall ... the notion of the
superiority of Israel, the author ... even by speaking of taking a journey, or of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of jubilees.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... among their contemporaries: a journey from Lagash ... a continuation of the Arabian desert,
and is ... name Kudur-nakhunta, triumphantly marched through Chaldaea from ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

The Seven Trumpets.
... near two months were employed in a laborious journey of a ... What be these two
olive-branches which through the two ... lay the iniquity of the house of Israel upon ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the seven trumpets.htm

The Memphite Empire
... and they say that the children of Israel built them ... on the borders of the Western
desert or Monitu ... era; they were, therefore, compelled to break through one of ...
/.../chapter iithe memphite empire.htm

The Evangelical Revival.
... persist in wasting his sweetness on the desert air of ... But God works through human
agencies; and it is no ... without the least reserve, during a journey of many ...
/.../chapter ix the evangelical revival.htm