Exodus 12:37Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

From Abraham alone, within a span of just over four centuries, the population of the Jewish people grew tremendously. By the time they exited Egypt, there were six hundred thousand men capable of bearing arms. Furthermore, if we exclude the Idumeans, who are not part of the true nation of Israel and are descended from Abraham's brother Esau, as well as other tribes that descended from Abraham's lineage but were not born of his wife Sarah, the significance of this growth remains profound.

Joseph entered Egypt by himself, yet eventually six hundred thousand men departed from it. What could be more astounding than this? Is there a more profound demonstration of God's wisdom than when He discovers a path forward even in the direst circumstances?

The Lord revealed to the people that He existed within Himself, allowing them to witness His sovereign power over Pharaoh without directly confronting him. Nine miraculous signs unfolded before their eyes, and on seven occasions, Moses and Aaron conveyed the promise of liberty on behalf of Pharaoh, only for Pharaoh to tighten the chains of their oppression in response. Initially, their hearts might have lifted with joy at the prospect of deliverance, only to sink again with sorrow and fear at Pharaoh's harshness; they might rise in hope and then plunge into despair.

The A. C. Bible suggests that the final encounter between Moses and Pharaoh took place in Ramesses, where Pharaoh led his army while the Israelites were engaged in labor, most likely residing in surrounding villages. It is likely that Moses commanded all the Israelites from the land of Goshen to gather at Ramesses the morning following the Passover. From Ramesses, the Israelites traveled along the ancient canal, restored by Seti I during the 19th dynasty, toward the Red Sea. Schabas's assertion that Epham (13:20) refers to Pithum, a frontier stronghold that the Israelites were constructing, is particularly intriguing. Sochof likely also lay along the canal, situated halfway on the route to Epham.