Exodus 12:37-38
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The text highlights "about six hundred thousand men" who journeyed on foot, but this doesn't just refer to any able-bodied men; it specifically means those fit for military service. This detail emphasizes that this was a highly organized departure, not just a scattered escape, revealing a people ready to move forward with purpose.
And the people of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children. A mixed multitude also went up with them, and very much livestock, both flocks and herds.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just hours after the devastating final plague, the Israelites packed up and left Egypt. This verse marks their immediate departure from Rameses to a place called Succoth, noting the staggering number of approximately 600,000 men, not including women and children. This massive exodus, totaling possibly over two million people, signifies the abrupt end of their 430 years of sojourning and enslavement in Egypt.
Six hundred thousand men on foot! This number alone is staggering, but what does it truly signify for the people of God?
This verse gives us a snapshot of the Israelites' departure from Egypt, focusing on the immense number of men ready for the journey. The text specifies "about six hundred thousand men on foot," explicitly excluding women and children.
The journey starts in Rameses and ends in Succoth. These aren't just random place names; they mark significant moments in the exodus.
The initial steps of the Israelites' exodus are marked by these two locations: Rameses and Succoth.
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Understand the original words
nasa' · Hebrew Verb
To depart from a place; in the biblical context, it often refers to a significant movement initiated by God for deliverance or judgment.
ereb rab · Hebrew Noun phrase
A diverse group of non-Israelites who joined the Israelites in their exodus, highlighting the inclusive nature of God's covenantal community.
The immense number of people departing Egypt (estimated at over 2 million souls) highlights the miraculous nature of God's blessing and protection, turning a small family into a vast nation in just over 400 years.
c. 1875 BC
Jacob and his family enter Egypt
Jacob and his household, numbering about 70 people, settle in the land of Goshen in Egypt to escape a famine. This marks the beginning of their sojourn.
c. 1800 BC - 1500 BC
Israelite population grows in Egypt
Over centuries, the descendants of Jacob multiply significantly in Goshen, to the point where they become a large and powerful population, causing concern for the Egyptians.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
The Exodus from Egypt
Following the ten plagues, the Israelites, numbering around 600,000 adult males plus women and children, depart from Rameses toward Succoth, marking their liberation from slavery.
c. 1446 BC
Journey through the Wilderness
After leaving Egypt, the Israelites begin their 40-year journey through the Sinai Peninsula, eventually reaching the plains of Moab before crossing into the Promised Land.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest and Settlement of Canaan
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites conquer and divide the land of Canaan, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham and his descendants.
This passage provides the more detailed census numbers that confirm the 'about six hundred thousand' figure in Exodus, showing it refers to the number of men able to go to war.
Galatians 3:17This New Testament passage links the 430 years of Israel's sojourn in Egypt directly to the promise given to Abraham, highlighting the long period of waiting for God's covenant promises to be fulfilled.
Psalm 105:37This psalm reflects on the Exodus, noting that none of the Israelites were feeble or sick, which sheds light on the 'about six hundred thousand men' figure, emphasizing their strength and readiness for the journey.
Nehemiah 13:3This passage mentions a 'mixed multitude' that left Egypt with Israel, paralleling the 'mixed multitude' also mentioned in Exodus 12:38, highlighting that not everyone leaving was a direct descendant of Abraham.
gillExodus 12:37: "And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children."
And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth,.... Rameses was a place in Goshen, or rather the land of Goshen, from whence the country was so called; See Gill on Genesis 47:11 . The Targum of Jonathan takes it to be Pelusium, or Sin, now called Tinah, formerly the strength of Egypt, and which lay at the entrance of it, and says it was o…
cambridgeExodus 12:37: "And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children."
37 . journeyed ] lit. plucked up (viz. tent-pegs), a metaphor from breaking up camp. So regularly, as Exodus 13:20 , Exodus 16:1 , &c. Ra‘meses ] Very possibly (p. 4) Tell er-Reṭâbeh, 10 m. W. of Succoth. Succoth ] No doubt the Eg. Thke , with the determinative of a foreign place, prob. (Griffith) a foreign name, the sing. of Succoth , ‘Booths,’ and to…
The text highlights "about six hundred thousand men" who journeyed on foot, but this doesn't just refer to any able-bodied men; it specifically means those fit for military service. This detail emphasizes that this was a highly organized departure, not just a scattered escape, revealing a people ready to move forward with purpose.
Just hours after the devastating final plague, the Israelites packed up and left Egypt. This verse marks their immediate departure from Rameses to a place called Succoth, noting the staggering number of approximately 600,000 men, not including women and children. This massive exodus, totaling possibly over two million people, signifies the abrupt end of their 430 years of sojourning and enslavement in Egypt.
Just hours after the devastating final plague, the Israelites packed up and left Egypt. This verse marks their immediate departure from Rameses to a place called Succoth, noting the staggering number of approximately 600,000 men, not including women and children. This massive exodus, totaling possibly over two million people, signifies the abrupt end of their 430 years of sojourning and enslavement in Egypt.
"And the people of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children. A mixed multitude also went up with them, and very much livestock, both flocks and herds." — The text highlights "about six hundred thousand men" who journeyed on foot, but this doesn't just refer to any able-bodied men; it specifically means those fit for military service. This detail empha…
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Last reviewed October 2026
