EXODUS LESSON 37 PART 2

In part 2 of lesson 37 we study the numbers in Exodus 12 and Numbers 1-2.  It says that 600,000 men left Egypt in the Exodus.  It is estimated that this is probably 2,000,000 people total and perhaps even 3,000,000.  The Bible goes on to say in Num. 1-2 that the army of Israel in 1444 B.C. numbered 603,550 men.  This is ridiculous.  Consider the chart below from the Encyclopedia Britannica.  (To view the chart click on this link -

 https://www.businessinsider.com/this-ambitious-graphic-shows-the-size-of-standing-armies-from-antiquity-to-the-present-2014-11)

If this is the case Israel had the largest army in the world of all ancient nations and empires including Rome!  This makes no sense.  But, this also implies that if there were 603,550 men in the army this means perhaps 2,000,000 to 3,000,000 total people left Egypt in the Exodus.  If that is the case, if it is 2,000,000, the line of these people traveling out of Egypt would be 100 to 200 miles long and it would take more than a day for them to cross the sea.  The numbers DON’T ADD UP. 

Is the Bible wrong?  Why would the Lord give us numbers that make no sense?  Or perhaps, there is something we can’t see?  Perhaps it has something to do with the Hebrew word אֶלֶף  ELF H505.  Today, it means 1000’s.  But back then it could also mean …

And he said to Him, “O Lord, with what do I save Yisra’el? See, my clan (אֶלֶף  ELF H505) is the weakest in Menashsheh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” (Jdg 6:15 )

Perhaps there is a reasonable explanation for these improbable numbers that maintains the veracity of God’s word.  Perhaps?  Not perhaps.  But, definitely.  There is a realistic solution. 

Check out the links that were brought up in this lesson.

• Check out this website that discusses the issue with the number 600,000 men leaving Egypt in the Exodus. Link - https://www.thetorah.com/article/recounting-the-census-a-military-force-of-5500


• Another website that also presents a very complete discussion on the improbability of the numbers used in Exod. 12 and Numb. 1-2 – Link - https://sharedveracity.net/2016/10/15/did-an-army-of-600000-israelites-conquer-the-land-of-canaan/


• Here’s a link to the chart above - https://www.businessinsider.com/this-ambitious-graphic-shows-the-size-of-standing-armies-from-antiquity-to-the-present-2014-11


• Light of Menorah video entitled “The Mirror of Passover” - https://youtu.be/ipaeu7AQZ8Y

Rev. Ferret - who is this guy? 

(Ferret - on the Sea of Galilee)

What's his background?  Why should I listen to him?  Check his background at this link - https://www.dropbox.com/s/ortnret3oxcicu4/BackgrndTeacher%20mar%2025%202020.pdf?dl=0