The Lost Sea of the Exodus: A Modern Geographical Analysis
Date
2006-12
Authors
Fritz, Glen A.
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Abstract
Yam Suph, the Hebrew name for the Sea of the Exodus, has been popularly mischaracterized as the "Red Sea" or the "Reed Sea." It has also been given locations that clash with its identification in the Hebrew Scriptures. The confusion began about 250 B.C. when the Septuagint Bible equated Yam Suph with the Greek concept of the Red Sea. Although the Red Sea tradition has been largely discarded, it has been replaced with problematic "Reed Sea" theories that locate Yam Suph at various Egyptian marsh-lakes. This research shows that the original identity of Yam Suph corresponds solely with the Gulf of Aqaba, and reveals how this understanding was lost in antiquity. The incompatible "Red Sea" and "Reed Sea" traditions are also refuted. The study concludes with an analysis of the theoretical Exodus Sea crossing sites.
Description
Keywords
Christianity and geography, The Exodus, Red Sea
Citation
Fritz, G.A. (2006). The lost sea of the Exodus: A modern geographical analysis (Unpublished dissertation). Texas State University-San Marcos, San Marcos, Texas.