How many people crossed the Red Sea?
In the account of the exodus from Egypt we read, "Then the children
of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand
men on foot, besides children. A mixed multitude went up with them
also, and flocks and herds-a great deal of livestock" (Exodus
12:37-38). Hence, there was approximately 600,000 adult male Israelites.
Assuming that the Israelite population follows modern trends, we should
find an equal number of adult females. Notice though that these numbers
do not include Israelite children or any non-Israelite who chose to
join the exodus. A population needs about 2.5 children per couple
in order to sustain the population, but we also know that the population
rate among the Israelites of this time was increasing rapidly. "But
the children of Israel were fruitful and increased abundantly, multiplied
and grew exceedingly mighty; and the land was filled with them" (Exodus
1:7). For argument sake, let us assume there was an average of 4 children
per adult couple. We then have:
| Adult Males |
600,000 |
| Adult Females |
600,000 |
| Children |
2,400,000 |
| Non-Israelites |
? |
| -------------------------------- |
------------------- |
| Total |
over 3,600,000 people |
The most common estimates by commentators are between 4 million and 6
million people.
See also:
Crossing the Sea
