Etham standard
The name used to be explained as the Coptic Atium, "border of the Sea" (Gesenius, Lexicon, under the word) which would agree with the Hebrew (Nu 33:8) where the "wilderness of Etham" is noticed instead of that of Shur (E…
Where is Etham in the Bible?
Etham was a wilderness area located on the edge of the desert in northeastern Egypt, east of the Red Sea and near the border between Egypt and the Sinai Peninsula. The Israelites camped at Etham during their exodus from Egypt, as recorded in Exodus 13:20 and Numbers 33:8, making it a significant stopping point on their journey toward the Promised Land. The name Etham possibly derives from a Coptic word meaning "border of the sea," reflecting its location at the edge of the desert near water. This encampment represents an important moment in Israel's liberation story, marking a transition point in their escape from Egyptian bondage before they crossed the Red Sea.
In Scripture2 biblical books; 1 with study content
- Exodus
- Numbers
Etham
ISBE 1915 (Public Domain)ir wilderness" showing another pointing for the word):
The name used to be explained as the Coptic Atium, "border of the Sea" (Gesenius, Lexicon, under the word) which would agree with the Hebrew (Nu 33:8) where the "wilderness of Etham" is noticed instead of that of Shur (Ex 15:22) East of the Red Sea (see SHUR). At Etham (Ex 13:20), the Hebrews camped in the "edge," or at "the end," of the desert West of the sea that they were to cross (see EXODUS). This camp was probably near the North end of the Bitter Lakes, a march from Succoth. Brugsch (Hist. Egypt, II, 359) would compare Etham with the Egyptian Khetam ("fort"), but the Hebrew word has no guttural. The word Khetam is not the name of a place (see Pierret, Vocab. hieroglyph., 453), and more than one such "fort" seems to be noticed (see PITHOM). In the reign of Seti II a scribe's report mentions the pursuit of two servants, apparently from Zoan, to the fortress of I-k-u southward, reaching Khetam on the 3rd day; but if this was the "Khetam of Rameses II," or even that "of Minepthah," it would not apparently suit the position of Etham.
See MIGDOL.
C. R. Conder.
(1) A wise man with whom Solomon is compared (1Ki 4:31). Called there "Ethan the Ezrahite," to whom the title of <ref osisRef="Bi