Exodus 12:37

KJV

¶ And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot [that were] men, beside children.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} journeyed {H5265} from Rameses {H7486} to Succoth {H5523}, about six {H8337} hundred {H3967} thousand {H505} on foot {H7273} that were men {H1397}, beside {H905} children {H2945}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The people of Isra'el traveled from Ra'amses to Sukkot, some six hundred thousand men on foot, not counting children.

Berean Standard Bible

The Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Succoth with about 600,000 men on foot, besides women and children.

American Standard Version

And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, besides children.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 12:37 marks the dramatic and divinely orchestrated departure of the Israelites from Egypt, detailing their initial leg of the journey from Rameses to Succoth. This pivotal verse underscores the sheer scale of the Exodus—approximately 600,000 adult men, implying a total population of over two million—signifying the miraculous fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham and the birth of Israel as a liberated nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the devastating [tenth plague](/exodus/12-29 "The Death of the Firstborn")—the death of the firstborn in Egypt—and the institution of the [Passover](/exodus/12-1 "Institution of the Passover"). Pharaoh, finally broken by God's overwhelming judgment, urgently commanded Moses and Aaron to take the Israelites and leave Egypt, even requesting a blessing ([Exodus 12:31-32](/exodus/12-31 "Pharaoh urges Israel to leave")). Exodus 12:37 describes the Israelites' prompt and organized obedience, detailing their initial movement as a newly liberated people. The subsequent verse, [Exodus 12:38](/exodus/12-38 "The Mixed Multitude"), mentions the "mixed multitude" who joined them, further emphasizing the diverse composition of this new nation on the move and setting the stage for the challenges of leading such a heterogeneous group.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Rameses (also known as Pi-Ramesse) was a major capital and storage city in the eastern Nile Delta, likely where many Israelites were forced to labor on massive building projects for the pharaohs, as mentioned in [Exodus 1:11](/exodus/1-11 "Israelite forced labor"). Their departure from this hub of Egyptian power highlights the completeness and finality of their liberation from centuries of bondage. Succoth (meaning "booths" or "tents") was likely a temporary encampment, signifying their transition from settled slaves to nomadic wanderers, a precursor to their forty years in the wilderness. The mention of "six hundred thousand on foot [that were] men" is crucial for understanding the scale. In ancient Near Eastern societies, censuses often counted adult males capable of military service, typically those aged 20 and above. This number would have represented the potential fighting force, but it also implies a much larger total population, including women, children, and the elderly, potentially exceeding two million people. Leading such a vast, diverse multitude through the wilderness immediately after centuries of slavery was an unprecedented logistical and social challenge, underscoring the divine orchestration and miraculous nature of the Exodus.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Deliverance and Redemption**, as God fulfills His promise to rescue His people from oppression, demonstrating His unparalleled power over the mightiest empire. It also highlights the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness**, as God remembers His promises to Abraham to multiply his descendants into a great nation ([Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham")) and bring them into the Promised Land. The sheer number of people underscores the theme of **Israel's Growth and Identity as a Nation**, transitioning from a family to a vast multitude, now on the path to receiving the Law and establishing their unique identity. Finally, it introduces the theme of **The Journey of Faith and Dependence**, as the Israelites embark on a perilous journey, entirely reliant on God's miraculous provision and guidance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rameses (Hebrew, _Raʻmᵉçêç'_):** This city, of Egyptian origin, was a significant administrative and storage center, famously built by Israelite slave labor ([Exodus 1:11](/exodus/1-11 "Israelite forced labor")). Its mention as the starting point emphasizes the immediate and complete break from their bondage, marking their departure from the very heart of Egyptian oppression and the symbol of their servitude.
* **Succoth (Hebrew, _Çukkôwth'_):** Meaning "booths" or "tents," this name suggests a temporary, makeshift encampment. It marks the first stop on their journey, a place of transition from the structured, albeit oppressive, life in Egypt to the uncertain, nomadic existence in the wilderness. This name foreshadows the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), commemorating their wilderness wanderings and God's provision in temporary dwellings.
* **men (Hebrew, _geber'_):** From the root meaning "to be strong" or "to prevail," this term properly refers to a valiant man or warrior, but generally signifies a person, especially an adult male. In this context, "six hundred thousand on foot that were men" specifically designates adult males, likely those aged 20 and above, capable of warfare or counted in a census. This detail is vital for understanding the population estimate, as it implies a total number far greater than 600,000, demonstrating the miraculous growth of Jacob's descendants into a vast nation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth,"**: This clause marks the momentous physical act of departure, the first concrete step in Israel's journey to nationhood and freedom. It is a direct and immediate response to Pharaoh's desperate command and God's powerful deliverance, signifying the transition from a place of intense bondage (Rameses) to a place of temporary rest and transition (Succoth).
* **"about six hundred thousand on foot [that were] men,"**: This provides a crucial demographic detail, indicating the immense scale of the Exodus. The number "six hundred thousand" refers specifically to adult males, likely those aged 20 and above, who would be counted in later censuses ([Numbers 1:46](/numbers/1-46 "Census results in Numbers")). The phrase "on foot" emphasizes that this was a mass migration of an entire people, not a military expedition with chariots or horses, thereby highlighting their vulnerability and complete reliance on divine protection and guidance.
* **"beside children."**: This clarifies that the 600,000 figure explicitly excludes the younger generation, and by implication, also women. This means the total number of people leaving Egypt was significantly larger, potentially well over two million individuals, including the "mixed multitude" mentioned in the following verse ([Exodus 12:38](/exodus/12-38 "The Mixed Multitude")). This detail underscores the miraculous multiplication of Abraham's descendants and the logistical marvel of God leading such a vast, diverse population.

#### Literary Devices
The sheer magnitude of the number "six hundred thousand" in this verse serves as a powerful **hyperbole** or, more accurately, a vivid **numerical emphasis**, to underscore the miraculous growth of the Israelite population despite centuries of brutal oppression. It highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant promises of multiplication and His unparalleled ability to deliver a vast multitude. This scale also sets the stage for the immense logistical challenges and the subsequent divine provisions—such as manna, water from the rock, and the pillar of cloud and fire—that will characterize their wilderness journey, further magnifying God's power and care.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 12:37 powerfully illustrates several core theological truths. Primarily, it showcases God's **sovereign power and unwavering faithfulness** to His covenant promises. Despite centuries of brutal slavery and the might of the Egyptian empire, God remembered His people and acted decisively to liberate them, demonstrating His ability to overcome any obstacle. This verse is the physical manifestation of God's "strong hand and outstretched arm" ([Deuteronomy 5:15](/deuteronomy/5-15 "God's strong hand in deliverance")). Secondly, it marks the **birth of Israel as a nation**. From a family of seventy souls who entered Egypt ([Genesis 46:27](/genesis/46-27 "Jacob's family entering Egypt")), they had multiplied into a vast multitude, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham to make his descendants a great nation ([Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham")). This immense number also underscores the **miraculous nature of God's provision and guidance** for such a large group in the challenging wilderness. The journey itself becomes a central theme of salvation history, symbolizing the pilgrimage of faith and the transition from bondage to freedom.

* [Deuteronomy 5:15](/deuteronomy/5-15 "God's Strong Hand in Deliverance")
* [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham")
* [Numbers 1:46](/numbers/1-46 "Census Results in Numbers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 12:37 reminds us that God is a God of liberation who actively leads His people out of bondage. Just as He freed Israel from physical slavery, He offers spiritual freedom from the dominion of sin, fear, and despair today. This verse encourages us to trust in God's ability to guide and sustain us, even when the journey ahead seems daunting or the challenges overwhelming. The sheer scale of the Exodus should inspire profound confidence that God is capable of leading and providing for His entire church, no matter how large or diverse, through any wilderness. It also challenges us to take that first step of faith, leaving behind what holds us captive and embarking on the journey God has uniquely prepared for us, trusting that His presence and provision will be sufficient for every step.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Rameses" (places, habits, or patterns of bondage) might God be calling you to journey away from in your life today?**
* **How does the sheer number of people in the Exodus encourage or challenge your understanding of God's ability to lead and provide for His people, even in seemingly impossible circumstances?**
* **What is one "first step" of faith you need to take, trusting God to lead you into a new season of freedom or purpose, even if the destination is not yet fully clear?**

### FAQ
**Is the number "six hundred thousand" a literal figure, or is it symbolic?**

Answer: The consensus among scholars is that the number refers to adult males fit for military service, consistent with ancient census practices (e.g., [Numbers 1:46](/numbers/1-46 "Census results in Numbers")). While some scholars debate the exact literalness of the figure due to the immense logistical challenges implied for wilderness travel, the biblical text consistently presents it as a historical count. Even if understood as a rounded or symbolic representation of a very large number, it undeniably conveys the miraculous growth of Israel and the immense scale of God's deliverance. The Bible consistently portrays the Exodus as a massive movement of people, emphasizing divine power.

**Why is it important that they journeyed "on foot"?**

Answer: The phrase "on foot" (literally "with their feet") emphasizes that this was a mass exodus of ordinary people, not a military campaign equipped with horses and chariots. It highlights their vulnerability and their complete reliance on God for protection, provision, and guidance. It underscores that their liberation was a divine act, not a human military victory achieved through military might. It also paints a vivid picture of the sheer physical effort and collective movement of such a vast multitude.

**What is the significance of Rameses and Succoth as the starting and first stopping points?**

Answer: Rameses was a major city built by Israelite slave labor ([Exodus 1:11](/exodus/1-11 "Israelite forced labor")), symbolizing the heart of their oppression and the seat of Pharaoh's power. Departing from Rameses signifies a complete and decisive break from their bondage. Succoth, meaning "booths" or "tents," was a temporary encampment, marking their immediate transition from settled slaves to nomadic wanderers. It represents the first step of their journey into the unknown, reliant on God's leading, and foreshadows their entire wilderness experience, which would later be commemorated by the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 12:37, depicting the physical liberation of Israel from Egyptian bondage, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Exodus is the quintessential Old Testament story of salvation, and Christ is the greater deliverer, leading a new and eternal Exodus. Just as God led His people out of slavery to Pharaoh, Jesus liberates humanity from the far more pervasive and destructive bondage of sin and death ([John 8:34-36](/john/8-34 "Freedom in Christ")). The "six hundred thousand" men, representing a vast multitude delivered by God's mighty hand, prefigure the countless "multitude that no one could number" from every nation, tribe, people, and language, who are redeemed through Christ's sacrifice ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9 "Multitude from Every Nation")). Jesus, as the true Passover Lamb ([1 Corinthians 5:7](/1-corinthians/5-7 "Christ Our Passover")), secures the liberation that the original Passover only foreshadowed, offering not just physical freedom but spiritual adoption into God's family ([Galatians 4:4-7](/galatians/4-4 "Sons and Heirs Through Christ")). The journey from Rameses to the Promised Land symbolizes the believer's journey of faith, led by Christ, from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light, culminating in the new heavens and new earth—our ultimate promised land of eternal rest and communion with God ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "New Heaven and New Earth")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 1:46

Even all they that were numbered were six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty.

Exodus 38:26

A bekah for every man, [that is], half a shekel, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for every one that went to be numbered, from twenty years old and upward, for six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty [men].

Numbers 33:3

And they departed from Rameses in the first month, on the fifteenth day of the first month; on the morrow after the passover the children of Israel went out with an high hand in the sight of all the Egyptians.

Numbers 33:5

And the children of Israel removed from Rameses, and pitched in Succoth.

Numbers 11:21

And Moses said, The people, among whom I [am, are] six hundred thousand footmen; and thou hast said, I will give them flesh, that they may eat a whole month.

Genesis 47:11

And Joseph placed his father and his brethren, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded.

Exodus 1:11

Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.