Encyclopedia entry
Etham
Perhaps another name for Khetam, or “fortress,” on the Shur or great wall of Egypt, which extended from the Mediterranean to the Gulf of Suez. Here the Israelites made their third encampment (Ex. 13:20; Num. 33:6). The camp was probably a little to the west of the modern town of Ismailia. Here the Israelites were commanded to change their route (Ex. 14:2), and “turn” towards the south, and encamp before Pi-hahiroth. (See EXODUS; PITHOM.)
Also from Smith's (1884) +−
(bounded by the sea), one of the early resting-places of the Israelites when they quitted Egypt; described as “in the edge of the wilderness.” (Exodus 13:20; Numbers 33:6,7) Etham may be placed where the cultivable land ceases, near the Seba Biar or Seven Wells, about three miles from the western side of the ancient head of the gulf.
In the Bible
4
Verses where Etham is named. Berean Standard Bible (public domain).
- Exodus 13:20
They set out from Succoth and camped at Etham on the edge of the wilderness.
- Numbers 33:6
They set out from Succoth and camped at Etham, on the edge of the wilderness.
- Numbers 33:7
They set out from Etham and turned back to Pi-hahiroth, opposite Baal-zephon, and they camped near Migdol.
- Numbers 33:8
They set out from Pi-hahiroth and crossed through the sea, into the wilderness, and they journeyed three days into the Wilderness of Etham and camped at Marah.
Scripture on Etham
3
Sources · Hitchcock's Bible Names (1869) · Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897) · Smith's Bible Dictionary (1884)
Public-domain text. Modernized only where archaic spelling impedes reading; original facts preserved. Verify against an authoritative modern reference before quoting.