The Exodus Journey

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Time Line of the Exodus

c. 1897 bc-1404 bc (Low Date: c. 1741 bc-1248 bc)

Joseph
c. 1897 bc-1884 bc
(c. 1741 bc-1728 bc)
Joseph is sold into slavery in Egypt by his brothers. He later becomes an official “over all the land of Egypt.”

Moses’ Birth
c. 1525 bc (c. 1369 bc)
Moses is born to a Hebrew slave.

He’s placed in a basket to avoid being killed by Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, when he is rescued by royalty and raised as a prince of Egypt.

The Red Sea
c. 1446 bc (c. 1290 bc)
The people of Israel pass safely through the Red Sea. Pharaoh, the Egyptian army, and 600 chariots are
covered by the sea as they pursue the
Israelites.

Mt. Sinai
c. 1446 bc-1445 bc
(c. 1290 bc-1289 bc)
After providing food for the
Israelites, God gives Moses and the people his law as well as instructions for the tabernacle on Mt. Sinai.

When returning from the top of the mountain, Moses is angered that people are worshiping a golden calf.

Moses’ Death
c. 1405 bc (c. 1249 bc)
Moses climbs to the top of Mt. Nebo where God shows him the Promised
Land. He may not enter because he disregarded God’s instructions and
struck the rock at Meribah. Moses dies on Mt. Nebo at the age of 120.

Israel in
Egypt
c. 1876 bc (1720 bc) Jacob, who is
also called Israel, moves his entire family to Egypt to be with Joseph. After some time, Israel’s descendants (the Israelites) become slaves in Egypt.

Ten Plagues
c. 1446 bc (1290 bc)
God sends ten plagues on Egypt leading to Israel’s release by Pharaoh and the beginning of the Exodus.

The tenth plague is the death of
every “first born” in Egypt.

The Passover feast celebrates
Israel’s deliverance from death when the Lord “passes over” their homes because door posts have the blood of
a perfect lamb on them.

Joseph’s
Bones
c. 1446 bc (1290 bc)
Joseph’s bones are carried out of Egypt. An oath had been made to
Joseph, that when God comes to lead Israel to the Promised Land,
they need to carry Joseph’s bones out
with them.

Spies Report
c. 1444 bc (1288 bc)
Spies return from scouting the Promised Land. The people doubt
God’s promise and fear the people of Canaan. Only two spies give an encouraging report. Israel is punished with 40 years of wandering
in the wilderness before they can enter the Promised Land.

The Promised
Land
c. 1404 bc (1248 bc)
Israel enters the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua, son of Nun. The people cross through
the Jordan River on dry ground with the ark of the covenant before them.
Once across, the children of Israel begin their conquest of the Promised
Land by destroying Jericho.

Key People

Moses
Moses led the children of Israel out of
Egypt and through the wilderness. Moses
was the key figure during the exodus. He
received the law from God on Mt. Sinai,
and is known as the author of the Torah,
the first five books of the Old Testament.

Aaron
Aaron was Moses’ older brother and
spokesperson. Aaron was the first high priest and all high priests after him had to be a descendant of Aaron. Aaron died on Mt. Hor at age 123.

Miriam

Miriam was Moses’ older sister. She was the first woman called a prophetess in Scripture. Miriam was an important leader during the exodus. Like Aaron, she was successful when she supported Moses, but failed when she went against him. She died at Kadesh, just before entering the Promised Land.

Joshua, son of Nun

Joshua was the leader of the military during the exodus and was one of the two spies to give an encouraging
report from Canaan. He lead the Israelites into the Promised Land after Moses died. Joshua died and was buried at Timnath Serah in the hill country of Ephraim after conquering the lands of Canaan for Israel.

Pharaoh
Pharaoh was a king of Egypt and was
considered to be a god to the Egyptians. God hardened Pharaoh’s heart so he could prove to Pharaoh, Egypt, and the Israelites that he is the true God.

Some scholars date the exodus around 1290 bc (low date) and others date it about 156 years earlier 1446 bc (high date).