Succoth (of Egypt)

A location in eastern Egypt, between Ramees and Etham; first campsite of the Israelites on their way from Egypt to Canaan.

About Succoth (of Egypt)

A town in Egypt mentioned as the first stopping place of the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt (Exodus 12:37; 13:20; Numbers 33:5–6). Succoth appears between Rameses and Etham.

Egyptian sources, texts of the Anastasi collection, refer to a place that is most likely the same as biblical Succoth. An Edomite tribe is recorded as bringing their herds in from the desert to feed them in the Delta, passing by the strong point at Tkw [Old Egyptian for Succoth] (Papyrus Anastasi VI, 54). The military garrison there was commanded by a leader of archer troops, and the fort was named after Pharaoh Mernephta (Papyrus Anastasi, VI, 55).

Most scholars believe Succoth is at Tell el-Maskhuta, a site near the source of the Wadi Tumeilat.

See map.

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Key References

Numbers 33:5

The Israelites set out from Rameses and camped at Succoth.

Exodus 12:37

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

Exodus 13:20

They set out from Succoth and camped at Etham on the edge of the wilderness.

All Scripture References (4)

Exodus (2)
Exodus 12:37

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

Exodus 13:20

They set out from Succoth and camped at Etham on the edge of the wilderness.

Numbers (2)
Numbers 33:5

The Israelites set out from Rameses and camped at Succoth.

Numbers 33:6

They set out from Succoth and camped at Etham, on the edge of the wilderness.