Etham
Etham is an ancient city mentioned in the Old Testament, located in the region of Egypt in modern-day Egypt. Known today as Tell Abu Sefeh. It appears across 4 verses in Scripture.
Biblical History
Etham appears in the biblical narrative as one of the first stopping points during Israel's Exodus from Egypt. After departing from Succoth, the Israelites encamped at Etham, described as being "on the edge of the wilderness" (Exodus 13:20; Numbers 33:6). This encampment marked a pivotal transition — the Israelites had left Egyptian territory and stood at the threshold of the desert wilderness. At Etham, the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night first became their constant divine guides, signifying God's tangible presence with his people (Exodus 13:21–22). From Etham, God redirected the Israelites to turn back toward Pi-hahiroth, a maneuver that would ultimately lead Pharaoh to pursue them and culminate in the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea. Etham thus stands at the very beginning of Israel's wilderness journey, a place of divine orientation and sovereign guidance. It represents the moment when Israel first experienced God's direct supernatural leading as a nation, setting the pattern of faithful dependence that would define the wilderness years.
Archaeological & Historical Notes
Etham is traditionally identified with Tell Abu Sefeh, located along the northeastern edge of the Nile Delta near the ancient Pelusiac branch. The site lies near what ancient Egyptians called the "Shur" region, the eastern frontier fortification zone. Egyptian records from the New Kingdom period document a series of fortresses along this border, which aligns with Etham's position on the edge of the wilderness. Archaeological surveys of the region have uncovered remains consistent with military and administrative installations from the relevant period. Definitive identification remains debated among scholars, with some preferring sites further east along the Sinai route.
Verse Appearances (4)
Sources: ISBE Encyclopedia · OpenBible Geocoding (CC BY) · Pleiades Gazetteer View all →