13:18 Red Sea. The Hebrew term (yam suph) is used to designate the Gulf of Aqaba (23:31), the Gulf of Suez (10:19; Num. 33:10), as well as the body of water crossed in the Exodus. Scholars suggest that the term may mean “sea of reeds” or “sea of the end.” The “Red Sea” of the Exodus was probably one of the Bitter Lakes north of the Gulf of Suez. Perhaps it was the southern extension of the present Lake Menzaleh. Archaeological evidence suggests that the Bitter Lakes were at one time joined to the Gulf of Suez, and that shallows existed in them.

equipped for battle. Israel went out in military formation, disciplined and prepared (12:37 note).