Where were the Israelites heading after they left Elim, and what would happen there?
After leaving Elim, the Israelites traveled through the Sinai wilderness and came to the wilderness of Zin, between Elim and Sinai. They were heading toward Mount Sinai itself, where they would receive the law. In that hot desert region, they would also face thirst and need water.
Les explains that after Israel left Elim, or Elam, they could not remain at that oasis; they had to move on down through the Sinai. They came to the wilderness of Zin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month, which was May, since they had left Egypt in April. In that part of the desert it was getting hot, and with a few million people plus all their livestock, they needed a tremendous amount of water. In short order they would arrive at Mount Sinai itself and receive the law. Before that, the people grew squeamish and complained to Moses and Aaron, wishing they had died in Egypt by the flesh pots and eaten bread to the full, showing how short memory can be.
More Questions
Where did Israel travel after leaving Elim and when did they arrive?
Israel journeyed from Elim and came to the wilderness of Sin, which lies between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month (Exodus 16:1).