The following presents the debate over whether the Hebrews crossed the Red Sea or the Reed Sea. The two views are explained and supported with evidence.
In the Bible, the tale of The Exodus includes the use of the phrase yam suph to refer to the body of water that the Isralites crossed after leaving Egypt. Whether this term translates into Red Sea or Sea of Reeds or Seaweed, remains unclear. Some think the Isralites journey included the Gulf of Suez, which branches up from today's Red Sea and others believe it included the large delta at the mouth of the Nile in the North of Egypt.
Moses' description in the Bible (Exodus 12:31-42) states that Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron during night to take their flocks and herds and go to worship the Lord. The Egyptians urged people to leave the country in a hurry so they would escape death. As instructed by Moses, the Israelites asked the Egyptians for silver, gold, and clothing and the Egyptians gave them what was asked which led to the plundering of the Egyptians. The Israelites then journeyed from Ramsus to Succoth. The Israelites lived in Egypt for 430 years and at the end of this time, "all the Lord's division left Egypt" (Bible Probe 6). Since this time, the Israelites keep vigil on this night to honor the Lord. According to the Bible, all the chariots of Egypt and 600 gold veneered chariots were in the army that pursued God's people. Proof of this plight includes chariot wheels found in the Red Sea or Gulf of Aqaba. Specifically, a chariot wheel was found fixed to axels on the seabed, standing at attention and a four-spoked chariot wheel on the seabed of the Red Sea was found in 1998. In addition, dozens of human bones have been found in the seabed of the Red Sea (Bible Probe 7).
Thus, there is a debate over whether the Hebrews crossed the Red Sea or the Reed Sea (Sea of Reeds). For this exodus, a body of water is referenced as yam suph...