Land of Goshen

Meaning

The river drifts slowly past swaying papyrus reeds, and a low morning mist settles over the muddy banks.

Hebrew tradition holds that the descendants of Jacob settled in the land of Goshen east of the Nile and dwelt there for generations, and that after the night of Passover the road toward the promised land began here. The story of the infant Moses, drawn from among the reeds, is set along this same river.

Field notes

Location

Nile Delta · Egypt · N30.8° · E31.8°

Best time

Early morning, as mist lies low over the river

Getting there

East from Cairo into the Delta, reached along the Nile's branches around Zagazig and Faqus.

Etiquette

Pass quietly through the farming villages and riverside life, with respect.

Sources

• · Encyclopaedia Britannica
• · Hebrew Bible, Book of Exodus

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