Question about the number of Egyptians
Hello Rabbi Michael,
I came across an estimate of the world’s population at the time of the giving of the Torah, and they estimate that it was in the region of 40 million people. I asked how it was possible that the Israelites were almost a tenth of the world’s population at that time (three million), especially since it was said of them, “The Lord did not desire you more than any other people, and chose you.” And in general, from the estimates of biblical criticism that I have heard, they estimate the number of people who left Egypt to be in the tens of thousands (a number that is more consistent with historical data).
Maharal claims that the number 600,000 is typological (meaning it symbolizes a whole people or a complete composition. Incidentally, as in the establishment of the state).
But I am not sure that these estimates (even if they are correct, and I have great doubts about such assertions. For example, Velikovsky moves the date back by 600 years) are contradictory. It is possible that at that time the people of Israel were a large percentage of the world. At least the families are listed there one by one (how many people there were in each family is a different story, of course). And as for “not most of you,” it is possible that the intention is that despite the majority of you, you were not chosen because of this, and evidence that in the future you will be the fewest of all peoples and will still remain the chosen people.
I tried to look for the source in the Maharlika where he claims that 60 thousand is a typological number. I found something similar in his book Givurot Ha-Yisrael, Chapter 12. Is this the source you were referring to? And if so, does he mean that the number is only a symbolic number and does not really represent the actual number of the Israelites, or perhaps he meant that it was also their actual number, and there was something symbolic in this number?
If you meant another source, I would be happy if you could direct me to it.
And another question, if the number is indeed typological, and does not really represent the actual number of the Israelites in the Exodus from Egypt, how does this fit with the results of the censuses that were conducted, which listed detailed numbers that totaled 60 thousand. In addition, the results of the censuses were not round. Typological numbers usually come in a round form, without any remainders after them, such as 603,500.
Best regards,
I am not familiar with the Hebrew. I have now seen references to the Hebrews 25/29, 5, Netzach 33, Be'er Gola 5 and more.
See also Tiferet Nu on the number 60 (Ribo) which is completeness.
Your comments are correct. It is unlikely that this is just typological.
You can see a brief overview of the Exodus numbers in the field.
And how to read them here:
https://youtu.be/O5rQrWSnZCs
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