Etymology and Meaning:
The term "Suf" is derived from the Hebrew word "סוּף" (sûph), which is often associated with reeds or a marshy area. In the context of the Bible, it is most commonly linked to the "Yam Suph," traditionally translated as the "Red Sea," though some scholars suggest it could mean the "Sea of Reeds."

Biblical References:
The term "Suf" appears in several key passages within the Old Testament, primarily in the context of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. One of the most significant references is found in Exodus 13:18: "So God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the Israelites left the land of Egypt arrayed for battle." . Here, "Red Sea" is translated from "Yam Suph," indicating the body of water the Israelites crossed during their escape from Pharaoh's army.

Another notable mention is in Numbers 21:14, which refers to the "Book of the Wars of the LORD" and includes a poetic fragment: "Waheb in Suphah and the wadis of the Arnon." . The term "Suphah" is often considered a variant of "Suf," possibly indicating a location near the Red Sea or a region characterized by reeds.

Geographical and Historical Context:
The exact location of the "Yam Suph" has been a subject of debate among scholars and theologians. Traditionally, it has been identified with the Red Sea, particularly the Gulf of Suez or the Gulf of Aqaba. However, some propose that it may refer to a smaller body of water, such as a marshy lake or a reedy area in the Nile Delta, which aligns with the Hebrew meaning of "reeds."

The crossing of the "Yam Suph" is a pivotal event in the narrative of the Exodus, symbolizing God's deliverance of the Israelites from bondage and His power over nature. This miraculous event is celebrated in the Song of the Sea (Exodus 15), where Moses and the Israelites sing praises to God for their salvation.

Theological Significance:
From a theological perspective, the crossing of the "Yam Suph" is seen as a demonstration of God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant people. It serves as a typological foreshadowing of Christian baptism, where believers pass from the bondage of sin into the freedom of new life in Christ. The Apostle Paul alludes to this typology in 1 Corinthians 10:1-2: "For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and that they all passed through the sea. They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea." .

Cultural and Literary Impact:
The account of the crossing of the "Yam Suph" has had a profound impact on Judeo-Christian culture and literature. It is a central theme in Jewish Passover celebrations and is frequently referenced in Christian hymns and liturgy. The imagery of God parting the waters has become a powerful symbol of divine intervention and deliverance.

Conclusion:
While the precise identification of "Suf" remains uncertain, its role in the biblical narrative is clear. It represents a place of divine encounter and miraculous deliverance, underscoring the themes of faith, obedience, and God's unwavering commitment to His people.

Footnotes
... Andrews."Lamont's Diary, p.48. 26 Wodrow's Hist. of the Suf. of Ch. of Scot. vol.
ip165. Glas.1829. ... of the Suf. of Ch. of Scot., vol. ii. p.127). ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm

John Chapter ii. 23-25; iii. 5-Jan
... And even if thou hast suffered corporal affliction, O party of Donatus, at the hand
of the Catholic Church, as an Hagar thou hast suf fered it at the hand of ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xi john chapter ii.htm

Concerning the Ministry.
Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity. <. ...
/.../proposition x concerning the ministry.htm

Suf (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Suf (1 Occurrence). Deuteronomy 1:1 These are
the words which Moses spoke to all Israel on the east side ...
/s/suf.htm - 6k

Longsuffering (17 Occurrences)
... long-suf'-er-ing ('erekh 'appayim; makrothumia): The words 'erekh 'appayim, translated
longsuffering, mean literally, "long of nose" (or "breathing"), and, as ...
/l/longsuffering.htm - 16k

Wards (5 Occurrences)
... 1. (vi) Suffixes denoting course or direction to; motion or tendency toward; as
in backward, or backwards; toward, or towards, etc. 2. (suf.) See ward. ...
/w/wards.htm - 8k

Suffering (104 Occurrences)
...suf'-er-ing: A great variety of Hebrew and Greek expressions, too large to be here
enumerated, have been translated by "suffering" and other forms derived from ...
/s/suffering.htm - 40k

Sueth (1 Occurrence)

/s/sueth.htm - 6k

Suffocation (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SUFFOCATION. suf-o-ka'-shun. See PUNISHMENTS.
Multi-Version Concordance Suffocation (1 Occurrence). ...
/s/suffocation.htm - 7k

Suffer (195 Occurrences)

/s/suffer.htm - 36k

East (228 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 1:1 These are the words which Moses spoke to all Israel on the east
side of Jordan in the wilderness, in the plain over against Suf, between Paran ...
/e/east.htm - 51k

Discomfiture (6 Occurrences)
...Suf 1 Peter 3:19 is in all probability correct, according to which a preaching of
Christ at the time of the Flood is referred to, ie a preaching through Noah ...
/d/discomfiture.htm - 101k

Palestine (1 Occurrence)
... The distance is about 350 miles from Haran to the Galeed or "witness heap"
(Genesis 31:48) at Mizpah-probably Suf in North Gilead. ...
/p/palestine.htm - 89k

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