from בַּעַל and צָפוֹן (in the sense of cold) (according to others an Egyptian form of Typhon, the destroyer); Baal of winter; Baal-Tsephon, a place in Eqypt; Baal-zephon.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Baʻal Tsᵉphôwn**, represented by `{{H1189}}`, identifies a specific place in Egypt. The name is derived from "Baal of winter" and is also noted as a possible Egyptian form of Typhon, the destroyer. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses**, consistently marking a key location in the Exodus narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1189}}` serves as a critical geographical marker for the Israelites' encampment just before the parting of the Red Sea. God commands them to `turn{H7725}` and `encamp{H2583}` by the `sea{H3220}` directly across from **Baalzephon** [[Exodus 14:2]]. This location is repeated in the record of their journey [[Numbers 33:7]]. It is at this precise spot, before **Baalzephon**, that the pursuing Egyptian `army{H2428}` overtakes the encamped Israelites, setting the stage for the dramatic confrontation [[Exodus 14:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the actions surrounding this location:
* `{{H2583}}` **chânâh** (to encamp): This root word describes the action the Israelites were commanded to take. God directs them to `encamp{H2583}` before **Baalzephon**, placing them in a position of apparent vulnerability [[Exodus 14:2]].
* `{{H7725}}` **shûwb** (to turn back): This verb highlights the deliberate and divinely-ordered course correction made by the Israelites. They were instructed to `turn{H7725}` from their path to camp at this specific site [[Numbers 33:7]].
* `{{H7291}}` **râdaph** (to pursue): This term describes the hostile action of the Egyptians. Pharaoh's army `pursued{H7291}` the Israelites and cornered them at their camp before **Baalzephon** [[Exodus 14:9]].
* `{{H4024}}` **Migdôwl** (tower): This place, likely a military tower or fortress, is consistently mentioned as a landmark alongside **Baalzephon**, defining the boundaries of the Israelite encampment [[Numbers 33:7]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative importance of `{{H1189}}` is significant, marking a pivotal moment in Israel's journey.
* **A Site of Divine Appointment:** The location was not chosen by chance. God explicitly `spoke{H1696}` to Moses, directing the Israelites to this spot, making it a place of divine instruction and purpose [[Exodus 14:2]].
* **A Stage for Confrontation:** **Baalzephon** is the place where the chase culminates. The arrival of the Egyptian `army{H2428}` transforms the campsite into a scene of crisis, trapping the Israelites between a pursuing enemy and the sea [[Exodus 14:9]].
* **A Landmark of Peril and Deliverance:** While the verses pinpoint **Baalzephon** as the site where the Israelites were overtaken, it is therefore the immediate precursor to their miraculous deliverance through the `sea{H3220}` [[Numbers 33:8]]. The name is forever linked to the moment God's power was displayed against Pharaoh's forces.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1189}}` is far more than a simple geographical name. It is a strategically important location in the Exodus account, deliberately chosen by God. As **Baalzephon**, it represents the point of maximum danger for the Israelites and serves as the backdrop for one of the most profound demonstrations of divine salvation in scripture, where a seemingly indefensible position becomes the site of an impossible escape.
TRV