The Hebrew name Pîy ha-Chîyrôth, represented by H6367, identifies a specific location in Egypt meaning "mouth of the gorges." It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible. This place is significant as a key geographical marker in the narrative of Israel's exodus from Egypt, pinpointing the spot where they encamped immediately before a pivotal confrontation and miraculous deliverance.
In the biblical narrative, H6367 is the precise location where God commands the children of Israel to turn back and set up camp. They are instructed to encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, opposite Baalzephon (Exodus 14:2, Numbers 33:7). It is at this seemingly vulnerable position that the pursuing Egyptian army, with all its horses and chariots, overtakes them Exodus 14:9. Subsequently, Pihahiroth serves as the final point of departure before the Israelites pass through the midst of the sea into the wilderness, marking a definitive transition from bondage to freedom Numbers 33:8.
Several related words help establish the context of the events at Pîy ha-Chîyrôth:
- H2583 chânâh (to encamp): This verb describes the action Israel was commanded to take at this location. It means to "pitch a tent; gen. to encamp," and it appears repeatedly to describe Israel's state when the Egyptians arrived (Exodus 14:2, Exodus 14:9, Numbers 33:7).
- H4024 Migdôwl (Migdol): A place in Egypt, its name meaning "tower." It is consistently mentioned as a landmark defining the location of the Israelite camp in relation to Pihahiroth (Exodus 14:2, Numbers 33:7).
- H1189 Baʻal Tsᵉphôwn (Baal-zephon): Another landmark in Egypt, always mentioned as being opposite the Israelite encampment at Pihahiroth. It helps to precisely situate the events of the Exodus narrative (Exodus 14:2, Exodus 14:9, Numbers 33:7).
- H3220 yâm (sea): This word for a "large body of water" is a critical element of the setting, as Israel encamped "by the sea" at Pihahiroth, the very body of water that would become their path to deliverance (Exodus 14:2, Exodus 14:9).
The theological significance of H6367 is tied directly to the events that transpired there.
- Divine Instruction and Obedience: God specifically commands the Israelites to turn back H7725 and encamp H2583 at Pihahiroth, leading them to a place of apparent vulnerability that requires faith in His direction Exodus 14:2.
- The Stage for God's Power: It is the place where the full military might H2428 of Egypt, including its horses H5483, chariots H7393, and horsemen H6571, pursues H7291 and overtakes H5381 the Israelites, setting the stage for a divine intervention that human strength cannot achieve Exodus 14:9.
- The Threshold of Deliverance: Pihahiroth is the last place of encampment before Israel passes through H5674 the sea H3220 into the wilderness H4057, transforming a place of entrapment into the gateway of their salvation Numbers 33:8.
In summary, H6367 is much more than a geographical name. As Pîy ha-Chîyrôth, it marks the dramatic turning point in the Exodus. It is the location God chose to demonstrate His sovereignty, intentionally leading His people to a point of complete dependency to display His unrivaled power to deliver them from an insurmountable threat. It serves as a permanent memorial of the place where Israel stood between a pursuing army and an impassable sea, only to witness the path of salvation opened before them.
TRV