Read Verse Keyword Strong's
Prev

Exodus 14:2

Next

Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, over against Baalzephon: before it shall ye encamp by the sea.

Speak {H1696} unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, that they turn {H7725} and encamp {H2583} before {H6440} Pihahiroth {H6367}, between Migdol {H4024} and the sea {H3220}, over against {H6440} Baalzephon {H1189}: before {H5226} it shall ye encamp {H2583} by the sea {H3220}.

"Tell the people of Isra'el to turn around and set up camp in front of Pi-Hachirot, between Migdol and the sea, in front of Ba'al-Tz'fon; camp opposite it, by the sea.

“Tell the Israelites to turn back and encamp before Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea. You are to encamp by the sea, directly opposite Baal-zephon.

Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn back and encamp before Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, before Baal-zephon: over against it shall ye encamp by the sea.

Commentary

Exodus 14:2 marks a pivotal moment in the Israelites' journey out of Egypt, detailing God's specific instructions to Moses regarding their encampment. This seemingly peculiar command sets the stage for one of the most dramatic displays of divine power in biblical history: the parting of the Red Sea.

Context

Having just departed from their long bondage in Egypt (see Exodus 12:31), the children of Israel were being led by God Himself, symbolized by a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night. Instead of leading them directly through the Philistine territory, which was the shortest route but militarily dangerous, God directs them towards a place that would appear to be a dead end. Pihahiroth, Migdol, and Baalzephon were geographical markers near the western shore of the Red Sea (or Sea of Reeds). This command to "turn and encamp" was a deliberate strategic move by God, designed to lure Pharaoh into believing the Israelites were trapped and easy prey, thus providing an opportunity for God to display His glory and judgment over Egypt and its gods.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Direction: The verse powerfully illustrates that God is fully in control of every step of His people's journey. Even when the path seems illogical or dangerous from a human perspective, it is part of His perfect plan.
  • Setting the Stage for Deliverance: God intentionally places His people in a vulnerable position to demonstrate His mighty power. This "trap" was not for their destruction but for their spectacular liberation and the glorification of God's name.
  • Testing of Faith: This command would undoubtedly test the Israelites' trust in Moses and, more importantly, in God. Their initial reaction to being cornered is recorded later in the chapter, highlighting their fear and doubt (Exodus 14:11).

Linguistic Insights

The names of the locations themselves offer subtle insights:

  • Pihahiroth: Likely meaning "mouth of the gorges" or "place of canals," suggesting a geographical choke point.
  • Migdol: Means "tower" or "fortress," indicating a military outpost or watchtower.
  • Baalzephon: Translates to "Lord of the North" or "Baal of the watchtower." This was likely a pagan shrine or cult center dedicated to a local deity. God's instruction to encamp "over against Baalzephon" could subtly emphasize His supremacy over all false gods, setting up a confrontation not just with Pharaoh but also with the spiritual powers of Egypt.

Strategic Significance and Cross-References

This verse is crucial because it initiates the sequence of events leading to the iconic Red Sea crossing. God explicitly states His purpose for this strategy in Exodus 14:4: "And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the LORD." The subsequent pursuit by Pharaoh and his army (Exodus 14:5) and the miraculous parting of the Red Sea are direct consequences of this divine command. This event serves as a foundational narrative of God's powerful deliverance for His people.

Practical Application

For believers today, Exodus 14:2 offers profound encouragement. It reminds us that:

  • Even when God's leading seems to place us in a difficult or impossible situation, He has a greater purpose.
  • What appears to be a "dead end" or a "trap" in our lives may actually be God setting the stage for a powerful display of His faithfulness and deliverance.
  • Trusting God's direction, even when it defies human logic, is essential for experiencing His miraculous intervention. Our faith is often stretched not in comfort, but in challenging circumstances where we are forced to rely solely on Him.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 33:7 (7 votes)

    And they removed from Etham, and turned again unto Pihahiroth, which [is] before Baalzephon: and they pitched before Migdol.

  • Numbers 33:8 (7 votes)

    And they departed from before Pihahiroth, and passed through the midst of the sea into the wilderness, and went three days' journey in the wilderness of Etham, and pitched in Marah.

  • Jeremiah 44:1 (7 votes)

    ¶ The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the Jews which dwell in the land of Egypt, which dwell at Migdol, and at Tahpanhes, and at Noph, and in the country of Pathros, saying,

  • Exodus 13:17 (4 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not [through] the way of the land of the Philistines, although that [was] near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt:

  • Exodus 13:18 (4 votes)

    But God led the people about, [through] the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.

  • Exodus 14:9 (3 votes)

    But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses [and] chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baalzephon.

  • Jeremiah 46:14 (3 votes)

    Declare ye in Egypt, and publish in Migdol, and publish in Noph and in Tahpanhes: say ye, Stand fast, and prepare thee; for the sword shall devour round about thee.