Bible Strands
Exodus 14:2
“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.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The LORD speaks to Moses, commanding him to instruct the Israelites to reverse their course and set up camp between Migdol and the sea. This directive occurs immediately after the Exodus narrative begins and precedes Pharaoh’s anticipated reaction.
The words — The Hebrew verb דַּבֵּר (da.Ber) means "speak," and וְ/יָשֻׁ֗בוּ (ve./ya.Shu.vu) translates literally to "so they may turn back." These terms frame the command as a deliberate reversal of direction rather than a spontaneous retreat.
The thread — This specific encampment location is recorded in Numbers 33:7 as a historical journey marker, while Exodus 13:17 establishes the broader context of God avoiding the Philistine route. Jeremiah 44:1 does not mention Pi-hahiroth, but instead lists Migdol, Tahpanhes, and Memphis as known settlements.
Why it lands — The passage requires a reader to observe how divine instruction can appear to create a trapped situation before delivering rescue. It demands attention to the precise geography of obedience without assuming immediate favorable outcomes.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn and encamp before Pi–hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, over against Baal–zephon: before it shall ye encamp by the sea.
Cross-references
- Numbers 33:7 They set out from Etham and turned back to Pi-hahiroth, opposite Baal-zephon, and they camped near Migdol.
- Jeremiah 44:1 This is the word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the Jews living in the land of Egypt—in Migdol, Tahpanhes, and Memphis—and in the land of Pathros:
- Exodus 13:17 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them along the road through the land of the Philistines, though it was shorter. For God said, “If the people face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.”
- Exodus 14:9 The Egyptians—all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots, horsemen and troops—pursued the Israelites and overtook them as they camped by the sea near Pi-hahiroth, opposite Baal-zephon.
- Jeremiah 46:14 “Announce it in Egypt, and proclaim it in Migdol; proclaim it in Memphis and Tahpanhes: ‘Take your positions and prepare yourself, for the sword devours those around you.’
- Ezekiel 29:10 therefore I am against you and against your rivers. I will turn the land of Egypt into a ruin, a desolate wasteland from Migdol to Syene, and as far as the border of Cush.