Bible Strands
Numbers 33:7
They set out from Etham and turned back to Pi-hahiroth, opposite Baal-zephon, and they camped near Migdol.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrator records the Israelites' movements during the wilderness exodus. This entry immediately follows their departure from Succoth and encampment at Etham on the wilderness edge.
The words — וַ/יָּ֙שָׁב֙ (va/i.Ya.shov) translates literally as "and he turned back." עַל\־ ('al-) functions as a directional preposition meaning "to" or "on" in this geographic context.
The thread — This maneuver fulfills the command in Exodus 14:2 to encamp before Pi-hahiroth between Migdol and the sea. The sequence resumes in Numbers 33:8 as they depart Pi-hahiroth to cross the sea.
Why it lands — The text states a deliberate geographical reversal that positions the camp opposite Baal-zephon and near Migdol. It requires the reader to observe how specific encampment locations frame the subsequent military pursuit and crossing.
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
And they removed from Etham, and turned again unto Pi–hahiroth, which is before Baal–zephon: and they pitched before Migdol.
Cross-references
- 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.
- 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.
- Numbers 33:8 They set out from Pi-hahiroth and crossed through the sea, into the wilderness, and they journeyed three days into the Wilderness of Etham and camped at Marah.