"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. Tell the IsraelitesThis phrase indicates a direct command from God to Moses, emphasizing the importance of divine guidance in the journey of the Israelites. The Hebrew root for "tell" (דַּבֵּר, dabar) implies not just speaking, but conveying a message of authority and purpose. This highlights the role of Moses as a mediator between God and His people, a theme that resonates throughout the Exodus narrative. to turn back
The instruction to "turn back" suggests a strategic move orchestrated by God. In Hebrew, the word used here (שׁוּב, shuv) often means to return or to repent. This can symbolize a call to trust in God's plan, even when it seems counterintuitive. Historically, this maneuver would have seemed illogical, as it placed the Israelites in a vulnerable position, yet it set the stage for God's miraculous deliverance. and camp before Pi-hahiroth
The location "Pi-hahiroth" is significant in the narrative. While its exact location is debated, it is believed to be near the northern end of the Red Sea. The name itself may mean "mouth of the gorges," suggesting a geographical feature that would have been recognizable to the Israelites. This setting underscores the theme of God leading His people into situations where only His power can deliver them. between Migdol and the sea
"Migdol" means "tower" in Hebrew, possibly referring to a watchtower or fortress. This phrase situates the Israelites in a specific geographical context, emphasizing their entrapment between a fortified location and the sea. Historically, this would have heightened the sense of impending danger, making the subsequent miracle of the parting of the sea even more dramatic. you are to camp by the sea
The command to camp by the sea further illustrates the precarious position of the Israelites. The sea, often a symbol of chaos and danger in ancient Near Eastern literature, becomes a place of divine intervention. This setting foreshadows the miraculous crossing, where God transforms a barrier into a pathway of salvation. directly opposite Baal-zephon
"Baal-zephon" refers to a location associated with a Canaanite deity, Baal, who was believed to have power over the sea and storms. By positioning the Israelites opposite this site, the narrative sets up a confrontation between the God of Israel and the perceived powers of the pagan gods. This highlights the theme of God's supremacy over all other deities and forces of nature, reinforcing the message of His sovereignty and might. Persons / Places / Events 1. IsraelitesThe descendants of Jacob, also known as the children of Israel, who were enslaved in Egypt and are now being led by Moses out of bondage. 2. Pi-hahirothA location near the Red Sea where the Israelites were instructed to camp. The name suggests a place of reeds or marshes. 3. MigdolA term meaning "tower" or "fortress," possibly referring to a watchtower or fortified location near the Red Sea. 4. The SeaRefers to the Red Sea, which the Israelites would miraculously cross as part of their exodus from Egypt. 5. Baal-zephonA location or possibly a deity associated with a place near the Red Sea, indicating a strategic or significant landmark. Teaching Points God's Strategic GuidanceGod often leads us in ways that may not seem logical to us, but His plans are always for our ultimate good and His glory. Trust in Divine TimingThe Israelites were instructed to camp in a seemingly vulnerable position, teaching us to trust God's timing and placement in our lives. Facing Impossible SituationsJust as the Israelites faced the Red Sea, we may encounter seemingly insurmountable challenges, but God is able to make a way where there seems to be none. God's Sovereignty Over NatureThe positioning by the sea sets the stage for a miraculous event, reminding us of God's control over all creation. Preparation for DeliveranceSometimes God places us in difficult situations to prepare us for a greater deliverance, strengthening our faith and reliance on Him. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the instruction to camp by the sea demonstrate God's strategic planning for the Israelites' journey? 2. In what ways can we see God's hand in guiding us through difficult or confusing circumstances in our own lives? 3. How does the account of the Israelites at the Red Sea encourage us to trust in God's power and provision when facing our own "Red Sea" moments? 4. What can we learn from the Israelites' obedience to God's seemingly illogical instructions, and how can we apply this to our walk with God? 5. How do the events at Pi-hahiroth and the Red Sea connect to the broader account of God's deliverance throughout Scripture, and how can this understanding deepen our faith? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 13:17-18These verses describe God's guidance of the Israelites on a specific route to avoid confrontation with the Philistines, showing His protective and strategic planning. Numbers 33:7-8This passage recounts the journey of the Israelites, including their encampment at Pi-hahiroth, providing a broader context of their travels. Psalm 77:16-20This psalm poetically describes the parting of the Red Sea, emphasizing God's power and deliverance. People Egyptians, Israelites, Moses, Pharaoh, ZephonPlaces Baal-zephon, Egypt, Etham, Migdol, Pi-hahiroth, Red SeaTopics Baal, Baalzephon, Baal-zephon, Ba'al-ze'phon, Camp, Directly, Encamp, Front, Hahiroth, Migdol, Opposite, Orders, Over-against, Pi, Pihahiroth, Pi-hahiroth, Pi-ha-hi'roth, Sons, Speak, Tents, Turn, ZephonDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 13:17-22 5828 danger Exodus 13:21-22 1449 signs, purposes
4805 clouds
4834 light, natural
6703 peace, divine OT Library A Path in the Sea
'And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: 20. And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night. 21. And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureEntangled in the Land
"For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in."--Exodus 14:3. ISRAEL WAS CLEAN escaped from Egypt. Not a hoof of their cattle was left behind; nor foot of child or aged man remained in the house of bondage. But though they were gone, they were not forgotten by the tyrant who had enslaved them. They had been a very useful body of workers; for they had built treasure cities and storehouses for Pharaoh. Compelled to work without wages, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891 Epistle Lxiii. To Brunichild, Queen of the Franks.
To Brunichild, Queen of the Franks. Gregory to Brunichild, &c. What good gifts have been conferred on you from above, and with what piety heavenly grace has filled you, this, among all the other proofs of your merits, intimates evidently to all that you both govern the savage hearts of barbarians with the skill of prudent counsel, and (what is still more to your praise), adorn your royal power with wisdom. And since, as you are above many nations in both these respects, so also you excel them in …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great They who have not Been Promoted to that Office. ...
They who have not been promoted [to that office] by the bishop, ought not to adjure, either in churches or in private houses. Notes. Ancient Epitome of Canon XXVI. No one shall adjure without the bishop's promotion to that office. Balsamon. Some were in the habit of "adjuring," that is catechising the unbelievers, who had never received the imposition of the bishop's hands for that purpose; and when they were accused of doing so, contended that as they did not do it in church but only at home, they …
Philip Schaff—The Seven Ecumenical Councils The Personality of Power.
A Personally Conducted Journey. Everyone enjoys the pleasure of travel; but nearly all shrink back from its tiresomeness and drudgery. The transportation companies are constantly scheming to overcome this disagreeable side for both pleasure and business travel. One of the popular ways of pleasure travel of late is by means of personally conducted tours. A party is formed, often by the railroad company, and is accompanied by a special agent to attend to all the business matters of the trip. A variation …
S.D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on Power The Faults Committed in this Degree --Distractions, Temptations --The Course to be Pursued Respecting Them.
As soon as we fall into a fault, or have wandered, we must turn again within ourselves; because this fault having turned us from God, we should as soon as possible turn towards Him, and suffer the penitence which He Himself will give. It is of great importance that we should not be anxious about these faults, because the anxiety only springs from a secret pride and a love of our own excellence. We are troubled at feeling what we are. If we become discouraged, we shall grow weaker yet; and reflection …
Jeanne Marie Bouvières—A Short Method Of Prayer And Spiritual Torrents Answer to Mr. W's Sixth Objection.
6. and lastly, Let us consider the intrinsick absurdities, and incredibilities of the several stories of these three miracles, p. 36.--As to Jairus's daughter, and her resurrection from the dead, St. Hilary [13] hints, that there was no such person as Jairus;--and he gives this reason, and a good reason it is, why he thought so, because it is elsewhere intimated in the gospel that none of the rulers of the synagogues confessedly believ'd on Jesus, John vii. 48. and xii. 42. St. John's words in the …
Nathaniel Lardner—A Vindication of Three of Our Blessed Saviour's Miracles The Hardening in the Sacred Scripture.
"He hath hardened their heart."-- John xii. 40. The Scripture teaches positively that the hardening and "darkening of their foolish heart" is a divine, intentional act. This is plainly evident from God's charge to Moses concerning the king of Egypt: "Thou shalt speak all that I command thee; and I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply My signs and wonders in the land of Egypt. But Pharaoh shall not harken unto you, and I will lay My hand upon Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit Blessed are they that Mourn
Blessed are they that mourn. Matthew 5:4 Here are eight steps leading to true blessedness. They may be compared to Jacob's Ladder, the top whereof reached to heaven. We have already gone over one step, and now let us proceed to the second: Blessed are they that mourn'. We must go through the valley of tears to paradise. Mourning were a sad and unpleasant subject to treat on, were it not that it has blessedness going before, and comfort coming after. Mourning is put here for repentance. It implies …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Epistle iv. To Cyriacus, Bishop.
To Cyriacus, Bishop. Gregory to Cyriacus, Bishop of Constantinople. We have received with becoming charity our common sons, George the presbyter and Theodore your deacon; and we rejoice that you have passed from the care of ecclesiastical business to the government of souls, since, according to the voice of the Truth, He that is faithful in a little will be faithful also in much (Luke xvi. 10). And to the servant who administers well it is said, Because thou hast been faithful over a few things, …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation
"Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God" (Rom. 11:22). In the last chapter when treating of the Sovereignty of God the Father in Salvation, we examined seven passages which represent Him as making a choice from among the children of men, and predestinating certain ones to be conformed to the image of His Son. The thoughtful reader will naturally ask, And what of those who were not "ordained to eternal life?" The answer which is usually returned to this question, even by those who profess …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God Of the Necessity of Divine Influences to Produce Regeneration in the Soul.
Titus iii. 5, 6. Titus iii. 5, 6. Not by works of righteousness, which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. IF my business were to explain and illustrate this scripture at large, it would yield an ample field for accurate criticism and useful discourse, and more especially would lead us into a variety of practical remarks, on which it would be pleasant …
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Exodus 14:2 NIVExodus 14:2 NLTExodus 14:2 ESVExodus 14:2 NASBExodus 14:2 KJV
Exodus 14:2 Commentaries
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