◄ Numbers 33:7 ►
They set out from Etham and turned back to Pi-hahiroth, opposite Baal-zephon, and they camped near Migdol.
Study Bible
They set out from Etham
The phrase begins with the Israelites' departure from Etham, a location on the edge of the wilderness. The Hebrew root for "set out" is "nasa," which conveys the idea of pulling up tent pegs, symbolizing a journey or transition. Etham, possibly located near the eastern border of Egypt, represents a place of preparation and transition. Historically, this movement signifies the Israelites' obedience to God's command to leave Egypt and head towards the Promised Land, highlighting their faith and trust in God's guidance.

and turned back to Pi-hahiroth
The phrase "turned back" suggests a change in direction, which can be perplexing without understanding God's purpose. The Hebrew root "shuv" means to return or turn back, indicating a deliberate action. Pi-hahiroth, whose exact location is debated, is thought to be near the Red Sea. This turning back was part of God's plan to display His power over Pharaoh and the Egyptian army, demonstrating His sovereignty and protection over His people.

east of Baal-zephon
The mention of "east of Baal-zephon" provides a geographical marker. Baal-zephon, possibly a location or a deity worshiped in the region, signifies a place where God would demonstrate His supremacy over false gods. The Israelites' encampment here sets the stage for the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, reinforcing the theme of God's deliverance and the futility of idolatry.

and camped near Migdol
The word "camped" comes from the Hebrew "chanah," meaning to pitch a tent or settle temporarily. Migdol, meaning "tower" or "fortress," suggests a place of watchfulness or defense. This encampment was strategic, as it positioned the Israelites for the impending miracle of the Red Sea crossing. Spiritually, it symbolizes a place of waiting and trusting in God's deliverance, reminding believers of the importance of faith and patience in times of uncertainty.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Etham
A location in the wilderness where the Israelites camped during their exodus from Egypt. It represents a transitional phase in their journey.

2. Pi-hahiroth
A place where the Israelites camped before crossing the Red Sea. It is significant as a site of divine intervention and deliverance.

3. Baal-zephon
A location mentioned as being east of Pi-hahiroth. It is often associated with a place of false worship, highlighting the contrast between the Israelites' faith in Yahweh and the surrounding pagan practices.

4. Migdol
A site near where the Israelites camped. The name means "tower" or "fortress," symbolizing a place of watchfulness or defense.
Teaching Points
God's Guidance in Uncertainty
Just as God led the Israelites through seemingly impossible paths, He guides us through our uncertainties. Trust in His direction even when the way seems unclear.

Divine Deliverance
The Israelites' encampment at Pi-hahiroth before the Red Sea crossing is a powerful reminder of God's ability to deliver us from insurmountable challenges. Reflect on times when God has delivered you and give thanks.

Faith Over Fear
The Israelites faced fear at the Red Sea, yet God called them to faith. In our lives, we must choose faith over fear, trusting in God's promises and power.

Watchfulness and Defense
Migdol, meaning "tower," symbolizes the need for spiritual watchfulness and defense. Be vigilant in prayer and guard your heart against spiritual complacency.

Contrast with the World
Baal-zephon represents the false gods of the world. As believers, we are called to stand apart, worshiping the one true God and rejecting worldly idols.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the journey from Etham to Pi-hahiroth reflect the spiritual journey of a believer today?

2. In what ways can we apply the lesson of divine deliverance at the Red Sea to our current life challenges?

3. How can the concept of Migdol as a "tower" inspire us to be more vigilant in our spiritual lives?

4. What are some modern-day "Baal-zephons" that might distract us from our faith, and how can we guard against them?

5. How do the events at Pi-hahiroth encourage us to trust in God's timing and methods, even when they seem unconventional?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 14
This chapter provides a detailed account of the events at Pi-hahiroth, including the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea. It highlights God's power and faithfulness in delivering His people.

Psalm 106
This psalm recounts the history of Israel, including their deliverance from Egypt, and serves as a reminder of God's enduring mercy and the importance of obedience.

Isaiah 43
This passage speaks of God making a way through the sea, echoing the miraculous events at the Red Sea and reinforcing the theme of God's provision and protection.
Sermons
The Journeyings of the IsraelitesD. Young Numbers 33:1-49
People
Aaron, Abel, Arad, Egyptians, Gad, Geber, Israelites, Moses, Perez, Tahath, Terah, Zephon
Places
0, Abarim, Abel-shittim, Abronah, Almon-diblathaim, Alush, Arad, Baal-zephon, Bene-jaakan, Beth-jeshimoth, Canaan, Dibon-gad, Dophkah, Edom, Egypt, Elim, Etham, Ezion-geber, Hahiroth, Haradah, Hashmonah, Hazeroth, Hor-haggidgad, Iye-abarim, Iyim, Jericho, Jordan River, Jotbathah, Kadesh-barnea, Kehelathah, Kibroth-hattaavah, Libnah, Makheloth, Marah, Migdol, Mithkah, Moab, Moseroth, Mount Hor, Mount Shepher, Nebo, Negev, Oboth, Pi-hahiroth, Punon, Rameses, Red Sea, Rephidim, Rimmon-perez, Rissah, Rithmah, Sinai, Succoth, Tahath, Terah, Zalmonah, Zin
Topics
Baal, Baalzephon, Baal-zephon, Ba'al-ze'phon, Camped, East, Encamp, Encamped, Etham, Faces, Front, Hahiroth, Journey, Journeyed, Migdol, Opposite, Pi, Pihahiroth, Pi-hahiroth, Pi-hahi'roth, Pitched, Removed, Tents, Traveled, Turn, Turning, Zephon
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 33:3-48

     7222   exodus, events of

Library
Some Miscellaneous Matters Belonging to the Country About Jericho.
Let us begin from the last encampings of Israel beyond Jordan. Numbers 33:49: "They encamped near Jordan from Beth-jeshimoth unto Abel-shittim."--"From Beth-jeshimoth to Abel-shittim were twelve miles." It is a most received opinion among the Jews, that the tents of the Israelites in the wilderness contained a square of twelve miles. So the Targum of Jonathan, upon Number 2:2; "The encamping of Israel was twelve miles in length, and twelve miles in breadth." And the Gemarists say, "It is forbidden …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Arbel. Shezor. Tarnegola the Upper.
"Arbel a city of Galilee."--There is mention of it in Hosea 10:14. But there are authors which do very differently interpret that place, viz. the Chaldee paraphrast, R. Solomon, Kimchi: consult them. It was between Zippor and Tiberias. Hence Nittai the Arbelite, who was president with Josua Ben Perahiah. The valley of Arbel is mentioned by the Talmudists. So also "The Arbelite Bushel." "Near Zephath in Upper Galilee was a town named Shezor, whence was R. Simeon Shezori: there he was buried. There …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Christ the Water of Life.
"Jesus answered and said unto her, Every one that drinketh of this water shall thirst again: but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up unto eternal life" (John iv. 13, 14). "Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink" (John vii. 37). "And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank …
Frank G. Allen—Autobiography of Frank G. Allen, Minister of the Gospel

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
A BRIEF AND FAITHFUL RELATION OF THE EXCEEDING MERCY OF GOD IN CHRIST TO HIS POOR SERVANT, JOHN BUNYAN; WHEREIN IS PARTICULARLY SHOWED THE MANNER OF HIS CONVERSION, HIS SIGHT AND TROUBLE FOR SIN, HIS DREADFUL TEMPTATIONS, ALSO HOW HE DESPAIRED OF GOD'S MERCY, AND HOW THE LORD AT LENGTH THROUGH CHRIST DID DELIVER HIM FROM ALL THE GUILT AND TERROR THAT LAY UPON HIM. Whereunto is added a brief relation of his call to the work of the ministry, of his temptations therein, as also what he hath met with …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Kadesh. Rekam, and that Double. Inquiry is Made, Whether the Doubling it in the Maps is Well Done.
The readers of the eastern interpreters will observe, that Kadesh is rendered by all Rekam, or in a sound very near it. In the Chaldee, it is 'Rekam': in the Syriac, 'Rekem': in the Arabic, 'Rakim'... There are two places noted by the name Rekam in the very bounds of the land,--to wit, the southern and eastern: that is, a double Kadesh. I. Of Kadesh, or Rekam, in the south part, there is no doubt. II. Of it, in the eastern part, there is this mention: "From Rekam to the east, and Rekam is as the …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Peaceable Principles and True: Or, a Brief Answer to Mr. D'Anver's and Mr. Paul's Books against My Confession of Faith, and Differences in Judgment About Baptism no Bar to Communion.
WHEREIN THEIR SCRIPTURELESS NOTIONS ARE OVERTHROWN, AND MY PEACEABLE PRINCIPLES STILL MAINTAINED. 'Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?'--Psalm 58:1 SIR, I have received and considered your short reply to my differences in judgment about water baptism no bar to communion; and observe, that you touch not the argument at all: but rather labour what you can, and beyond what you ought, to throw odiums upon your brother for reproving you for your error, …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

In Death and after Death
A sadder picture could scarcely be drawn than that of the dying Rabbi Jochanan ben Saccai, that "light of Israel" immediately before and after the destruction of the Temple, and for two years the president of the Sanhedrim. We read in the Talmud (Ber. 28 b) that, when his disciples came to see him on his death-bed, he burst into tears. To their astonished inquiry why he, "the light of Israel, the right pillar of the Temple, and its mighty hammer," betrayed such signs of fear, he replied: "If I were …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Numbers 33:7 NIV
Numbers 33:7 NLT
Numbers 33:7 ESV
Numbers 33:7 NASB
Numbers 33:7 KJV

Numbers 33:7 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Numbers 33:6
Top of Page
Top of Page