Exodus 14:2
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.
Original Language Analysis
דַּבֵּר֮
Speak
H1696
דַּבֵּר֮
Speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
1 of 20
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
בְּנֵ֣י
unto the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
unto the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 20
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵל֒
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵל֒
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
4 of 20
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וְיָשֻׁ֗בוּ
that they turn
H7725
וְיָשֻׁ֗בוּ
that they turn
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
5 of 20
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
תַֽחֲנ֖וּ
and encamp
H2583
תַֽחֲנ֖וּ
and encamp
Strong's:
H2583
Word #:
6 of 20
properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s
לִפְנֵי֙
before
H6440
לִפְנֵי֙
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
7 of 20
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
בֵּ֥ין
H996
בֵּ֥ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
10 of 20
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
וּבֵ֣ין
H996
וּבֵ֣ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
12 of 20
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
הַיָּֽם׃
and the sea
H3220
הַיָּֽם׃
and the sea
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
13 of 20
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
לִפְנֵי֙
before
H6440
לִפְנֵי֙
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
14 of 20
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
נִכְח֥וֹ
before
H5226
נִכְח֥וֹ
before
Strong's:
H5226
Word #:
17 of 20
properly, the fore part; used adverbially, opposite
תַֽחֲנ֖וּ
and encamp
H2583
תַֽחֲנ֖וּ
and encamp
Strong's:
H2583
Word #:
18 of 20
properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s
Cross References
Jeremiah 44:1The 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,Jeremiah 46:14Declare 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.Exodus 14:9But 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 Pi-hahiroth, before Baal-zephon.
Historical Context
The exact locations (Pihahiroth, Migdol, Baalzephon) are debated, but clearly Israel was directed to encamp in a narrow space between sea and mountains with limited escape routes.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God sometimes positioning you in humanly impossible situations demonstrate that salvation is His work alone?
- What does God creating crisis to maximize His glory teach about the purpose of trials?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The command to 'turn and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, over against Baalzephon' redirects Israel toward the sea. This positioning, with water blocking forward progress and Egyptians behind, creates a strategic trap—from human perspective. The phrase 'before it shall ye encamp by the sea' places them in visible vulnerability. God intentionally creates a crisis requiring miraculous deliverance to maximize His glory.