Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, over against Baalzephon: before it shall ye encamp by the sea.

EXODUS 14:2KJV
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Exodus 14:2 (KJV)

What does Exodus 14:2 mean?

Exodus 14:2 records God’s instruction to Moses to tell the Israelites to change direction and set up camp in front of a place called Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, directly across from Baalzephon, right by the water. This verse sets the stage for the Israelites’ position just before the crossing of the Red Sea.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses, who is leading the Israelites out of Egypt. The instruction is specific about where the people should camp, naming three locations to pinpoint the spot. This careful placement puts the Israelites in a vulnerable position, boxed in by the sea and landmarks, which will play a key role in the events that follow.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 14:2

  • The word "turn" (שׁוּב, shuv) often means to return or change direction, suggesting the Israelites were to deliberately alter their route, not just keep moving forward.
  • The word "encamp" (חָנָה, chanah) means to set up camp or settle temporarily, emphasizing that this was a planned stop, not a random pause.
  • The phrase "before" (פְּנֵי, penei) is used twice, highlighting that their camp was to be directly in front of both Pihahiroth and Baalzephon, making their position very clear and intentional.

Why Exodus 14:2 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the Israelites’ route was not accidental or a mistake; God was guiding them to a specific place for a purpose.
  • The detailed geographic instructions show that the coming events at the sea were set up intentionally, not by chance or confusion.
  • Understanding these place names and the command to "turn" helps explain why Pharaoh later thought the Israelites were trapped, setting up the dramatic rescue that follows.

Where else these words appear

“before” Hebrew H5226 · used in 2 verses

  • Ezekiel 46:9 But when the people of the land shall come before the LORD in the solemn feasts, he that entereth in by the way of the north gate to worship shall go out by the way of the south gate; and he that entereth by the way of the south gate shall go forth by the way of the north gate: he shall not return by the way of the gate whereby he came in, but shall go forth over against it.

“Baalzephon” Hebrew H1189 · used in 3 verses

  • Exodus 14:9 But 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 Pihahiroth, before Baalzephon.
  • Numbers 33:7 And they removed from Etham, and turned again unto Pihahiroth, which is before Baalzephon: and they pitched before Migdol.

“Pihahiroth” Hebrew H6367 · used in 4 verses

  • Exodus 14:9 But 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 Pihahiroth, before Baalzephon.
  • Numbers 33:7 And they removed from Etham, and turned again unto Pihahiroth, which is before Baalzephon: and they pitched before Migdol.
  • Numbers 33:8 And they departed from before Pihahiroth, and passed through the midst of the sea into the wilderness, and went three days' journey in the wilderness of Etham, and pitched in Marah.

“Migdol” Hebrew H4024 · used in 7 verses

  • Numbers 33:7 And they removed from Etham, and turned again unto Pihahiroth, which is before Baalzephon: and they pitched before Migdol.
  • Jeremiah 44:1 The 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,
  • Ezekiel 29:10 Behold, therefore I am against thee, and against thy rivers, and I will make the land of Egypt utterly waste and desolate, from the tower of Syene even unto the border of Ethiopia.