Exodus 14:2

ESV "Tell the people of Israel to turn back and encamp in front of Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, in front of Baal-zephon; you shall encamp facing it, by the sea.

NIV "Tell the Israelites to turn back and encamp near Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea. They are to encamp by the sea, directly opposite Baal Zephon.

NASB Tell the sons of Israel to turn back and camp in front of Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea; you shall camp in front of Baal-zephon, opposite it, by the sea.

CSB "Tell the Israelites to turn back and camp in front of Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea; you must camp in front of Baal-zephon, facing it by the sea.

NLT Order the Israelites to turn back and camp by Pi-hahiroth between Migdol and the sea. Camp there along the shore, across from Baal-zephon.

KJV 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.

NKJV “Speak to the children of Israel, that they turn and camp before Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, opposite Baal Zephon; you shall camp before it by the sea.

What does Exodus 14:2 mean?

Israel has left Egyptian slavery (Exodus 12:40–41) and the Lord is guiding them across the wilderness. This took them towards a location called yam suph (Exodus 13:17–18), or the "Sea of Reeds." This is not the same body of water which modern people call the "Red Sea." Archaeologists have not discovered the precise locations mentioned in these verses. The place names used here are common and could refer to many sites. Two likely locations for Israel's encampment are Lake Timsah and the northern edge of the Gulf of Suez.

That the people "turn back" refers to the way they were to camp by the sea. The group marched with purposeful order (Exodus 13:18) guided by God's supernatural sign (Exodus 13:21–22). The Lord commands them to turn in a certain way so the nation is arranged precisely as He desires. In fact, this placement is meant to make it seem as if Israel is lost, setting something of a trap for their former oppressors (Exodus 14:3)

The Israelites do not know, yet, that Pharaoh will send his army after them (Exodus 14:5–7). Their position puts them at a tactical disadvantage. Being against the seashore means they are cut off from any escape. This is all part of God's plan, however. The Lord intends to send a clear signal that He, and He alone, is responsible for Israel's survival (Exodus 14:4).

Expand

What is the Gospel?

Download the app: