Exodus 14:2 - Printer Friendly

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.

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).

Exodus 14:1–14 explains how Israel came to the seashore not long after being released from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12:40–41). Pharaoh, Egypt's king, once again changes his mind about releasing his slaves (Exodus 1:11–14). He sends the Egyptian army after the Israelites. The fleeing people are frightened, but Moses reassures them. This will be the last time Egypt troubles their people.

God leads Israel (Exodus 13:21–22) to make camp in front of the "Sea of Reeds." This is different from the modern-day Red Sea; it is more likely the Gulf of Suez or the wide Lake Timsah. As in the past (Exodus 8:15, 31–32; 9:34–35; 10:19–20), Pharaoh changes his mind about Israelite freedom. He gathers soldiers to pursue Israel and catches them at the shore. God blocks the incoming attackers and makes a dry path through the sea for Israel's escape. When the Egyptian forces attempt to follow, God closes the walls of water over them, drowning the entire army.

Egypt's king freed Israel after the devastating death of the firstborn on Passover (Exodus 12:29–32). God led the people southeast, rather than along northern roads (Exodus 13:17–18). This brings them the shore of the Sea of Reeds. Pharaoh sends his military to recapture—or annihilate—the Israelites. Instead, the Egyptian army drowns when God allows the Hebrews to cross between parted waters, only to close them when the soldiers pursue. The next chapter is a song of celebration, thanking God for His incredible, miraculous salvation (Exodus 15).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.