Numbers 33:7
And they remoued from Etham, and turned againe vnto Pihahiroth, which is before Baal-zephon: and they pitched before Migdol. Numbers 33:7 (KJV)
Context: Numbers is the fourth book of the Old Testament and is part of the Pentateuch, traditionally attributed to Moses. It primarily recounts the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land. Numbers 33 provides a detailed account of the Israelites’ journey, listing the various places where they camped during their wilderness wanderings.
Etham: The verse begins by mentioning Etham, which was one of the early stopping points for the Israelites after leaving Egypt. Its precise location is uncertain; some scholars suggest it lay in the northeastern part of the Sinai Peninsula rather than the Nile Delta. Etham marked an early stage of their journey toward the Promised Land.
Pihahiroth: From Etham the Israelites proceeded to Pihahiroth. Pihahiroth is thought to have been located near the eastern shore of the Red Sea, specifically in the region of the Gulf of Suez. The verse does not describe the Israelites being trapped there or the crossing of the Red Sea—those events are narrated in the book of Exodus.
Baalzephon: Pihahiroth is described as being “before Baalzephon.” The exact location of Baalzephon is uncertain, but it is generally believed to have been near the eastern shore of the Gulf of Suez, with some proposals placing it close to a modern landmark such as Jebel ‘Ataqah. Baalzephon served as a geographical reference point in the Israelites’ journey.
Migdol: After turning again to Pihahiroth, the Israelites pitched their camp before Migdol. The location of Migdol is also uncertain, but it is generally associated with a prominent fortress or watchtower and could have been situated somewhere in the northeastern part of the Sinai Peninsula.
The significance of Numbers 33:7 lies in its role as a historical account of the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. It highlights the specific locations where the Israelites encamped along their route, demonstrating the meticulous record‑keeping of their journey and emphasizing that God guided the Israelites step by step and preserved their history.
Overall, Numbers 33:7 helps us understand the geography and chronology of the Israelites’ wilderness wanderings and provides insights into the journey that ultimately led them to the Promised Land.
