Exodus 14:2
What does Exodus 14:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Exodus 14:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Exodus 14:2 means
God instructs Moses to direct the Israelites to adjust their travel route, leading them to encamp in a specific, geographically vulnerable location: before Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, before Baal-zephon. This seemingly illogical command to turn back and position themselves by the sea, effectively cornering them, is an intentional act of God. It's not a detour, but a designed setup for the impending divine display of power against Pharaoh and Egypt, emphasizing God's sovereign control over their movements.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn back and encamp before Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, before Baal-zephon: over against it shall ye encamp by the sea.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Speak 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn back and encamp before Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, before Baal-zephon: over against it shall ye encamp by the sea.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Give orders to the children of Israel to go back and put up their tents before Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, in front of Baal-zephon, opposite to which you are to put up your tents by the sea.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Speak unto the sons of Israel, and they turn back and encamp before Pi-Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, before Baal-Zephon; over-against it ye do encamp by the sea,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Speak to the children of Israel: Let them turn and encamp over against Phihahiroth, which is between Magdal and the sea over against Beelsephon: you shall encamp before it upon the sea.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn and encamp before Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea: before Baal-Zephon, opposite to it, shall ye encamp by the sea.
Context
This verse provides the precise, divinely ordained instructions for Israel's encampment. These directions are critical because they place the Israelites in a position where they appear trapped, surrounded by the wilderness and the sea. This specific location is essential for the unfolding narrative, as it creates the perfect scenario for Pharaoh's pursuit and God's dramatic intervention.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Exodus 13:17
And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not by the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt:
- Jeremiah 44:1
The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the Jews that dwelt in the land of Egypt, that dwelt at Migdol, and at Tahpanhes, and at Memphis, and in the country of Pathros, saying,
- Jeremiah 46:14
Declare ye in Egypt, and publish in Migdol, and publish in Memphis and in Tahpanhes: say ye, Stand forth, and prepare thee; for the sword hath devoured round about thee.
- Numbers 33:7
And they journeyed from Etham, and turned back unto Pi-hahiroth, which is before Baal-zephon: and they encamped before Migdol.
- Exodus 14:9
And 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.
- Ezekiel 29:10
therefore, behold, I am against thee, and against thy rivers, and I will make the land of Egypt an utter waste and desolation, from the tower of Seveneh even unto the border of Ethiopia.
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