Lexical Summary Migdol: Migdol Original Word: מִגְדּוֹל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Migdol, tower Or Migdol {mig-dole'}; probably of Egyptian origin; Migdol, a place in Egypt -- Migdol, tower. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originprobably from gadal Definition a city on the N.E. border of Eg. NASB Translation Migdol (6). Brown-Driver-Briggs מִגְדּוֺל noun masculine tower, 2 Samuel 22:51 Qr (Kt מגדיל = Psalm 18:51 מַגְדִּל). מִגְדֹּל proper name (מִגְדּוֺל only Jeremiah 46:14) fortified city on the northeast border of Egypt Exodus 14:2; Numbers 33:7; Jeremiah 44:1; Jeremiah 46:14; Ezekiel 29:10; Ezekiel 30:6; Coptic meschtôl (Champoll.L'Égypte sous les Pharaons ii. 79), Egyptian makθel EbGS 522. Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting and NameMigdol denotes “tower,” and the biblical references consistently place it in Egypt’s northeastern delta, close to the Mediterranean coast and near the route from Canaan to Sinai. Situated between Pi-hahiroth and the sea (Exodus 14:2), the site appears to have been a fortified lookout on Egypt’s vulnerable eastern frontier. Later prophets use the phrase “from Migdol to Syene” (Ezekiel 29:10; 30:6) as a merism, spanning Egypt’s full length—from its northern watchtower to its southern border—highlighting the location’s strategic importance. Role in the Exodus Narrative When the Israelites left Succoth, the Lord deliberately led them to encamp “between Migdol and the sea” (Exodus 14:2). Militarily it was a cul-de-sac, hemmed in by fortifications on land and water at their backs, yet it served God’s purpose of drawing Pharaoh into a trap and demonstrating His supremacy: “Pharaoh will say of the Israelites, ‘They are wandering the land in confusion; the wilderness has boxed them in.’ And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart so that he will pursue them, and I will gain glory for Myself over Pharaoh and all his army.” (Exodus 14:3-4) Migdol thus becomes a stage on which the Lord vindicates His covenant faithfulness, transforms a human stronghold into a place of divine deliverance, and calls His people to trust Him even when every exit seems closed. Migdol in Israel’s Wilderness Itinerary Numbers 33:7 notes that Israel “camped by Migdol” during the Red Sea segment of their journey. The itinerary confirms the literal accuracy of the Exodus route, countering theories that spiritualize or relocate the crossing. God’s redemption unfolded in verifiable geography, reinforcing Scripture’s reliability. Prophetic Oracle Site in Jeremiah Centuries later, Jewish refugees who ignored Jeremiah’s warnings settled in the very region that had once witnessed their ancestors’ salvation. “This is the word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the Jews living in Lower Egypt—in Migdol, Tahpanhes, and Memphis” (Jeremiah 44:1). The prophet’s message of judgment in a place tied to past deliverance underscores the danger of trusting foreign security while neglecting covenant obedience. Jeremiah 46:14 extends the warning to Egyptians themselves: “Proclaim it in Migdol…‘Take your positions and prepare yourself, for the sword devours those around you.’” The tower that had monitored Israel now hears the trumpet of divine retribution. Symbolic and Theological Themes 1. Divine Sovereignty over Human Fortifications Towers symbolize human vigilance and power; God repeatedly shows that no fortification can thwart His purposes. From Exodus to Ezekiel, Migdol’s strength dissolves before the Lord’s word. 2. Boundaries and Totality of Judgment “From Migdol to Syene” brackets Egypt north to south (Ezekiel 29:10; 30:6), declaring total judgment. The phrase is analogous to “from Dan to Beersheba” for Israel, affirming that God’s rule spans all space. 3. Memory and Accountability Migdol links past redemption with future responsibility. The people standing at Jeremiah’s Migdol could recall the Exodus account; their unbelief is therefore more culpable. Ministry and Devotional Applications • Trusting God in Tight Places Like Israel boxed in at Migdol, believers sometimes face circumstances with no apparent escape. The narrative encourages steadfast faith: the Lord often positions His people where only His intervention will suffice. • Guarding against False Security Migdol’s tower reminds modern disciples that reliance on human defenses—military, economic, or intellectual—can divert hearts from the only true refuge (Psalm 20:7). • Proclaiming the Whole Counsel of God Jeremiah preached in Migdol though his audience resisted. Ministers today must likewise speak God’s word in environments seemingly fortified against truth, confident that the Lord who overthrew Pharaoh can still break strongholds. Conclusion Migdol stands as more than an Egyptian watchtower; it is a biblical waypoint where God displays His salvation, confronts apostasy, and announces comprehensive judgment. Its six appearances weave a coherent testimony: human towers fall, but the Lord’s purpose prevails from generation to generation. Forms and Transliterations בְּמִגְדֹּל֙ בְמִגְדּ֔וֹל במגדול במגדל מִגְדֹּ֖ל מִגְדֹּֽל׃ מִמִּגְדֹּ֣ל מִמִּגְדֹּ֥ל מגדל מגדל׃ ממגדל ḇə·miḡ·dō·wl bə·miḡ·dōl bemigDol bəmiḡdōl ḇəmiḡdōwl miḡ·dōl migDol miḡdōl mim·miḡ·dōl mimigDol mimmiḡdōl vemigDolLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 14:2 HEB: הַחִירֹ֔ת בֵּ֥ין מִגְדֹּ֖ל וּבֵ֣ין הַיָּ֑ם NAS: between Migdol and the sea; KJV: Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, INT: Pi-hahiroth between Migdol between and the sea Numbers 33:7 Jeremiah 44:1 Jeremiah 46:14 Ezekiel 29:10 Ezekiel 30:6 6 Occurrences |
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