The journey of the Israelites to Pi-Hahiroth is a significant event in the biblical narrative of the Exodus, marking a pivotal moment in their escape from Egyptian bondage. This event is recorded in the Book of Exodus, primarily in chapters 13 and 14, and it highlights God's guidance, protection, and deliverance of His chosen people.

Context and Background

After enduring centuries of slavery in Egypt, the Israelites, under the leadership of Moses, were finally granted permission by Pharaoh to leave. This liberation followed a series of devastating plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt, demonstrating His power and sovereignty. The departure from Egypt, known as the Exodus, is a foundational event in Israelite history, symbolizing God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The Route to Pi-Hahiroth

Upon leaving Egypt, the Israelites did not take the shortest route to the Promised Land, which would have led them through the land of the Philistines. Instead, God directed them on a longer path through the wilderness toward the Red Sea. This decision was strategic, as God said, "If the people face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt" (Exodus 13:17).

The Israelites journeyed from Succoth and camped at Etham on the edge of the wilderness. From there, God instructed them to turn back and encamp before Pi-Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, directly opposite Baal-zephon (Exodus 14:1-2). This location placed them in a seemingly vulnerable position, trapped between the sea and the approaching Egyptian army.

Divine Guidance and the Pillar of Cloud and Fire

Throughout their journey, the Israelites were guided by a miraculous manifestation of God's presence. The Lord went before them in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, providing direction and protection. This divine guidance reassured the Israelites of God's continual presence and care, as stated in Exodus 13:21-22 : "The LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud to guide their way by day, and in a pillar of fire to give them light by night, so that they could travel by day or night."

The Encampment at Pi-Hahiroth

The encampment at Pi-Hahiroth was a critical moment in the Exodus narrative. Pharaoh, having regretted his decision to release the Israelites, pursued them with his army, intending to bring them back to Egypt. The Israelites, seeing the Egyptians approaching, were filled with fear and cried out to the Lord. They also expressed their distress to Moses, questioning why they had been brought out of Egypt only to face potential death in the wilderness (Exodus 14:10-12).

God's Deliverance at the Red Sea

In response to the Israelites' fear, Moses assured them of God's deliverance, declaring, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again" (Exodus 14:13). God instructed Moses to stretch out his hand over the sea, and He miraculously parted the waters, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground.

As the Egyptian army pursued them into the sea, God caused confusion among the Egyptians and ultimately brought the waters back upon them, drowning the entire army. This miraculous deliverance at the Red Sea demonstrated God's power and His commitment to His covenant people, as well as His ability to save them from seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Significance

The journey to Pi-Hahiroth and the subsequent crossing of the Red Sea are emblematic of God's redemptive power and His faithfulness to His promises. This event is celebrated in Israelite history and liturgy as a testament to God's deliverance and serves as a powerful reminder of His sovereignty and care for His people.Exodus 14:2
Speak to the children of Israel, that they turn and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, over against Baalzephon: before it shall you encamp by the sea.
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Numbers 33:5-7
And the children of Israel removed from Rameses, and pitched in Succoth.
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Heaven's Nurse Children
... at Succoth, and by-and-by came to Pi-hahiroth by the ... Yet to Israel type and symbol
was the main instruction, and ... The whole of that forty years' journey in the ...
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