Biblical References:
Pi-hahiroth is mentioned in the Book of Exodus as a significant location during the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. The primary references to Pi-hahiroth are found in Exodus 14:2, 9, and Numbers 33:7-8.

Etymology and Meaning:
The name "Pi-hahiroth" is often understood to mean "mouth of the gorges" or "entrance of the caves," suggesting a geographical feature that may have been characterized by rocky terrain or narrow passages. The exact meaning and origin of the name remain subjects of scholarly discussion, but it is generally accepted to denote a specific location near the Red Sea.

Geographical Context:
Pi-hahiroth is described as being located between Migdol and the sea, opposite Baal-zephon. This places it in the northeastern region of Egypt, near the Red Sea. The precise location of Pi-hahiroth is not definitively known today, but it is traditionally associated with the area near the modern-day Suez Canal or the Bitter Lakes region.

Biblical Narrative:
In the narrative of the Exodus, Pi-hahiroth is the encampment where the Israelites found themselves trapped between the advancing Egyptian army and the Red Sea. God instructed Moses to lead the Israelites to this location, as recorded in Exodus 14:2: "Tell the Israelites to turn back and encamp before Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea; you are to camp by the sea, directly opposite Baal-zephon."

The strategic positioning at Pi-hahiroth was part of God's plan to demonstrate His power and deliverance. As Pharaoh's army pursued the Israelites, they appeared to be trapped with no escape. However, God miraculously parted the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground while the Egyptian forces were ultimately destroyed when the waters returned.

Theological Significance:
Pi-hahiroth serves as a testament to God's sovereignty and faithfulness in delivering His people. The location underscores the theme of divine intervention and salvation, as God orchestrated events to reveal His glory and protect the Israelites. The crossing of the Red Sea at Pi-hahiroth is a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, symbolizing liberation from bondage and the beginning of a journey toward the Promised Land.

Historical and Archaeological Considerations:
While the exact location of Pi-hahiroth remains uncertain, various theories have been proposed based on historical and geographical studies. Some scholars suggest it may have been near the northern end of the Gulf of Suez, while others propose locations further inland. Archaeological evidence has yet to provide conclusive identification, but ongoing research continues to explore the historical context of the Exodus route.

Cultural and Religious Impact:
The account of Pi-hahiroth and the crossing of the Red Sea has had a profound impact on Jewish and Christian traditions. It is celebrated in Jewish Passover rituals and is frequently referenced in Christian teachings as a symbol of God's deliverance and faithfulness. The event at Pi-hahiroth is a powerful reminder of God's ability to make a way where there seems to be none, reinforcing the faith of believers throughout generations.Pi-Hahiroth

the mouth; the pass of Hiroth

Place where the reeds grow (LXX. and Copt. read "farmstead"), the name of a place in Egypt where the children of Israel encamped (Exodus 14:2, 9), how long is uncertain. Some have identified it with Ajrud, a fortress between Etham and Suez. The condition of the Isthmus of Suez at the time of the Exodus is not exactly known, and hence this, with the other places mentioned as encampments of Israel in Egypt, cannot be definitely ascertained. The isthmus has been formed by the Nile deposits. This increase of deposit still goes on, and so rapidly that within the last fifty years the mouth of the Nile has advanced northward about four geographical miles. In the maps of Ptolemy (of the second and third centuries A.D.) the mouths of the Nile are forty miles further south than at present. (see EXODUS.) PI-HAHIROTH

pi-ha-hi'-roth (pi-ha-chiroth (Exodus 14:2-9 Numbers 33:7-8)):

1. Meaning of Name:

Nothing is known of the meaning of the name. Pi-Hahiroth Some attempts toward an Egyptian etymology for it have been made, but without much success. Since the meaning of the name is unknown and no description of the place or its use is given, it is impossible to determine anything concerning the character of Pi-Hahiroth, whether a city, a sanctuary, a fortress, or some natural feature of the landscape.

2. Location:

Neither Pi-Hahiroth nor any other place mentioned with it can be exactly located. A recent discovery of manuscripts in Egypt furnishes a mention of this place, but affords very little assistance in locating it, nothing comparable to the account in the Bible itself. If any one of the places mentioned in connection with the crossing of the Red Sea could be located approximately, all the others could, also, be similarly located by the description given in the account in Exodus. The route beyond the Sea has been made out with almost positive certainty. A journey along the way is so convincing that hardly anything can shake the conviction which it produces. This identification of the route of the exodus beyond the Sea requires the place of the crossing to be within 3 days' journey of Marah, which puts it somewhere near the modern Suez. It may be anywhere within 10 miles of that point. This approximately locates all the other places mentioned in connection with the crossing: Migdol must be Ras 'Ataqah, or some other high point in the mountains of the western deserts, where might be placed a watchtower. Pi-Hahiroth is between this point and the Sea and Baal-zephon near the opposite eastern shore. This puts Pi-Hahiroth at some point along the old shore line of the Sea within 10 miles of the site of modern Suez.

M. G. Kyle

6367. Pi Hachiroth -- a place on the E. border of Egypt
... a place on the E. border of Egypt. Transliteration: Pi Hachiroth Phonetic Spelling:
(pee hah-khee-roth') Short Definition: Pi-hahiroth. ... Pi-hahiroth. ...
/hebrew/6367.htm - 6k

Heaven's Nurse Children
... after having seen all Jehovah's wonders, when at last they did take the first step,
and found themselves at Succoth, and by-and-by came to Pi-hahiroth by the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/heavens nurse children.htm

Pihahiroth (4 Occurrences)
... puts Pi-Hahiroth at some point along the old shore line of the Sea within 10 miles
of the site of modern Suez. MG Kyle. Multi-Version Concordance Pihahiroth (4 ...
/p/pihahiroth.htm - 10k

Pi-hahiroth (4 Occurrences)
Pi-hahiroth. Pihahiroth, Pi-hahiroth. Pi-hahi'roth . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
(WBS YLT). Pihahiroth, Pi-hahiroth. Pi-hahi'roth . Reference Bible.
/p/pi-hahiroth.htm - 10k

Hahiroth (4 Occurrences)
...PI-HAHIROTH. Multi-Version Concordance Hahiroth (4 Occurrences). Exodus 14:2 "Speak
to the children of Israel, that they turn back and encamp before Pihahiroth, ...
/h/hahiroth.htm - 7k

Zephon (5 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Exodus 14:2 "Speak to the children of Israel, that they turn back and
encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, before Baal Zephon. ...
/z/zephon.htm - 8k

Pi (3 Occurrences)
... Exodus 14:2 "Speak to the children of Israel, that they turn back and encamp before
Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, before Baal Zephon. ...
/p/pi.htm - 7k

Baalzephon (3 Occurrences)
... Exodus 14:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn and encamp before
Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, over against Baalzephon: before it ...
/b/baalzephon.htm - 8k

Baal-zephon (3 Occurrences)
... Exodus 14:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn back and encamp before
Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, before Baal-zephon: over against ...
/b/baal-zephon.htm - 8k

Ba'al-ze'phon (3 Occurrences)
... Exodus 14:2 "Speak to the children of Israel, that they turn back and encamp before
Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, before Baal Zephon. ...
/b/ba'al-ze'phon.htm - 7k

Migdol (6 Occurrences)
... turned" (apparently to the South), is defined as `facing Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol ...
Israel, that they turn back and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol ...
/m/migdol.htm - 12k

Etham (4 Occurrences)
... their route (Exodus 14:2), and "turn" towards the south, and encamp before Pi-hahiroth. ...
33:7 They traveled from Etham, and turned back to Pihahiroth, which is ...
/e/etham.htm - 9k

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