Pi-Hahiroth

Pi-hahiroth (UPDV: Pihahiroth) is the place by the sea where Israel was commanded to turn back and encamp on the eve of the Red Sea crossing — the spot where Pharaoh's pursuing army overtook them, and from which they journeyed through the midst of the sea into the wilderness.

The Encampment Before the Crossing

The site is fixed by three landmarks: it lies between Migdol and the sea, opposite Baal-zephon. Yahweh directs the camp's movement back to this position:

"Speak to the sons of Israel, that they turn back and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, before Baal-zephon: across from it you⁺ will encamp by the sea." (Ex 14:2).

When Pharaoh's chariots and horsemen close on Israel, it is at this same camp that they are overtaken:

"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 Pihahiroth, before Baal-zephon." (Ex 14:9).

In the Itinerary of the Journey

Numbers 33's stage-by-stage record of Israel's wilderness journey lists Pihahiroth as the station after Etham, with the same coordinates against Baal-zephon and Migdol:

"And they journeyed from Etham, and turned back to Pihahiroth, which is before Baal-zephon: and they encamped before Migdol." (Nu 33:7).

"And they journeyed from Pihahiroth, and passed through the midst of the sea into the wilderness: and they went three days' journey in the wilderness of Etham, and encamped in Marah." (Nu 33:8).

In the itinerary, Pihahiroth is the last station before the sea-crossing and the boundary between Egypt and the wilderness wandering.