Where is baal zephon

Let me be clear, my intent is not to cloud the important discussion of the actual locations of these events in any way, or to suggest that, by looking to the spiritual meaning and application, that our search is unimportant. Indeed, the archaeological research that is helping us understand the locations of these momentous events is of paramount importance, led by the sovereign will of God. With that said, I want to call the reader to the Exodus text, chapters 13 and We find the Israelites being led by God out of Egypt, by the desert road toward the Red Sea and armed for battle.

God's leading is miraculous: 'By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light It is significant that the writer informs us that the pillar of cloud and fire never 'left its place in front of the people' v.

Why is this significant? Because God is about to do something apparently strange and unexpected. God wants us to know that He led them every step of the way to this point, and now He stops the Israelites and tells them to turn back! They are to encamp by the sea, directly opposite Baal Zephon. He shows us that He intentionally turns the Israelites around and leads them to a place that He has chosen for the great spiritual conflict with the Egyptians. Scripture says that Israel came to a dead end at Etham, then God told them to turn back and retrace their steps and camp directly beside the "Migdol" in order for pharaoh to say, "Now the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, "Tell the sons of Israel to turn back and camp before Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea ; you shall camp in front of Baal-zephon, opposite it, by the sea.

This could refer to an area of shoreline on either Egypt proper, the modern Sinai Peninsula or Arabia. Without a second geographical marker, the "mouth of water" simply refers to the central place where all three bodies of water meet. The language of the Bible makes it clear that it was on the opposite shore of the Red Sea: "camp in front of Baal-zephon, opposite it".

Here is a view of Baal-Zephon from the hills in front of the camp. Pi-Hahiroth looked like a mouth to the Hebrews, so they named it Pi-Hahiroth. The "mouth" faces Baal-Zephon: Num Standing on the shore where they crossed to the wilderness of Shur. By Steve Rudd: Contact the author for comments, input or corrections.

Ex d. Research sources: a. Bible Texts: ""Tell the sons of Israel to turn back and camp before Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea; you shall camp in front of Baal-zephon , opposite it, by the sea.

The positioning of the camp of Israel: 1. Bar Kochba Revolt. Barcelona, Disputation of. Ben Sira, Alphabet of. Birth and Evolution of Judaism. Chronicles of Kings of Israel. Coins and Currency. Cult of Moloch. Dead Sea Scrolls. Egypt and Wanderings. Episcopus Judaeorum. Great Assembly. Great Revolt. Great Synagogue. Hannah and her Seven Sons. Herodian Dynasty. Hillel and Shammai. Jewish High Priests. Jewish Links to Holy Land. Jews of Middle East. Judges of Bet Din. The exact location of Baal-zephon is not known.

It was prob. SE of Rameses or to the SE of that spot. Tahpanhes is the Tell Defneh located at the N end of the Isthmus. Bibliography H.