Exodus 14:3

"“Speak to the children of Israel, that they turn back and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, before Baal Zephon. You shall encamp opposite it by the sea."

Key Reflection

Pharaoh's army pursued the Israelites after they left Egypt, leading to a critical moment at the Red Sea. Moses instructed the people to turn and set up camp in a strategic location—before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, opposite Baal Zephon. This position was carefully chosen to create an illusion that Pharaoh's army could easily overtake them, thus pushing him to pursue them more aggressively, which worked according to God’s plan for their miraculous deliverance.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

They are entangled ... -The original intention of Moses was to go toward Palestine by the wilderness: when that purpose was changed by God’s direction and they moved southwards, Pharaoh, on receiving information, was of course aware that they were completely shut in, since the waters of the Red Sea then extended to the Bitter Lakes. It is known that the Red Sea at some remote period extended considerably further toward the north than it does at present.

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