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

Etymology and Meaning:
The name "Pihahiroth" is often understood to mean "mouth of the gorges" or "mouth of the caves," suggesting a geographical feature characterized by narrow passages or openings. The exact etymology remains uncertain, but the name implies a location with distinct topographical features.

Geographical Context:
Pihahiroth is described as being located near the Red Sea, opposite Baal-zephon, and adjacent to Migdol. The precise location of Pihahiroth has been the subject of much debate among scholars and archaeologists. It is generally considered to be in the northeastern part of the Sinai Peninsula, near the Gulf of Suez. The strategic positioning of Pihahiroth, with the sea on one side and mountains or wilderness on the other, played a crucial role in the narrative of the Israelites' escape from Egypt.

Biblical Narrative:
In the Exodus account, God instructs Moses to lead the Israelites to encamp by the sea at Pihahiroth. This directive is 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." This location was part of God's plan to demonstrate His power and deliverance.

As Pharaoh and his army pursued the Israelites, they found them encamped by the sea at Pihahiroth. Exodus 14:9 states, "The Egyptians—all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots, horsemen, and troops—pursued and overtook them as they camped by the sea near Pi-hahiroth, opposite Baal-zephon." The seemingly precarious position of the Israelites, trapped between the sea and the approaching Egyptian forces, set the stage for the miraculous parting of the Red Sea.

Theological Significance:
Pihahiroth serves as a backdrop for one of the most dramatic demonstrations of God's power and faithfulness in the Old Testament. The encampment at Pihahiroth and the subsequent crossing of the Red Sea highlight God's sovereignty and His ability to deliver His people from seemingly insurmountable circumstances. The event underscores themes of trust, obedience, and divine intervention, as the Israelites witnessed the salvation of the Lord in a miraculous way.

Historical and Archaeological Considerations:
While the exact location of Pihahiroth remains uncertain, various theories have been proposed based on geographical and archaeological evidence. Some suggest it may be near modern-day locations along the Gulf of Suez, while others propose sites further inland. The lack of definitive archaeological evidence makes it challenging to pinpoint the precise location, but the narrative's historical and theological significance remains central to the biblical account.

Conclusion:
Pihahiroth is a key location in the Exodus narrative, representing a place of divine testing and deliverance. It serves as a reminder of God's power to save and His faithfulness to His promises, as demonstrated through the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea.Pihahiroth

a place before or at which the Israelites encamped, at the close of the third march from Rameses (the last place before they crossed the Red Sea), when they went out of Egypt. (Exodus 14:2,9; Numbers 35:7,8) It is an Egyptian word, signifying "the place where sedge grows."

Pihahiroth

A place near the Gulf of Suez, on its northwest side. It was the third and last encampment of the Hebrews, before crossing the Red Sea, Exodus 14:2,9 Numbers 33:7. Its exact location cannot now be determined. See EXODUS.

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

Pihahiroth (4 Occurrences)
...Pihahiroth (4 Occurrences). ... Numbers 33:7 They traveled from Etham, and turned back
to Pihahiroth, which is before Baal Zephon: and they encamped before Migdol. ...
/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

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

Hahiroth (4 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. ...
/h/hahiroth.htm - 7k

Migdol (6 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. ...
/m/migdol.htm - 12k

Pitched (101 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS). Numbers 33:7 And they removed from Etham, and turned again unto Pihahiroth,
which is before Baalzephon: and they pitched before Migdol. (KJV JPS). ...
/p/pitched.htm - 33k

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