Pi-hahiroth
Pi-hahiroth is an ancient city mentioned in the Old Testament, located in the region of Egypt in modern-day Egypt. Known today as plain near Jabal Jinayfah. It appears across 4 verses in Scripture.
Biblical History
Pi-hahiroth is a location in the eastern Nile Delta region that played a critical role in the Exodus narrative. God specifically instructed Moses to have the Israelites turn back and camp before Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, opposite Baal-zephon (Exodus 14:2). This divinely directed encampment was strategically designed to make Pharaoh believe the Israelites were confused and trapped by the wilderness (Exodus 14:3), luring the Egyptian army into pursuit. It was from this position at Pi-hahiroth that the Israelites witnessed the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, as God drove back the waters with a strong east wind and delivered His people through on dry ground (Exodus 14:21-22). Numbers 33:7-8 confirms the itinerary, listing Pi-hahiroth in the departure record as the camp before the sea crossing. The location thus marks one of the most dramatic moments in salvation history, where God demonstrated His power over creation and His faithfulness to His covenant promises by delivering His people from seemingly impossible circumstances.
Archaeological & Historical Notes
The identification of Pi-hahiroth remains one of the most debated questions in Exodus geography. The name may derive from Egyptian and has been variously interpreted as meaning "mouth of the canals" or "estate of the goddess Hathor." Proposed locations range from sites near the Bitter Lakes in the Suez Canal region to areas closer to the Mediterranean coast in the northern Sinai. Some scholars have suggested a location near the modern Suez Canal, where ancient waterways and marshlands could correspond to the biblical description. No definitive archaeological identification has been established, largely because the ancient topography of the eastern Delta has been dramatically altered by the construction of the Suez Canal and modern development. The search continues to be shaped by competing models of the Exodus route.
Verse Appearances (4)
Sources: ISBE Encyclopedia · OpenBible Geocoding (CC BY) · Pleiades Gazetteer View all →