Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 2. Encamp before Pi-hahiroth] tryhh yp pi hachiroth, the mouth, strait, or bay of Chiroth. Between Migdol, ldgm migdol, the tower, probably a fortress that served to defend the bay. Over against Baal-zephon, px l[b baal tsephon, the lord or master of the watch, probably an idol temple, where a continual guard, watch, or light was kept up for the defense of one part of the haven, or as a guide to ships. Dr. Shaw thinks that chiroth may denote the valley which extended itself from the wilderness of Etham to the Red Sea, and that the part in which the Israelites encamped was called Pi- hachiroth, i.e., the mouth or bay of Chiroth. See his Travels, p. 310, and his account at the end of Exodus.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-9 - Pharaoh would think that all Israel was entangled in the wilderness and so would become an easy prey. But God says, I will be honoured upo Pharaoh. All men being made for the honour of their Maker, those who he is not honoured by, he will be honoured upon. What seems to tend to the church's ruin, is often overruled to the ruin of the church' enemies. While Pharaoh gratified his malice and revenge, he furthere the bringing to pass God's counsels concerning him. Though with the greatest reason he had let Israel go, yet now he was angry with himsel for it. God makes the envy and rage of men against his people, torment to themselves. Those who set their faces heavenward, and wil live godly in Christ Jesus, must expect to be set upon by Satan' temptations and terrors. He will not tamely part with any out of his service.
Original Hebrew דבר1696 אל413 בני1121 ישׂראל3478 וישׁבו7725 ויחנו2583 לפני6440 פי החירת6367 בין996 מגדל4024 ובין996 הים3220 לפני6440 בעל צפן1189 נכחו5226 תחנו2583 על5921 הים׃3220
