Migdol
“Tower, Fortress”
Summary
A fortified place or tower on Egypt's northeastern border, mentioned in connection with the Exodus and in prophetic oracles.
☩At the Exodus
God commanded Israel to 'turn and encamp before Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea' (Exodus 14:2). This positioning, with the sea before them and Migdol nearby, made Pharaoh think Israel was trapped—setting the stage for the Red Sea miracle (Exodus 14:9). Migdol served as a landmark identifying their location.
☩Meaning and Location
Migdol (Hebrew: 'tower' or 'fortress') was likely one of several Egyptian border fortifications. The exact location is debated, but it was somewhere in the northeastern Delta region. Egyptian records mention a 'Migdol of Seti' in this area. The name may indicate any fortified tower rather than a single specific location.
☩Prophetic References
Jeremiah warned Jews who fled to Egypt after Jerusalem's fall: 'The word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah concerning all the Jews which dwell in the land of Egypt, which dwell at Migdol, and at Tahpanhes, and at Noph' (Jeremiah 44:1; 46:14). Ezekiel prophesied Egypt's destruction 'from the tower of Syene' (or 'from Migdol to Syene'—Ezekiel 29:10; 30:6), describing the full extent of Egypt.