migdol Summary and Overview

tower. (1.) A strongly-fortified place 12 miles from Pelusium, in the north of Egypt (Jer. 44:1; 46:14). This word is rendered "tower" in Ezek. 29:10, but the margin correctly retains the name Migdol, "from Migdol to Syene;" i.e., from Migdol in the north to Syene in the south, in other words, the whole of Egypt. (2.) A place mentioned in the passage of the Red Sea (Ex. 14:2; Num. 33:7, 8). It is probably to be identified with Bir Suweis, about 2 miles from Suez.

(tower), the name of one of two places on the eastern frontier of Egypt. 1. A Migdol is mentioned int he account of the exodus, #Ex 14:2; Nu 33:7,8| near the head of the Red Sea. 2. A Migdol is spoken of by Jeremiah and Ezekiel. The latter prophet mentions it as a boundary-town, evidently on the eastern border. #Eze 29:10; 30:6| In the prophecy of Jeremiah the Jews in Egypt are spoken of as dwelling at Migdol. #Jer 44:1| It seems plain, from its being spoken of with Memphis, and from Jews dwelling there, that this Midgol was an important town.

MIG'DOL (tower), the name of two places in Egypt. 1. A place near the head of the Red Sea, Ex 14:2; Num 33:7-8; probably identical with Bir Makhdal, 10 miles west of Suez. 2. A city and fortified place situated in the northern limits of Egypt toward Palestine. Jer 44:1; Eze 48:14. This name is rendered "tower" in the phrase "from the tower of Syene," Eze 29:10; Ex 30:6; but the margin correctly has "from Migdol to Syene" - i.e., Syene the most southern border of Egypt, and Migdol the most northern. The phrase is used to signify the whole of Egypt. In Egyptian the name is written Meshtol, "many hills," and in the Septuagint Magdolum.

("a tower".) Exodus 14:2. Now Bir Suweis, two miles from Suez, having wells of water, for Magdal or Maktal (Migdol), visited by Sethos I returning from a Syrian campaign, was built over a large well (Chabas, Voyage d'un Egyptien, 286). Israel encamped between Migdol and the sea. frontEXODUS.) Migdol thus was between Pihahiroth and Baalzephon. Mentioned also in Jeremiah 44:1; Jeremiah 46:14; Ezekiel 29:10, "I will make Egypt desolate from Migdol (in the extreme N., translated so for 'tower') to Syene" (Seveneh in the farthest S.);