In Egypt, where Israel encamped before Pharaoh overtook them at the Red Sea (Eze 14:2,9; Nu 33:7), W. of the gulf of Suez, below its head. Migdol and Baal Zephon were opposite one another, Baal Zephon being behind Pihahiroh in relation to the Israelites. Gesenius explains the name is sacred to Typhon; others from the root tsaphah, "to watch" equating to "watchtower," as Migdol also means "tower."

BAAL ZEPHON, or the god of the watch tower, was probably the temple of some idol, which served at the same time for a place of observation for the neighbouring sea and country, and a beacon to the travellers by either. It was situated on a cape or promontory on the eastern side of the western or Heroopolitan branch of the Red Sea, near its northern extremity, over against Pi-hahiroth, or the opening in the mountains which led from the desert, on the side of Egypt, to the Red Sea.