Exodus 13:17-22

When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was nearer; for God thought,¹ ‘If the people face war, they may change their minds and return to Egypt.² ’So God led the people by the roundabout way of the wilderness towards the Red Sea.³

The Israelites went up out of the land of Egypt prepared for battle.⁴ And Moses took with him the bones of Joseph, who had required a solemn oath of the Israelites, saying, ‘God will surely take notice of you, and then you must carry my bones with you from here.’⁵ They set out from Succoth, and camped at Etham, on the edge of the wilderness.
The Lord went in front of them in a pillar of cloud by day, to lead them along the way, and in a pillar of fire by night, to give them light, so that they might travel by day and by night.⁶ Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place⁷ in front of the people.



1 “For God thought” is a fascinating phrase

2 War is not seen as a thing to be avoided for its own sake, but only because it may discourage the people.

3 Or “Reed Sea”, as some think? I don't think the question is enormously relevant.

4 Interesting – having not done anything to battle their way out so far, they still believe battle will be necessary. This seems to conflict with what was just said in the previous verse, which my Study Bible explains as a P author insertion into the story.

5 Recalling Genesis 50:24-26

6 The miraculous nature of God's provision is again emphasized.

7 Emphasizing that God is not leaving his place in front of his people.

Take-home: God continues to be intimately leading his people out of Egypt.