Exodus 13:17-22
17 Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, “Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.” 18 So God led the people around by way of the wilderness of the Red Sea. And the children of Israel went up in orderly ranks out of the land of Egypt. 19 And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for he had placed the children of Israel under solemn oath, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here with you.”
20 So they took their journey from Succoth and camped in Etham at the edge of the wilderness. 21 And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. 22 He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people.
20 So they took their journey from Succoth and camped in Etham at the edge of the wilderness. 21 And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. 22 He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people.
God led His people out of bondage, but not straight into war after all they had been through. He took them away from direct confrontation with the Philistines and went south along the Red Sea instead. It was a longer route, but it was planned this way for many reasons. They marched out almost as an army, neatly lined up, with heads held high as they paraded out of the land who held them over four hundred years as slaves. Moses was certain to take Joseph’s bones with them to bury in the promised land as his people swore (Genesis 50:25), because God had promised to come and bring them back. Now as they journeyed, the Lord led them in a column of cloud by day and of fire by night to lead and guide their steps. This column never left them as they marched onward and out of the bondage of Egypt. We also are led as sons and daughters of God in Christ by His Spirit living in us, not an external cloud or fire. We too have been led out of sin’s bondage and now march to His command and direction towards conformity to Christ in holiness and love by grace.
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