Exodus 13:17 - Printer Friendly

ESV: When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, "Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt."

NIV: When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, "If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt."

NASB: Now when Pharaoh had let the people go, God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, even though it was near; for God said, 'The people might change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.'

CSB: When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them along the road to the land of the Philistines, even though it was nearby; for God said, "The people will change their minds and return to Egypt if they face war."

NLT: When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, 'If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.'

KJV: And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt:

NKJV: 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.”

The night before Israel's release from slavery (Exodus 12:40–41), God commanded them to prepare unleavened bread (Exodus 12:8). When they were suddenly ordered to leave (Exodus 12:31–33), this gave them provisions to take on their journey (Exodus 12:34, 39). It also meant that Israel could travel quickly (Exodus 13:21). This will be important soon: the Egyptian king is about to change his mind once again by sending his military to pursue Israel (Exodus 14:5–9).

God is directly guiding the Israelite march out of Egypt (Exodus 13:21–22). Their path is not direct. The major northern roads ran near the Mediterranean. To follow this very direct path to the Promised Land (Genesis 12:6–7; 15:13–21) would take the newly freed nation directly through Philistine territory (Exodus 23:31). Along the way, they would encounter Egyptian military posts. Worse, the Egyptians will catch up to them easily. So, the Lord will take them south, instead.

Some translations indicate that Israel was combat ready (Exodus 13:18), but this is probably a mistranslation of an obscure Hebrew word. The people may have been ready to fight, mentally, but it would take God's supernatural intervention to save them from disaster (Exodus 14:27–29). So, the Lord leads them to the seashore (Exodus 14:1–4).

Exodus 13:17–22 depicts Israel's initial travel out of Egypt. Moses personally carries the bones of Joseph (Genesis 50:25). God's chosen path avoids Philistine territory so the people won't be tempted to backtrack into Egypt. He leads the people using a column of clouds which also contains flames or lightning. This allows the nation to keep moving, day and night. This hasty movement is important. Egyptian soldiers will not catch up to Israel until they are at the shores of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:5–9). There, the Lord will perform another miraculous act of rescue (Exodus 14:26–30).

God reiterates the requirements of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Israel is to celebrate this every year as a way of remembering their liberation from Egyptian slavery. In addition, the people are to consecrate all of the first-born of any mother—both people and animals. Animals that cannot be sacrificed are to be redeemed. Sons are to be redeemed by an animal sacrifice. The Lord creates a column of clouds for the people to follow during the day, which is lit by fire so they can also follow it at night. This keeps them moving quickly. Soon, Egyptian soldiers will catch up to them and God will once again provide miraculous rescue (Exodus 14).

The Lord has just freed Israel from centuries of Egyptian slavery (Exodus 12). The final blow to Egypt was the death of all firstborn (Exodus 12:29–32) on the night of the first Passover (Exodus 12:12–13). God's guidelines for that night are partly repeated here along with directions for the Feast of Unleavened Bread. He instructs the nation about consecrating their own firstborn as He guides them. A column of fiery clouds helps the people travel day and night. This haste is important because Egypt's king is about to change his mind. He will soon send the Egyptian military to chase down the Israelites (Exodus 14).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.