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:
When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God didn't lead them through the land of the Philistines, even though that was the shortest route. God said, 'If the people see war, they might change their minds and go back to Egypt.'
God deliberately chose a longer, safer route for the Israelites because He knew they weren't ready to face immediate warfare and might give up and return to slavery.
📚 Historical Context
The coastal route through Philistine territory was the main highway connecting Egypt to Canaan, heavily fortified with Egyptian garrisons and Philistine warriors. The Israelites had been slaves for 400 years and had no military training or experience in warfare. God knew that encountering immediate conflict would overwhelm this newly freed nation and cause them to lose faith in their deliverance.
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