“As the crow flies,” there was a straighter, quicker route from Egypt to Canaan, the land of Promise. But in Exodus 13, we read that God intentionally led the people along a much longer, circuitous route.
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.” So he led the people around toward the Red Sea along the road of the wilderness. And the Israelites left the land of Egypt in battle formation (Exodus 13:18-19).
In leading them away from the Philistines, God leads Israel into a militarily unsustainable position. He backs them into a corner in the wilderness, because He knows that at the first sign of trouble, they will return to Egyptian bondage, if they are able. To keep His flock from being scattered, God hems them in.
God also knows that Pharaoh still has his eyes on Israel. God knows the hardness of Pharaoh’s heart and He knows that Pharaoh will pursue. Just as He did throughout the duration of ten plagues, God promised to reveal Himself through His works to the Egyptians who “will know that I am the LORD” (Exodus 14:4).
As wild as it sounds, Israel’s entrapment was for their good and for God’s glory. Israel’s vulnerability and weakness was to become a means of grace by which Israel and Egypt alike could know the LORD as God.
I wonder if we’re willing to follow God into weakness, into wilderness places that make absolutely no sense, trusting that He has a redeeming work in mind? In a day when so many are grasping for worldly power and position, are we willing to live our lives yielded to the One who numbers our days and orders our steps (Psalm 37:23; Proverbs 16:9; Proverbs 20:24; Jeremiah 10:23)? If the calling is placed upon us, do we have enough faith to simply stand still and see the LORD’s salvation?
Sunday School for all ages begins weekly at 9:45 AM. All are warmly welcome.
