Exodus 13:17

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.”

What does Exodus 13:17 mean?

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).

Expand

What is the Gospel?

Download the app: