Exodus 13:17-18 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… I. THAT BY ISRAEL IN EGYPT WE MAY UNDERSTAND THE SPIRITUAL BONDAGE OF GOD'S CHOSEN PEOPLE AT LARGE. 1. Israel was in an enemy's country. So are the elect by nature. 2. Their bondage was rigorous. So was the Christian's. 3. Their departure, like the believer's, was opposed. 4. And when liberated, their enemies pursued them. II. SOME REASONS WHY GOD DID NOT ADMIT THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL INTO THE PROMISED LAND, IMMEDIATELY ON THEIR GOING OUT OF EGYPT, AND WHY HE DOES NOT ADMIT HIS ELECT INTO GLORY IMMEDIATELY ON THEIR CONVERSION. 1. The Egyptians must be drowned — enemies subdued. 2. The Israelites must be humbled (Psalm 66:10-12). 3. He led them some hundreds of miles about; yet it was the right way (Psalm 107:7). 4. God's way is right, although it may appear round about (Psalm 18:30). III. SOME REASONS FOR GOD'S CONDUCT IN KEEPING THEM IN THE WILDERNESS. 1. They were not fit as yet for severe warfare. 2. Their enemies were great, and themselves weak. 3. He had much to teach them. IV. THE MANNER IN WHICH THEY WENT UP. "Harnessed" — or by fives, or five in a rank, or rather by five bodies or squadrons, and so marched out, not in a disorderly or confused way, but in great order and regularity. 1. Their loins were girt (Ephesians 6:14). 2. Their heart was secured (Ephesians 6:14). 3. Their feet were shod (Ephesians 6:15). 4. Having a shield, helmet, and sword (Ephesians 6:16, 17). (T. B. Baker.) Parallel Verses 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: |
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