Exodus 13:18

But God led the people about, [through] the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.

But God {H430} led {H5437} the people {H5971} about {H5437}, through the way {H1870} of the wilderness {H4057} of the Red {H5488} sea {H3220}: and the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} went up {H5927} harnessed {H2571} out of the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}.

Rather, God led the people by a roundabout route, through the desert by the Sea of Suf. The people of Isra'el went up from the land of Egypt fully armed.

So God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the Israelites left the land of Egypt arrayed for battle.

but God led the people about, by the way of the wilderness by the Red Sea: and the children of Israel went up armed out of the land of Egypt.

Commentary

Context

Exodus 13:18 marks a pivotal moment immediately following the Israelites' miraculous departure from Egyptian bondage. After the tenth plague, which struck the firstborn of Egypt, Pharaoh finally relented and urged the Israelites to leave. This verse describes the initial route God chose for His people as they began their journey to the Promised Land. It highlights God's direct involvement in their path, steering them away from immediate conflict and towards a route that would ultimately display His mighty power.

Key Themes

  • Divine Guidance and Sovereignty: The opening phrase, "But God led the people about," immediately establishes that the journey's direction was not by human design or chance, but by divine command. God deliberately chose a circuitous path, not the shortest, demonstrating His sovereign wisdom and strategic planning for His people's protection and spiritual development (as explained in the preceding verse, to avoid war with the Philistines).
  • Preparedness and Order: The statement that "the children of Israel went up harnessed" reveals that they did not leave as a disorganized, fleeing mob. Instead, they were prepared and orderly, suggesting a disciplined departure. This highlights God's power to transform a slave people into an organized nation, ready for the challenges ahead.
  • The Wilderness as a Training Ground: God's choice of "the way of the wilderness of the Red sea" signifies a path designed for dependence on Him. The wilderness, though harsh, would become a place where Israel would learn to trust God for sustenance, protection, and direction, setting the stage for the miraculous events to follow, such as the crossing of the Red Sea.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV term "harnessed" (Hebrew: chamushim - Χ—Φ²ΧžΦ»Χ©Φ΄ΧΧ™Χ) is a crucial word in this verse. While in modern English it might imply wearing a harness, its ancient Hebrew meaning here is widely understood to signify "armed," "equipped for battle," or "in battle array." Some interpretations suggest "in five ranks" or "divisions," indicating military formation. This emphasizes that the Israelites left Egypt not as a band of helpless fugitives, but as an organized, prepared host, a vast multitude ready to face potential adversaries under the Lord's leadership. This preparation underscores their identity as the Lord's formidable army, even before they entered the wilderness.

Practical Application

Exodus 13:18 offers profound insights for our own spiritual journeys. It reminds us that God's leading is not always the most direct or comfortable route, but it is always the wisest and most purposeful. When God leads us through "wilderness" periods or seemingly circuitous paths, it is often to protect us, teach us to rely on Him, and prepare us for what lies ahead. Like the Israelites who were "harnessed" for their journey, believers today are called to be spiritually prepared, equipped with the full armor of God, ready to follow His leading, trusting that His divine guidance will ultimately lead us to His promised destination.

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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 32:10 (3 votes)

    He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.

  • Exodus 14:2 (3 votes)

    Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, over against Baalzephon: before it shall ye encamp by the sea.

  • Numbers 33:6 (3 votes)

    And they departed from Succoth, and pitched in Etham, which [is] in the edge of the wilderness.

  • Numbers 33:8 (3 votes)

    And they departed from before Pihahiroth, and passed through the midst of the sea into the wilderness, and went three days' journey in the wilderness of Etham, and pitched in Marah.

  • Exodus 12:51 (2 votes)

    And it came to pass the selfsame day, [that] the LORD did bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies.

  • Psalms 107:7 (1 votes)

    And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.

  • Joshua 1:14 (1 votes)

    Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valour, and help them;