Exo 13:17-18 | ESV | STEP | 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 .

b ch. 14:11, 12; [Neh. 9:17]; See Num. 14:1-4

c ch. 14:2; [Deut. 32:10]; See Num. 33:6-49

‏ Exodus 13:17-18

Pillars of Cloud and Fire

17 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did ^anot lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, “Lest the people ^bchange their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.” 18 But God ^cled the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle.