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.” – Exodus 13: 17 (KJV)
The Lord brought the children of Israel out of Egyptian bondage with a mighty hand. They were fresh from the waters of the Red Sea and on their way to the Promised Land. According to the map, the shortest route to that place of promise was through the land occupied by a group of people called the Philistines. After four hundred years in slavery, you would think that would be the way to go – the shortest route. Yet, the text clearly states that God did not lead them that way even though it was near. He led them around the Philistines. Why would God do such a thing and delay the promise of full freedom even more?
1). The shortest route is not always the quickest route. The shortest route may be across a raging river. The shortest route may be over a mammoth mountain. The shortest route may be through a fiery forest. Ironically, the trials and troubles of traveling the shortest way frequently take more time and cause more pain. The old adage is still right: “Sometimes, the longest way around is the quickest way home.”
2). Many people are ready for freedom, but not ready for war. The Israelites were eager to settle down in a land of their own. They couldn’t wait to drink its milk and eat its honey. However, they were not a warring people. They were excellent slaves, but horrible soldiers. You could tell by their response to the approach of Pharaoh’s army at the Red Sea that they were not the fighting type. They were free because God brought them out not because they fought their way out. The last thing this mixed and murmuring multitude needed was a run in with the world famous fighting Philistines.
3). Even though you may be destined for the Promised Land, you have to use some wisdom on the way. In other words, there are times when you must understand that arriving at your destination is more important than proving a point with unnecessary confrontation. True enough, according to pride, confrontation seems like the only path. However, it’s one thing to be right and another thing to be dead right.
4). God did not lead the Israelites around the Philistines because He was against them fighting. It was only that He thought they were too vulnerable to go that way at that particular time. They would live to fight and win over the Philistines another day. They did. Remember the giant Goliath was a Philistine, and David slew him.
On our way to the fulfillment of the promises God has made to us, let us ask God to lead us around unnecessary temptations, wars and conflict. Then, when He leads us that way, let us exercise wisdom and follow.