Why did God not lead the Israelites by the shorter route through the Philistine country?
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Correct answer: They might face war and turn back to Egypt out of fear
Exodus 13:17 explains that God led them by the desert road toward the Red Sea to avoid the Philistines. He knew the people were not yet prepared for war and would flee back to slavery at the first sign of conflict.
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More Parting of the Red Sea questions
- Who was the father of Moses and Aaron who belonged to the tribe of Levi?
- What did Moses carry with him out of Egypt because of a vow made generations earlier?
- What physical object did Moses stretch out over the sea to initiate the parting of the waters?
- According to the biblical text, what natural force did the Lord use all night to drive the sea back?
- Where were the Israelites encamped when Pharaoh's army caught up to them?
- How did the pillar of cloud change its position as the Egyptians approached the Israelite camp?