In leading the Israelites through the desert road toward the Red Sea, God demonstrated His strategic wisdom and protective nature. The shorter route to the Promised Land would have taken them through Philistine territory, where they might have faced immediate warfare. Instead, God chose a path that allowed them to avoid premature conflict, giving them time to develop their identity as a free people and to learn to trust in His provision and guidance.
The journey through the desert was not merely a geographical relocation but a profound spiritual pilgrimage. It was a time for the Israelites to leave behind the mindset of slavery and embrace a new identity as God's chosen people. The mention of them being ready for battle indicates their preparedness and willingness to follow God's commands, even when the path seemed daunting. This readiness reflects a growing faith and trust in God's promises.
This passage encourages us to trust in God's timing and direction, even when it leads us through unexpected or challenging paths. It reassures us that God's plans are always for our benefit, designed to prepare us for the future He has in store.
