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“...13:17 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go,

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that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines,
although that was near;
for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war,
and they return to Egypt:
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I had failed to pay attention to these verses. Interesting to note that ... the people would likely return to the burden imposed by Pharaoh than go forward with the presence of God ... and this after seeing ALL the preceding miracles God had performed.
Truly amazing. Tells us how weak man is. Ready to accept the known than move forward with God.
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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.
13:19 And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him:
for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel,
saying, God will surely visit you;
and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you.
13:20 And they took their journey from Succoth,
and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness.
13:21 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud,
to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire,
to give them light; to go by day and night:
13:22 He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night,
from before the people.

Man can not save himself. It is God that holds on to man as long as man is relying on Him, looking to Him for deliverance.

Holy Father, creator, of all that is ... help us and keep us on the path You would have us walk. You are the light, you are the provider, You are the protector, You are the one who holds us in Your hand. Place a desire to increase our faith, and to pray for our brethren, In Jerusalem, in Israel, and America; and to all that cry for Your help. We are looking to the day when we see You face to face. Forgive us, strengthen us, give us voice to praise You and tell our brethren of You and Your Grace, of Life eternal in Heaven with You. Thank You, Father, our Lord God Almighty. We trust and depend on You and Your Word. In Jesus name we pray. Amen..