1. Armed, but not ready for battle (17-19)

The shortest way from Egypt to Canaan was due east and then north. But God led his people south, toward the Red Sea. Why? They were too weak to fight the Philistines. They were infected with the fatalism of a slave mentality, and they needed to see and feel God's almighty power. He wanted to train them at the Red Sea; he wanted to train them in the desert; and he wanted to meet them at Sinai (3:12). Moses took Joseph's bones. This was tangible evidence that God keeps his promises (Ge 50:25).

2. To guide them on their way (20-22)

They were like sheep without a shepherd, so God came to their aid. He gave them direction. God led them through the wilderness with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. He led them by the long way. But the long way with God's sure leading is shorter than any shortcut.

Application: Lord, thank you for the hard things that teach us faith. Lead me, and train me to live by faith.
One Word: So God led the people...