Exodus 13:17-18 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines… I. THAT IT IS THE WAY OF GOD TO BRING THE GOOD TO A PLACE OF REST. This is the object of all life's discipline. II. THAT IT IS THE WAY OF GOD TO BRING THE GOOD AWAY FROM THE THINGS THAT WOULD BE UNFRIENDLY TO THEIR WELFARE. He selects the life path of the good — 1. Wisely. 2. Kindly. III. THAT IT IS OFTEN THE WAY OF GOD TO BRING THE GOOD A CIRCUITOUS ROUTE TO THEIR DESTINATION. The nearest way is not always the best. IV. THAT IT IS THE WAY OF GOD TO BRING THE GOOD ALONG UNWELCOME PATHS. Impossible to get to Canaan without perplexities. God is always with the good in their wilderness wanderings. V. THAT IT IS THE WAY OF GOD TO BRING THE GOOD INTO A BETTER AND MORE THOROUGH KNOWLEDGE OF THEMSELVES. Men get to know more in the desert. Some Christians are taken to heaven through a long route of pain. They long for home, but the journey is prolonged. It is hard to see the reason of their protracted existence. The Divine purpose is not yet accomplished in them. VI. THAT IT IS THE WAY OF GOD TO BRING THE GOOD INTO A WISE EXERCISE OF THEIR OWN STRENGTH. "And the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt." They walked in battle array. And so, while it is the way of God to conduct human life to its destination, it is also the duty of man to exercise his own wisdom and strength, so that he may do all to aid the plans of God concerning him. Lessons: 1. That God leads men from Egypt to Canaan. 2. That men must give themselves up to the guidance of God. 3. That life is often through a long wilderness. 4. However long the journey, men must trust in God. (J. S. Exell, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, 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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