Topical Bible: Journey of Israel Through The Desert: Commenced in Haste

Bible > Topical > Journey of Israel Through The Desert

◄ Journey of Israel Through The Desert: Commenced in Haste ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The journey of the Israelites through the desert, commencing in haste, marks a pivotal moment in biblical history, encapsulating themes of deliverance, faith, and divine providence. This journey begins with the Exodus from Egypt, a foundational event for the nation of Israel, as they transition from slavery to freedom under the leadership of Moses.

The Exodus and the Passover

The commencement of the journey is intricately linked to the Passover, a divinely instituted observance that underscores the urgency and immediacy of their departure. In Exodus 12:11, the Israelites are instructed to eat the Passover meal "with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the LORD’s Passover" . This command highlights the readiness required for their imminent departure, as they were to leave Egypt swiftly, without delay.

The Plagues and Pharaoh's Reluctance

Prior to their departure, Egypt was struck by a series of plagues, culminating in the death of the firstborn, which finally compelled Pharaoh to release the Israelites. The urgency of their departure is further emphasized in Exodus 12:33, where the Egyptians "urged the people to leave the land in haste, for otherwise, they said, 'We will all die!'" . This sense of urgency is a direct result of the divine intervention that forced Pharaoh's hand, demonstrating God's power and the fulfillment of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Unleavened Bread and the Symbolism of Haste

The Feast of Unleavened Bread, which immediately follows the Passover, serves as a perpetual reminder of the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt. In Exodus 12:39, it is recorded that "they baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they had brought out of Egypt, for it was not leavened, because they were driven out of Egypt and could not delay; nor had they prepared any provisions for themselves" . The unleavened bread symbolizes the rapidity of their departure and the beginning of their reliance on God's provision.

The Route and Divine Guidance

As the Israelites embarked on their journey, they were guided by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, as described in Exodus 13:21-22. This divine guidance ensured their safe passage and underscored God's continual presence with His people. The route taken was not the most direct path to Canaan, as God led them away from the Philistine territory to prevent potential discouragement from warfare (Exodus 13:17-18).

Crossing the Red Sea

One of the most dramatic moments in the early stages of the journey is the crossing of the Red Sea. Pursued by Pharaoh's army, the Israelites found themselves trapped between the sea and their oppressors. In a miraculous display of divine power, God parted the waters, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground (Exodus 14:21-22). This event not only facilitated their escape but also served as a testament to God's deliverance and protection.

Provision in the Wilderness

As the Israelites journeyed through the desert, God provided for their needs in miraculous ways. Manna from heaven and water from the rock are notable examples of His provision (Exodus 16:4, 17:6). These acts of sustenance reinforced the Israelites' dependence on God and His faithfulness to care for His people despite the harsh conditions of the wilderness.

Conclusion

The journey of Israel through the desert, commencing in haste, is a profound narrative of liberation and divine faithfulness. It serves as a testament to God's power, guidance, and provision, laying the foundation for the identity and faith of the Israelite nation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 12:39
And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they brought forth out of Egypt, for it was not leavened; because they were thrust out of Egypt, and could not tarry, neither had they prepared for themselves any victual.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Power of Little Things.
... to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.". ... with that he was to deliver
the children of Israel. ... book that has gone marching through the nations ...
/.../moody/to the work to the work/chapter vi the power of.htm

"Nunc Dimittis"
... When a man is prepared for his journey, ready to ... Get through your day's work, for
the sooner you complete it ... to be the glory of his people Israel; and, therefore ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/nunc dimittis.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... and food for their return journey, besides having ... a broad beam of light falling through
the aperture ... prevented the subjugation of Damascus, Israel, Tyre, the ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

Another Wonderful Record of 25.
... God will not desert us ... worship built, and a pastor settled, mainly through the
instrumentality ... a little fire, and almost before they had commenced telling their ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/another wonderful record of 25 00.htm

Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ...
... In him (Peter) the Church was reared, that is, through him (Peter) himself; he himself
tried the key; you see what key: "Men of Israel, let what I say sink ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iv the age of.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... his dream, the man that cut his way through his enemies ... plot how to make me miscarry
in my journey, that hath ... given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... Michael, a Franciscan friar, on a journey to Ancona ... the reader's recollection when
he peruses Israel's Hope Encouraged ... to the trials he was now passing through. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm