Why didn't the children of Israel, when delivered from Egypt, go right to the Promised Land instead of towards the Red Sea? They had a direct route without going through the sea.


God needed to give them time to grow and mature before they would have to face the challenge of war.

Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, "Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt."

So God led the people around by way of the wilderness of the Red Sea. And the children of Israel went up in orderly ranks out of the land of Egypt.
(Ex. 13:17-18)

God still uses this same principle with us. He gives us time to grow and mature before we are faced with a life threatening challenge.

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it (1 Cor. 10:13).

This Scripture has always been a blessing to me because it lets me know that I have the God-given ability and power to overcome anything that comes against me. This knowledge gives us confidence in a time of trouble.

This Scripture also shows us that God is not the one who brings trouble into our lives. On the contrary, He even stops trouble from coming against us when it is bigger than we are.

Copyright © Bible Answers Foundation
All rights reserved. Used by permission.