The Israelites had come out by divisions (12:51), and “went up out of Egypt ready for battle,” but God knew they were not yet ready to face war. God took them the long way around. God wanted them to learn to trust in his constant presence. The mention of Joseph (19) reminds us of how he trusted God through deeply harrowing experiences. God also makes his presence seen and felt through the pillar of cloud and fire. God knows us better than we know ourselves. More than victories, he wants us to learn to trust him in our battles, not ourselves.

Case in point, God uses the perceived vulnerability of the Israelites to lay a trap for their mortal enemy, Pharaoh of Egypt. Pharaoh and his officials cannot stand the thought that Israel’s God defeated them, so they march out in strong pursuit. This was God’s plan to deal with this enemy. God clues Moses into the danger but does not tell him the details. Moses trusts God. But the Israelites do not: in response to seeing the Egyptians, their fear and lack of faith were expressed by verbally attacking Moses. Moses doesn’t rebuke them. This is the time for faith, not fear. Faith is the victory that overcomes the world.
Application: Father, instead of seeking to become strong and independent in my battles, help me trust in your abiding presence and live by faith.
One Word: Faith is the victory