Beshalach

When Pharaoh let the people go God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines although it was near. For God said: the people may change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt…

13:17 – 18

Because it was near: and easy to return from there to Egypt. In addition to this there are many other explanations

Rashi (11^th Century)

In my opinion… (we interpret) Why did God not lead them via Philistine territory? “because” (instead of although) it was near. He led them a long way round so that they should not on seeing battle say: “Let us appoint a leader and return to Egypt.” This explanation is obvious. The direct route from Egypt to Palestine takes no more than ten days. The Israelites had never had a taste of war and had been slaves of others. When Pharaoh pursued them none of them dared to raise a hand. Even when Amalek attacked them with a tiny force of soldiers their stragglers were cut down and they would have been routed had it not been for the intervention of Moses and the Lord’s elect.

Ibn Ezra (11^th Century)

Ibn Ezra maintains (what is read above)…”Because it was near” is not the correct reading. The correct reading is “He did not lead them via Philistine territory which was near and which route was really preferable, because God reasoned the people may change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.

Ramban (13^th Century)

It is the very directness of the route that constitutes a good reason for following it rather than avoiding it. Yet here the opposite is stated…The lesson is clear. Many things which appear harmful on the surface prove in the long run advantageous. His ways are not ours. Not all that seems right to man is right in the sight of the all-seeing, all-knowing God.

Nechama Leibowitz (20^th Century)

The children of Israel were not yet ready for the way of life prescribed for them by God. They were not yet aware that God’s direct Providence for those who faithfully obey His commandments was capable not only of saving them from destruction but also of ensuring their survival day by day, no matter what might befall. They had yet to be educated toward this awareness by means of extraordinary experiences. This was the purpose of Israel’s wanderings through the wilderness; this was the significance of the march upon which God now caused the Children of Israel to set out.

Samson Raphael Hirsch (19^th Century)