The Israelites had just been delivered from the hand of Pharaoh, the relentless ruler whose heart was hardened toward them. God had a plan for His people , a plan that would take time - His time.

God visibly led the children of Israel on their journey with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. He could easily have led them to their destination in a very short time; however, they would not have been prepared for the battle that awaited them. The children of Israel, during their time of captivity, had been laborers not warriors. Their spirits were broken because of life's circumstances while in captivity.

"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" (Exodus 13:17)

It...