#158 Pillars Exodus 13

When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” 18 So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea.[a] The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle.

19 Moses took the bones of Joseph with him because Joseph had made the Israelites swear an oath. He had said, “God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up with you from this place.”[b]

20 After leaving Sukkoth they camped at Etham on the edge of the desert. 21 By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. 22 Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people. Exodus 13:17-22 NIV

It would have been the shorter route, through the land of the Philistines, but this was a people not yet fit for battle. Their faith was still in it's infancy, and therefore not only would they have run back to captivity, they would have run away from the promise land. We would so much rather the direct route, and that all in our way be trampled before our arrival. We would have a faith untested and call it gigantic, but God would make us tested and true. He would set us in the land of trial, and those that persevere will one day look back and see that it was only by His hand, His might, and that all glory belongs to Him. They will also count their present suffering as small. 

So, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. 14For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come. Hebrews 13:13 & 14

The picture of the wilderness and battle comes head long against our own infantile faith. I would rather pretend that I am the good guy, than stand face to face with those who hate my Lord, bearing His mark to the sounds of their laughter. And now, you tell me that my battle is not a physical one, that it is against darkness, that I am the biggest obstacle to myself. So now they laugh and I plead with God on their behalf, lest I forget that I was one of the mockers. 

Joseph was a visitor to Egypt, and no matter how high his rank there or what luxuries it afforded him, it was not his home. Moses takes the bones of Joseph with them. 

By day they were lead by the Lord's presence in a cloud; it also was a shield from the harshness of the sun. In darkness there was a pillar of fire, by which they could see and know where to set up camp. Now it is by faith, and faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God. We treat the Bible with disdain and disinterest, a people much preferring to remain in the dark, and ignoring the direction of the cloud for our own way.  

From Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way. Nun. 105Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. 106I have sworn and I will confirm it, That I will keep Your righteous ordinances.…Psalm 119:104-106