Exo 13:17 | ESV | STEP | When Pharaoh let the people go , God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines , although that was near . For God said , Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt .

b ch. 14:11, 12; [Neh. 9:17]; See Num. 14:1-4

Exodus 13:17

Pillars of Cloud and Fire

17 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did ^anot lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, “Lest the people ^bchange their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.”