13:17–22 These verses introduce the next major section (13:17–15:21) that takes the Israelites to the wilderness by way of the sea. We return to the story of the exit from Egypt with three brief notes. First, we look ahead to the geographical route. Next, we look back in history to an oath made about Joseph. Then we are brought up to date on a new manifestation of the Lord’s presence in cloud and fire.

The first note (vv. 17–18) concerns the route to the sea. The name God occurs for the first time since Exodus 10, reminding the reader that “the LORD” who had been close at hand in Egypt was still “God” as they leave it. The mentions of Philistine country and facing war were ominous in the ancient historical setting. Newly liberated slaves with their families were not prepared for this, thoug…