Scripture: Then the LORD said to Moses, “Tell the people of Israel to turn back and encamp in front of Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, in front of Baal-zephon; you shall encamp facing it, by the sea. For Pharaoh will say of the people of Israel, ‘They are wandering in the land; the wilderness has shut them in.’ And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will pursue them, and I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his host, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD.” And they did so.
Exodus 14:1-4 ESV [Click here to read the entire chapter.]
Observation: Recapping Yesterday’s Daily Focus, Israel’s massive train of people, livestock, and accoutrements progressed from Succoth to the fringe of the wilderness to encamp at Etham with Yahweh leading the way by a cloud pillar in the daylight and a fire column in the darkness.
Today’s reading continues the saga of Israel’s freedom march. While scholars debate the geographic movement of Israel based on the above ancient and extinct cities’ proposed locations, one matter is irrefutable: Yahweh’s intentions. As verse 3 indicates, Pharaoh will misjudge his scouts’ report and arrogantly assume that Israel’s God has abandoned them in their missteps to a dead-end trail, seemingly entrapped by marsh, sea, and desert. But God will soon reveal to Pharoah and Egypt his glory and that he is Yahweh: the I AM of Israel. So, Moses and the people do as instructed.
Takeaway: This marks the third time God informs Moses of the purpose of these trials of suffering: to show the Egyptians he is the one true God (see 7:17 and 9:14). But this seemingly compromising command to turn back will once again show Israel his omnipotent power to deliver them—an essential story for the next generation (Moses’ audience) to recount as they cross another body of water to take possession of the Promised Land.
Our takeaway? It is no different for us. We all encounter these moments when it looks like we are heading in the right direction, only to hear God tell us to turn back. Sometimes, as in the above story, it has nothing to do with our missteps. God may be setting the stage to reveal his glory, to show others that he is the one who guides us even when our change of plans makes no sense. Still, other times, what looks like the safest, most logical path forward may have more to do with us making sin-marred choices. Thus, it is a matter of repentance. But remember, obedience to God’s direction is not just about turning back; it’s about moving in the right direction where we come under God’s blessings.
Our part? Interestingly, the biblical term “repentance” is derived from a nomadic origin. When wandering in a desert (where the terrain looks all the same), nomads could not risk making a miscalculated course correction and running out of water. Instead, the wise ones would trace their steps back to their starting point and recalibrate. Similarly, if we try to fix ourselves when heading in the wrong direction, we will further wander and risk perishing. So even when it doesn’t make sense, when God speaks to us (through his Word, prayer, and community of believers) and tells us to turn back, we would do well to obey. And we can rest assured that what may seem like a waste of time and effort is accomplishing his purposes: to glorify his name, sanctify us, and guide us safely home to the place his Son has prepared for us.
Prayer: Father God, we thank you that you are sovereign over all your creation and that through the gift of your Holy Spirit, when we reach dead ends, an escape route remains. Please help us heed the Holy Spirit’s direction when told to turn back so we might persevere and bring you glory. Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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