17 When Far’oh released the people, God didn’t lead them through the land of the Philistines, although that way was shorter, because he said, “It’s best if the people don’t have to face war immediately, or they might change their minds and then want to return to Egypt.” 18 So God caused the people to take the path going towards the wilderness and the Red Sea.[fn] The Israeli left Egypt in formation as if ready for battle.

19 Mosheh ensured that the bones of Yosef were taken with them, because many years back Yosef had made the Israelis vow, saying, “God will certainly take notice of you all, and you must take my bones up with you from here.”[ref]

20 The people travelled on from Succoth and camped at Etham on the edge of the wilderness. 21 During the day, Yahweh went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to lead them on the way, and at nighttime, he went in a pillar of fire to be light to them, so they could travel both in the daytime and at night. 22 The daytime pillar of cloud and the nighttime pillar of fire didn’t ever leave their place in front of the people.