17 When Par’oh (Pharaoh) released the people, God didn’t lead them through the area occupied by the Pelishtim, 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 Mitsrayim (Egypt).” 18 So God caused the people to take the path going towards the wilderness and the Red Sea.[fn] The Israeli left Mitsrayim in formation as if ready for battle.

19 Mosheh (Moses) ensured that Yosef’s (Joseph’s) bones were taken with them, because many years back Yosef had made the Israelis promise, saying, “God will certainly take notice of you all, and you must take my bones out from here with you.”[ref]

20 The people travelled on from Sukot and camped at Etam 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 ahead of the people.