And G-d led them not by the way of the land (Ex. 13:17)
The manner in which G-d led His people through the desert was above the limitations of the laws of nature. The natural way of the world is for rain to fall from the sky and bread to be sown from the earth, but for forty years, the opposite held true for the Jews: their bread fell from the sky, and their drinking water was provided by a well that traveled with them. (Yalkut)
And G-d led them not by the way of the land of the Philistines, although it was near (Ex. 13:17)
The path taken by the Jews throughout history, whether in the direction of the Land of Israel or toward the Final Redemption, was never smooth. Whenever our ultimate goal appeared at hand, the next second it seems to move further away. Yet when we have nearly despaired of reaching our destination, suddenly we see that it is indeed within reach. (Nidchei Yisrael)
And the Children of Israel went up armed out of the land of Egypt. And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him (Ex. 13:18,19)
With what were the Jewish people armed? With the bones of Joseph, in whose merit the Jews were protected from harm. “Tzadikim (the righteous) are even greater after their deaths than during their lives.”(Torat Moshe)
And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him (Ex. 13:19)
While the rest of the Children of Israel were busy collecting the spoils of Egypt in preparation for the exodus, Moses was busy doing a mitzva. Moses knew that gold and silver are only temporary acquisitions, but every mitzva a person does accompanies him to the hereafter. (Klai-Yakar)
Dedicated to Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson wife of the Rebbe, daughter of the Previous Rebbe on her yartzeit, 22 Shevat
