Our Parsha begins by saying that when Pharaoh sent the Jews from Egypt, Hashem did not let them travel by way of the land of the Philistines, (not to be confused with the term Palestinian, which describes people who came to the land of Israel about 3,000 years later) because it was “close.”
What’s wrong if they took the expressway? The Torah continues, “For Hashem said, “Lest the nation regret, when they encounter war, and return to Egypt.”” Therefore, He took them through a wilderness where no one lived.
Some explain this verse differently. Hashem did not allow the Jews to go the short and easy way because when one gets used to smooth sailing, they can very easily crumble when they face adversity. He chose to send them through the wilderness, where they would lack water and food, so they could have the benefit of a spiritual “basic training.”
Just as soldiers in the army start off with a very intense program of exercises with minimal comforts as a way to toughen them, so did Hashem want to strengthen the Jewish People. Without having cities nearby to purchase food and water, they had to rely on Hashem. They became resilient, and better prepared for any tribulations that might lie ahead.
In life, as well, we all go through challenging situations. If we recognize them as chances to grow and accomplish despite, or rather, because of the difficulties, we can amaze ourselves and others with what we are capable of.
People who’ve suffered through illness but pushed to help others; people who lost loved ones to illness or even terrorism, who have managed to put their energies into foundations and organizations that do so much good, they are the people who learned the lesson Hashem was teaching when we left Egypt.
G-d doesn’t bring us into deep water to drown us, but to teach us to swim.
