From Succoth, and encamped in Etham— The Lord for wise and good reasons, not thinking proper to lead the people directly into Canaan through the land of the Philistines, which was but a journey of a few days, (see Exodus 13:17.) conducted them towards the wilderness of Shur, ch. Exodus 15:22.; upon the edge or extremity of which, next to Egypt, at the bottom of the Arabian gulph, lay Etham, where they made their second encampment. See Numbers 33:8.
REFLECTIONS.— God is their Deliverer, and now becomes their Guide. The direct way was short; but God led them not by the shortest, but the safest way. If his ways seem winding, we may be satisfied he is a sure Guide. The Philistines were before them, and they must not see war as soon as they escape from slavery; they are not fit for such service yet. God knows how to proportion our trials to our strength, nor will he suffer his people to be tempted above what they are able. Besides, he had much to do among them, both in mercies and judgments; and a wilderness was the fittest place for his designs. Let us, therefore, commit all our ways unto the Lord.