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Text -- Exodus 13:18 (NET)

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Context
13:18 So God brought the people around by the way of the desert to the Red Sea, and the Israelites went up from the land of Egypt prepared for battle.
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Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics

Names, People and Places:
 · Egypt descendants of Mizraim
 · Israel a citizen of Israel.,a member of the nation of Israel
 · Red Sea the ocean between Egypt and the Sinai Peninsula,the sea between Egypt and Arabia


Dictionary Themes and Topics: Wilderness | TOKEN | Sin | Red Sea | Quotations and Allusions | Passover | Moses | Judgments | Israel | HARNESS | God | Frontlets | EXODUS, THE BOOK OF, 2 | EXODUS, THE | Armies | ARMY | more
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Wesley , JFB , Clarke , Calvin , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , Haydock , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes , Geneva Bible

Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Keil-Delitzsch , Constable , Guzik

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Wesley: Exo 13:18 - -- There were many reasons why God led them through the way of the wilderness of the red sea.

There were many reasons why God led them through the way of the wilderness of the red sea.

Wesley: Exo 13:18 - -- sea, the Israelites were to be humbled, and proved in the wilderness. Deu 8:2. God had given it to Moses for a sign, Exo 3:12, ye shall serve God in t...

sea, the Israelites were to be humbled, and proved in the wilderness. Deu 8:2. God had given it to Moses for a sign, Exo 3:12, ye shall serve God in this mountain. They had again and again told Pharaoh that they must go three days journey into the wilderness to do sacrifice, and therefore it was requisite they should march that way, else they had justly been exclaimed against as dissemblers. Before they entered the lifts with their enemies, matters must be settled between them and their God; laws must be given, ordinances instituted, covenants sealed; and for the doing of this it was necessary they should retire into the solitudes of a wilderness, the only closet for such a crowd; the high road would be no proper place for these transactions. The reason why God did not lead them the nearest way, which would have brought them in a few days to the land of the Philistines, was because they were not yet fit for war, much less for war with the Philistines. Their spirits were broke with slavery; the Philistines were formidable enemies; it was convenient they should begin with the Amalekites, and be prepared for the wars of Canaan, by experiencing the difficulties of the wilderness. God is said to bring Israel out of Egypt as the eagle brings up her young ones, Deu 32:11, teaching them by degrees to fly.

Wesley: Exo 13:18 - -- They went up by five in a rank, so some; in five squadrons, so others. They marched like an army with banners, which added much to strength and honour...

They went up by five in a rank, so some; in five squadrons, so others. They marched like an army with banners, which added much to strength and honour.

JFB: Exo 13:18 - -- This wondrous expanse of water is a gulf of the Indian ocean. It was called in Hebrew "the weedy sea," from the forest of marine plants with which it ...

This wondrous expanse of water is a gulf of the Indian ocean. It was called in Hebrew "the weedy sea," from the forest of marine plants with which it abounds. But the name of the Red Sea is not so easily traced. Some think it was given from its contiguity to the countries of Edom ("red"); others derive it from its coral rocks; while a third class ascribe the origin of the name to an extremely red appearance of the water in some parts, caused by a numberless multitude of very small mollusca. This sea, at its northern extremity, separates into two smaller inlets--the eastern called anciently the Elanitic gulf, now the gulf of Akaba; and the western the Heroopolite gulf, now the gulf of Suez, which, there can be no doubt, extended much more to the north anciently than it does now. It was toward the latter the Israelites marched.

JFB: Exo 13:18 - -- That is, girded, equipped for a long journey. (See Psa 105:37). The Margin renders it "five in a rank," meaning obviously five large divisions, under ...

That is, girded, equipped for a long journey. (See Psa 105:37). The Margin renders it "five in a rank," meaning obviously five large divisions, under five presiding officers, according to the usages of all caravans; and a spectacle of such a mighty and motley multitude must have presented an imposing appearance, and its orderly progress could have been effected only by the superintending influence of God.

Clarke: Exo 13:18 - -- But God led the people about - Dr. Shaw has shown that there were two roads from Egypt to Canaan, one through the valleys of Jendilly, Rumeleah, and...

But God led the people about - Dr. Shaw has shown that there were two roads from Egypt to Canaan, one through the valleys of Jendilly, Rumeleah, and Baideah, bounded on each side by the mountains of the lower Thebais; the other lies higher, having the northern range of the mountains of Mocatee running parallel with it on the right hand, and the desert of the Egyptian Arabia, which lies all the way open to the land of the Philistines, to the left. See his account of these encampments at the end of Exodus. See Clarke’ s note on Exo 40:38

Clarke: Exo 13:18 - -- Went up harnessed - חמשים chamushim . It is truly astonishing what a great variety of opinions are entertained relative to the meaning of thi...

Went up harnessed - חמשים chamushim . It is truly astonishing what a great variety of opinions are entertained relative to the meaning of this word. After having maturely considered all that I have met with on the subject, I think it probable that the word refers simply to that orderly or well arranged manner in which the Israelites commenced their journey from Egypt. For to arrange, array, or set in order, seems to be the ideal meaning of the word חמש chamash . As it was natural to expect that in such circumstances there must have been much hurry and confusion, the inspired writer particularly marks the contrary, to show that God had so disposed matters that the utmost regularity and order prevailed; and had it been otherwise, thousands of men, women, and children must have been trodden to death. Our margin has it by five in a rank; but had they marched only five abreast, supposing only one yard for each rank to move in, it would have required not less than sixty-eight miles for even the 600,000 to proceed on regularly in this way; for 600,000 divided by five gives 120,000 ranks of five each; and there being only 1,760 yards in a mile, the dividing 120,000 by 1,760 will give the number of miles such a column of people would take up, which by such an operation will be found to be something more than sixty-eight miles. But this the circumstances of the history will by no means admit - Harmer. The simple meaning therefore appears to be that given above; and if the note on the concluding verse of the preceding chapter be considered, it may serve to place this explanation in a still clearer point of view.

Calvin: Exo 13:18 - -- 18.The children of Israel went up harnessed The word חמשים , 148 chemishim, is derived from “Five,” from whence some have explained it, t...

18.The children of Israel went up harnessed The word חמשים , 148 chemishim, is derived from “Five,” from whence some have explained it, that they were furnished with five kinds of arms, but this is too absurd. The Hebrews, because they could conjecture nothing better or more probable, almost with one consent would understand it, that they were armed under the fifth rib. But whence were there so many military corselets ready for the Israelites? But I reject so forced and improbable a meaning, and doubt not that the word is one of number; as though Moses had said, that they went out in ranks of five; because, if each individual in so great a multitude had tried to advance, they would have been in each other’s way. I have therefore thought fit to translate it “dispositi,” (in ranks.) The idea of the Greeks about “the fifth generation,” is very foreign to the present narrative. But in the sense I have given it, there is nothing obscure or doubtful; for it readily appears that God’s favor is celebrated also in this particular, because He led forth His people in order. For, although they came out confusedly and hastily, still He restrained there, as it were, under His banner, and in companies, lest any disturbance should occur.

TSK: Exo 13:18 - -- led the : Exo 14:2; Num 33:6-8; Deu 32:10; Psa 107:7 harnessed : or, by five in a rank, Exo 12:51

led the : Exo 14:2; Num 33:6-8; Deu 32:10; Psa 107:7

harnessed : or, by five in a rank, Exo 12:51

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: Exo 13:18 - -- Harnessed - More probably, "marshalled"or "in orderly array."There is not the least indication that the Israelites had been disarmed by the Egy...

Harnessed - More probably, "marshalled"or "in orderly array."There is not the least indication that the Israelites had been disarmed by the Egyptians, and as occupying a frontier district frequently assailed by the nomads of the desert they would of necessity be accustomed to the use of arms. Compare Exo 1:10.

Poole: Exo 13:18 - -- Or, armed , or girt with swords and belts about the fifth rib, as the Hebrew word may imply. But it doth not appear how or whence they should get...

Or, armed , or girt with swords and belts about the fifth rib, as the Hebrew word may imply. But it doth not appear how or whence they should get their arms, nor how the Egyptians would permit so numerous a people to have and to keep arms, especially when they had a long time oppressed and exasperated them, and made them desperate. It is true, some few of them might procure arms, but this word is here used concerning the whole body of them. Others render it by fives , five and five in a rank, that is, by a usual synecdoche, in military order, not doubtfully and fearfully, but confidently and courageously; not confusedly, as men that steal or run away, but in good order, so as one might not hinder another. Which interpretation is strengthened by comparing Jos 1:14 . It may be rendered girt , to wit, about the fifth rib, as the word implies, the place where men used to gird their garments, this being the usual posture for travellers: he implies that they went out resolved upon and prepared for their journey.

Haydock: Exo 13:18 - -- Armed, in order of battle. Hebrew chamushim , "by fives," or in five battalions. (Josue i. 14; Judges viii. 11.) (Calmet) --- Calvin asks where t...

Armed, in order of battle. Hebrew chamushim , "by fives," or in five battalions. (Josue i. 14; Judges viii. 11.) (Calmet) ---

Calvin asks where the Hebrews could procure arms, as if to cavil with this translation. But surely they might get them in the same manner as the vessels of gold; and they undoubtedly were not destitute of arms when they encountered the Amalecites, ver. 17. (Haydock)

Gill: Exo 13:18 - -- But God led the people about,.... Instead of their going to the west, or northwest, towards Gaza, &c. and the Mediterranean sea, the Lord going before...

But God led the people about,.... Instead of their going to the west, or northwest, towards Gaza, &c. and the Mediterranean sea, the Lord going before them in a pillar of cloud and fire, as after related, directed them to turn off to the right, between the east and south, to the southeast:

through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: the wilderness of Etham, by the Red sea:

and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt or "girt" m about the loins under the fifth rib; not with armour, as some n understand it, for it is not likely that they could, or that Pharaoh would suffer them to be furnished with armour, but their garments were girt about them, and so fit for travelling; or they went up "by fives" o, as it may be rendered, either by five in a rank, or rather in five bodies or squadrons, and so marched out, not in a disorderly and confused way, but in great order and regularity. The latter is much more reasonable to suppose, for five in a rank is too small a number for an army of 600,000 men to march in; since allowing the ranks to be but three feet asunder, and a mile to consist of about two thousand yards, the front and rear of the army would be sixty miles distant from each other p.

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Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Exo 13:18 The term חֲמֻשִׁים (khamushim) is placed first for emphasis; it forms a circumstantial clause, e...

Geneva Bible: Exo 13:18 But God led the people about, [through] the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up ( k ) harnessed out of the land o...

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Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: Exo 13:1-22 - --1 The firstborn are sanctified to God.3 The memorial of the passover is commanded.11 The firstlings of man and beast are set apart.17 The Israelites g...

MHCC: Exo 13:17-20 - --There were two ways from Egypt to Canaan. One was only a few days' journey; the other was much further about, through the wilderness, and that was the...

Matthew Henry: Exo 13:17-22 - -- Here is, I. The choice God made of their way, Exo 13:17, Exo 13:18. He was their guide. Moses gave them direction but as he received it from the Lor...

Keil-Delitzsch: Exo 13:17-19 - -- Journey from Succoth to Etham. - Succoth, Israel's first place of encampment after their departure, was probably the rendezvous for the whole nation...

Constable: Exo 1:1--15:22 - --I. THE LIBERATION OF ISRAEL 1:1--15:21 "The story of the first half of Exodus, in broad summary, is Rescue. The ...

Constable: Exo 13:17--15:22 - --D. God's completion of Israel's liberation 13:17-15:21 The Israelites now began their migration from Gos...

Constable: Exo 13:17-22 - --1. The journey from Succoth to Etham 13:17-22 "The way of the land of the Philistines" refers to...

Guzik: Exo 13:1-22 - --Exodus 13 - God's Instruction to Israel upon Their Departure A. Instructions for a new nation. 1. (1-2) The firstborn belongs to God. Then the LOR...

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Introduction / Outline

JFB: Exodus (Book Introduction) EXODUS, a "going forth," derives its name from its being occupied principally with a relation of the departure of the Israelites from Egypt, and the i...

JFB: Exodus (Outline) INCREASE OF THE ISRAELITES. (Exo. 1:1-22) BIRTH AND PRESERVATION OF MOSES. (Exo 2:1-10) there went a man of the house of Levi, &c. Amram was the hus...

TSK: Exodus (Book Introduction) The title of this Book is derived from the Septuagint; in which it is called ΕΞΟΔΟΣ , " Exodus;" or, as it is in the Codex Alexandrinus, Ε...

TSK: Exodus 13 (Chapter Introduction) Overview Exo 13:1, The firstborn are sanctified to God; Exo 13:3, The memorial of the passover is commanded; Exo 13:11, The firstlings of man and ...

Poole: Exodus (Book Introduction) SECOND BOOK OF MOSES CALLED EXODUS. THE ARGUMENT. AFTER the death of Joseph, who had sent for his father’ s house into Egypt, the children o...

Poole: Exodus 13 (Chapter Introduction) CHAPTER 13 God commands all the first-born to be consecrated, Exo 13:1,2 . The day of their going forth out of Egypt to be had in remembrance, Exo ...

MHCC: Exodus (Book Introduction) The Book of Exodus relates the forming of the children of Israel into a church and a nation. We have hitherto seen true religion shown in domestic lif...

MHCC: Exodus 13 (Chapter Introduction) (Exo 13:1-10) The first-born sanctified to God The remembrance of the passover commanded. (Exo 13:11-16) The firstlings of beasts set apart. (Exo 13...

Matthew Henry: Exodus (Book Introduction) An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The Second Book of Moses, Called Exodus Moses (the servant of the Lord in writing for him as well as ...

Matthew Henry: Exodus 13 (Chapter Introduction) In this chapter we have, I. The commands God gave to Israel, 1. To sanctify all their firstborn to him (Exo 13:1, Exo 13:2). 2. To be sure to re...

Constable: Exodus (Book Introduction) Introduction Title The Hebrew title of this book (we'elleh shemot) originated from the...

Constable: Exodus (Outline) Outline I. The liberation of Israel 1:1-15:21 A. God's preparation of Israel and Moses chs. ...

Constable: Exodus Exodus Bibliography Adams, Dwayne H. "The Building Program that Works (Exodus 25:4--36:7 [31:1-11])." Exegesis ...

Haydock: Exodus (Book Introduction) THE BOOK OF EXODUS. INTRODUCTION. The second Book of Moses is called Exodus from the Greek word Exodos, which signifies going out; becaus...

Gill: Exodus (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS This book is called by the Jews Veelleh Shemoth, from the first words with which it begins, and sometimes Sepher Shemoth, an...

Gill: Exodus 13 (Chapter Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS 13 This chapter begins with an order to sanctify or set apart the firstborn of man and beast to the Lord, Exo 13:1 and the p...

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