When Pharaoh released the people, God did not lead them by the way to the land of the Philistines, although that was nearby, for God said, "Lest the people change their minds and return to Egypt when they experience war."

The Lord said to Moses, "Go down and solemnly warn the people, lest they force their way through to the Lord to look, and many of them perish.

Let the priests also, who approach the Lord, sanctify themselves, lest the Lord break through against them."

The Lord said to him, "Go, get down, and come up, and Aaron with you, but do not let the priests and the people force their way through to come up to the Lord, lest he break through against them."

They said to Moses, "You speak to us and we will listen, but do not let God speak with us, lest we die."

I will not drive them out before you in one year, lest the land become desolate and the wild animals multiply against you.

They must not live in your land, lest they make you sin against me, for if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you."

Be careful not to make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land where you are going, lest it become a snare among you.