And it came to pass when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead by the land-way of the Philistines, although it was near, - for God said - Lest the people be dismayed when they see war and turn back to Egypt.

So will I set thy bounds from the Red Sea even unto the sea of the Philistines and from the desert unto the River (Euphrates), - for I will deliver into your hand the inhabitants of the land, so shalt thou drive them out from before thee.