Thematic Bible: By a circuitous route

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 God took the people round the desert-way of the Red Sea, - and the sons of Israel went up armed, out of the land of Egypt.