Exodus 13:17

17When Pharaoh let the people go away, God did not lead them through the country of the Philistines. 13:17 Philistines came from a country near Israel called Philistia. They were a nation of people who were powerful enemies of Israel. They lived beside the sea on the west side of Israel.This was a short way for them to go, but God did not lead them that way. God said, ‘If the people have to fight a war, they may change their minds. Then they may return to Egypt.’