Exodus 13:17-18
When Pharaoh let the people go, God didn't lead them on the road through Philistine territory, although that was the shortest route. God said, "If they see that they have to fight a war, they may change their minds and go back to Egypt."  So God led the people around the other way, on the road through the desert toward the Red Sea. The Israelites were ready for battle when they left Egypt.

If you look at a map, it is easily understood that this route, this plan of God (according to our human logic), makes no sense at all! But God took them through the wilderness so they would learn to depend on Him.

The Lord went ahead of the Israelites as they made their exodus from Egypt. He guided them in a pillar of cloud and a pillar of fire. They were following the Lord and He guided and protected them. The people were told to “Stand firm.” And “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to stand still.”

It is so hard for us to be obedient in standing still, isn't it? We tend to want to DO something.

Then the Lord tells the Israelites to “move on”. If only we would listen to the Lord and stand still when He tells us to and to move on when He tells us to.

Exodus 14:5
When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds about them and said, "What have we done? We have let the Israelites go and have lost their services."
Remember, Pharaoh believed they were going on a three day journey to celebrate a festival to the Lord.  Notice earlier, after they had journeyed several days, God told Moses to tell them to turn back and encamp between Migdol and the sea.  (Exodus 14:1-4) This was not a direct route back to the land of Goshen.  By this detour, Pharaoh's officials knew that they did not intend to come back...or that they were confused as to the direction they should travel.  At any rate, Pharaoh and his officials knew their route.  Spies perhaps?

The angel of God (God, the Son) who had been traveling in front of them, now withdrew and went behind them, along with the pillar of cloud, protecting the Israelites from Pharaoh's army.  It was during the night that the crossing of the Red Sea took place.  It was at daybreak that God caused the waters to flow over the Egyptian army.  Pharaoh and the Egyptian army relied on their own strength. The Israelites had the strength of the Lord.  "Your right hand, O Lord was majestic in power. Your right hand, O Lord, shattered the enemy." And just who is the Lord's right hand?

Pay careful attention to the song of Moses.  It lists several references to God, the Son. The word "salvation" appears often in Scripture. Interestingly the English word salvation is translated from several Hebrew words. Sometimes salvation means “save or rescue”. However in the case of the word salvation used in Exodus 15:2, the Hebrew word is "yeshuw` ah." Sound familiar??? It should. It means “He who saves” – Jesus!

The song of Moses appears later in Scripture, illustrating that the entire Bible is one continuous story, with one consistent theme - salvation through Jesus.
Revelation 15:3
And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty, just and true are Your ways, O King of saints.
 
Exodus 15:13 is an excellent verse to ponder for today (or any day for that matter).
“In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.

God's love for us is never-ending. It is everlasting and unfailing. We are the redeemed. He leads us in His perfect love.

John 10:27
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 
He leads. We follow. That's His perfect plan. If we rely on His strength, He will guide us in everything we do in this life and ultimately into our heavenly reward, His holy dwelling. We need only to allow Him!