Exodus 13:11-22
"Thou shalt show thy son", was enjoined on them in v. 8. But in v. 14 it is foreseen that it will be the children who will ask their fathers. It is a happy situation when the children, seeing their parents behaving differently from the world, put these questions to them. May they never hesitate to do so!
V. 19 is the fulfilment of their obligation towards Joseph (Genesis 50:25). The bones of the patriarch are to accompany the people of God on their pilgrimage. A picture of Christ in the power of His death, taken with us while passing through the desert of this world! (2 Corinthians 4:10).
The children of Israel set out on their way. God later recalls the day that He took them by the hand "to bring them out of the land of Egypt" (Jeremiah 31:32). They will have a long roundabout way to go (vv. 17, 18) so that they may have time to learn the important lessons which the LORD wishes to teach them, as well as us. But God has not only mapped out an itinerary for His people. He wishes His presence to accompany them in the form of the pillar of cloud by day, and of fire by night. What grace! At one and the same time He is there to guide them step by step and to protect them. Just so has Jesus made this promise to His own: "I am with you alway" (Matthew 28:20).