So God led the people around by way of the wilderness of the Red Sea. And the children of Israel went up in orderly ranks out of the land of Egypt. Exodus 13:18
When I read of Israel’s exodus, I envision beleaguered refugees forced into the desert on foot. That is not the picture presented in Exodus 12 and 13.
It says God led the nation of Israel out in “orderly ranks.” Several times, He referred to them as “the armies of the Lord” (Ex. 12:41) and mentioned the plunder they took with them from Egypt (Ex. 12:36). This does not sound like a ragtag band of refugees. This sounds like a victorious army!
God not only delivered them from their oppressors, He also organized them into an army. God Himself won the victory for them. Then He, quite literally, handed Israel their victory on gold and silver platters. What a rags to riches story! Israel marched out of Egypt with great riches, heads held high. Perhaps best of all, God Himself was Commander and Chief.
When I apply these principles to myself, I see that when I am delivered from the clutches of the world (Egypt is a metaphor for the world), then I join the armies of the Lord. I walk away from who I was with my head held high because God has won the victory for me. I also take with me great plunder. Best of all, God is with me, and God is guiding me into victory.
If I apply these principles to the church as a whole, I see even greater prophetic meaning. When the church is delivered or forced (through persecution) from the world, she exits as an orderly army. These armies of the Lord carry with them honor and riches. God Himself goes before these armies, as Commander and Chief. He wins the victory.