God Reverses the Way of the World for Israel in the Wilderness

[8] "And God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines" (Exodus 13:17). This teaches that He did not conduct them according to the way of the world. Rabbi Levi in the name of Rabbi Hama bar Hanina said: In this matter there are eight lines. The way of the world is that the water is above and the bread is below; but here the bread was above and the water below. The bread was above: "Behold, I will rain down for you bread from heaven" (Exodus 16:4). And the water below: "Then Israel sang this song: Spring up, O well, sing to it" (Numbers 21:17). The way of the world is that the pupil bears the burdens and walks before the master; but here, "the pillar of cloud did not depart by day," and so forth (Exodus 13:22). The way of the world is that the pupil walks first and the master behind him; but here, "And the LORD went before them by day" (there, the same, 21). The way of the world is that the pupil washes the master; but here, "And I washed you with water" (Ezekiel 16:9). The way of the world is that the pupil clothes the master; but here, "And I clothed you with embroidered cloth" (there, the same, 10). Rabbi Simoi said: purple robes; Aquilas translated: cloaks. The way of the world is that the pupil puts shoes on the master; but here, "And I shod you with fine leather" (there, the same, 10). The way of the world is that the pupil carries the master; but here, "And I bore you on eagles' wings" (Exodus 19:4). The way of the world is that the master sleeps and the pupil stands over him on guard; but here, "Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep" (Psalms 121:4).