As the Lord through Moses led Israel out of Egypt on the way to the Land of Canaan, He thought of how they might become discouraged by something, and considered it as they journeyed,

Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said,

“Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.” 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 13:17–18).

God has compassion on His people, but they often find another reason to get discouraged and to quit following Him, as Israel later did.