distance serves a practical purpose: It enables Israel to know the proper entry route since this event will mark their first time in Canaan (v. 4). Theologically, the stipulation presupposes divine familiarity with Canaan, as if, unlike Israel, Yahweh has been on this road before. But it is one thing for Yahweh to lead, quite another for Israel to follow. Thus, the command sets a pattern for subsequent events—that Israel, indeed, must always follow Yahweh and fully depend on his presence. Such consistent