Deuteronomy 1:40

40 But you are to turn back and head for the wilderness by way of the Red Sea.'

Deuteronomy 1:40 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 1:40

But as for you, turn ye
From the mountain of the Amorites, the border of the land of Canaan:

and take your journey into the wilderness, by the way of the Red sea:
see ( Numbers 14:25 ) . Jarchi says this wilderness was by the side of the Red sea, to the south of Mount Seir, and divided between the Red sea and the mount; so that now they drew to the side of the sea, and compassed Mount Seir, all the south of it, from west to east.

Deuteronomy 1:40 In-Context

38 Joshua son of Nun, who attends you, will enter it. Encourage him, for he will enable Israel to inherit it.

39 Your little children whom you said would be plunder, your sons who don't know good from evil, will enter there. I will give them the land, and they will take possession of it.

40 But you are to turn back and head for the wilderness by way of the Red Sea.'

41 "You answered me, 'We have sinned against the Lord. We will go up and fight just as the Lord our God commanded us.' Then each of you put on his weapons of war and thought it would be easy to go up into the hill country.

42 "But the Lord said to me, 'Tell them: Don't go up and fight, for I am not with you to keep you from being defeated by your enemies.'