The people were surrounded by fierce, warlike tribes, that were eager to seize upon their lands; yet three times every year all the able-bodied men and all the people who could make the journey were directed to leave their homes and repair to the place of assembly, near the center of the land. What was to hinder their enemies from sweeping down upon those unprotected households, to lay them waste with fire and sword? What was to prevent an invasion of the land, that would bring Israel into captivity to some foreign foe? God had promised to be the protector of His people. "The angel of Jehovah encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them." Psalm 34:7. While the Israelites went up to worship, divine power would place a restraint upon their enemies. God's promise was, "I will cast out the nations before thee, and enlarge thy borders: neither shall any man desire thy land, when thou shalt go up to appear before the Lord thy God thrice in the year." Exodus 34:24.

Folket var omgivet af barske, krigeriske stammer, der var ivrige efter at erobre deres jord, men til trods herfor var der givet befaling om, at alle de raske mænd og så mange af de øvrige israelitter, som kunne rejse så langt, skulle forlade deres hjem tre gange hvert år og begive sig til nationens samlingssted, som lå næsten midt i landet. Hvad ville forhindre fjenderne i at hærge de ubevogtede hjem med ild og sværd og i at gøre indfald i landet og føre israelitterne bort som fanger? Gud havde lovet at være sit folks beskytter. "Herrens engel slår lejr om dem, der frygter ham, og frier dem." Sl. 34, 8. Mens israelitterne drog op for at tilbede, ville Guds kraft holde fjenderne i skak. Gud havde lovet: "Thi jeg vil drive folkeslag bort foran dig og gøre dine landemærker vide, og ingen skal attrå dit land, mens du drager hen for at stedes for Herren din Guds åsyn tre gange om året." 2. Mos. 34, 24.