Final answer:
The Israelites took a longer route to Canaan as commanded by God, which was meant for their spiritual growth, forming a covenant with Yahweh. Option b. is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Israelites did not take the short road to Canaan because God commanded them to take a longer route. This is supported by biblical narration, which explains that the journey, also known as the Exodus, was part of a divine plan and a test of faith.
Despite a potentially shorter route through the Highway of Emancipation, the chosen path through the Sinai desert was longer, more arduous, and deemed necessary for the spiritual formation of the Israelites, leading them not only to a physical destination but also to a spiritual covenant with Yahweh to be their sole deity and to obey His laws.