1 They set out from Elim, and all the congregation of the people of Israel came to the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after they had departed from the land of Egypt.
2 And the whole congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness
3 and the people of Israel said to them, “Would that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.”
4 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not.
5 On the sixth day they shall prepare what they bring in, and it will be twice as much as they gather daily.”
6 So Moses and Aaron said to all the people of Israel, “At evening you shall know that it was the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt,
7 and in the morning you shall see the glory of the Lord, because he has heard your grumbling against the Lord. For what are we, that you grumble against us?”
8 And Moses said, “When the Lord gives you in the evening meat to eat and in the morning bread to the full, because the Lord has heard your grumbling that you grumble against him—what are we? Your grumbling is not against us but against the Lord.”
9 Then Moses said to Aaron, “Say to the whole congregation of the people of Israel, ‘Come near before the Lord, for he has heard your grumbling.’”
10 As soon as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the people of Israel, they looked toward the wilderness, and behold, the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud.
11 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
12 “I have heard the grumbling of the people of Israel. Say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread. Then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.’”
13 In the evening quail came up and covered the camp, and in the morning dew lay around the camp.
14 And when the dew had gone up, there was on the face of the wilderness a fine, flake-like thing, fine as frost on the ground.
15 When the people of Israel saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat.
16 This is what the Lord has commanded: ‘Gather of it, each one of you, as much as he can eat. You shall each take an omer, according to the number of the persons that each of you has in his tent.’”
17 The people of Israel did so. They gathered, some more, some less.
18 But when they measured it with an omer, whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack. Each of them gathered as much as he could eat.
19 And Moses said to them, “Let no one leave any of it over till the morning.”
20 But they did not listen to Moses. Some left part of it till the morning, and it bred worms and stank. And Moses was angry with them.
21 Morning by morning they gathered it, each as much as he could eat; but when the sun grew hot, it melted.
22 On the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers each. And when all the leaders of the congregation came and told Moses.
23 he said to them, “This is what the Lord has commanded: ‘Tomorrow is a day of solemn rest, a holy Sabbath to the Lord; bake what you will bake and boil what you will boil, and all that is left over lay aside to be kept till the morning.’”
24 So they laid it aside till the morning, as Moses commanded them, and it did not stink, and there were no worms in it.
25 And Moses said, “Eat it today, for today is a Sabbath to the Lord; today you will not find it in the field.
26 Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day, which is a Sabbath, there will be none.
27 On the seventh day some of the people went out to gather, but they found none.
28 And the Lord said to Moses, “How long will you refuse to keep my commandments and my laws?
29 See, the Lord has given you the Sabbath; therefore on the sixth day he gives you bread for two days. Stand every man in his place; let no one go out of his place on the seventh day.”
30 So the people rested on the seventh day.
31 Now the house of Israel called its name manna. It was like coriander seed, white, and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey.
32 Moses said, “This is what the Lord has commanded: ‘Fill an omer of it to be kept for your generations, so that they may see the bread with which I fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you out of the land of Egypt.’”
33 And Moses said to Aaron, “Take a jar, and put an omer of manna in it, and place it before the Lord to be kept throughout your generations.”
34 As the Lord commanded Moses, so Aaron placed it before the testimony to be kept.
35 The people of Israel ate the manna forty years, till they came to a habitable land. They ate the manna till they came to the border of the land of Canaan.
36 (Now an omer is the tenth part of an ephah.)
The True Meaning of Exodus 16
The Book of Exodus, the second book of the Bible, was written by Moses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelites. This chapter describes a crucial moment in the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt as the story continues from the Book of Genesis. The Israelites face a new challenge – the lack of food in the desert in this chapter. Their grumbling and discontent with their situation test the patience of both God and Moses. However, this trial also presents an opportunity for the Israelites to learn to trust in the Lord’s provision and to understand the importance of obedience to His commands.
The events in this chapter echo the earlier experiences of the Israelites, such as the plagues in Egypt (Exodus 7-12) and the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14). These past miracles serve as a reminder of God’s power and His unwavering care for His chosen people, even in the midst of their struggles.
Exodus 16:1-3
The Israelites are seen on their journey through the wilderness after their miraculous deliverance from Egypt in Exodus 16:1-3. The Israelites found themselves faced with a familiar challenge as they embarked on this new phase of their journey – they began to grumble and complain against Moses and Aaron. This grumbling was directed towards them as the leaders, but ultimately it was a complaint against God, who had led them out of Egypt.
This section is a poignant reminder of the tendency of humans to quickly forget the mighty works of God on their behalf when faced with difficulty. The Israelites had just witnessed the ten plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, and their escape from Pharaoh’s army, yet the memory of these incredible events seemed to fade into the background as they faced hunger and uncertainty in the wilderness. This teaches us about human nature and the importance of constantly reminding ourselves of God’s faithfulness in our lives, especially in times of trial and testing. The Israelites’ grumbling and God’s provision become a recurring theme throughout their journey as we delve deeper into the narrative of Exodus. God promises to provide bread from heaven, manna, for the Israelites to eat in response to their complaints. This divine provision is not simply about meeting their physical needs but also about teaching them to trust in God’s provision and to rely on Him daily for sustenance. This foreshadows the concept of daily dependence on God that Jesus later teaches in the New Testament when He instructs His disciples to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11).
The story of the manna in Exodus 16 is not just about the physical sustenance provided to the Israelites but also carries a spiritual significance. Jesus refers back to the manna in the wilderness as a symbol of Himself as the true bread from heaven in John 6:31-35. He says, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35). This connection between the manna in the wilderness and Jesus as the bread of life underscores the deeper spiritual truths embedded in the Old Testament narratives and highlights the continuity of God’s redemptive plan throughout history. Exodus 16:1-3 serves as a foundational passage that portrays the Israelites’ tendency to grumble and God’s faithfulness in providing for them, pointing to deeper spiritual truths about trusting in God’s provision and finding true sustenance in Christ. It challenges us to reflect on our own responses to difficulties, to remember God’s faithfulness in our lives, and to lean on Him for our daily needs, both physical and spiritual.
Exodus 16:4-8
The verses in Exodus 16:4-8 describe God’s provision of manna to the Israelites in the wilderness. This passage speaks to the Israelites murmuring and complaining about their lack of food. God responds by promising to rain bread from heaven for them. The first part, “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. I will test them in this way and see if they will follow my instructions.’” God is setting the parameters for how He will provide for His people. The manna that God promises is a physical representation of His provision, a miraculous sustenance meant to demonstrate His care and faithfulness to the Israelites.
The purpose behind God instructing the people to gather enough manna for each day was to test their obedience and trust in Him. The Israelites had to rely on God’s daily provision, thus learning to depend on His faithfulness. This act of divine intervention challenged them to let go of their anxiety about the future and trust in God’s continual care. This same lesson of daily dependence on God’s provision is echoed in the New Testament when Jesus teaches His disciples to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). This prayer reminds believers to trust God for their daily needs, both physical and spiritual. Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites in verse 6, “In the evening you will know that it was the Lord who brought you out of Egypt, and in the morning you will see the glory of the Lord, because he has heard your grumbling against him.” Who are we, that you should grumble against us?’” Moses and Aaron point out to the Israelites that it was not their complaints that sparked God’s response, but rather their grumblings were directed against the Lord Himself. This serves as a reminder that complaining and murmuring not only show lack of faith in God but also disrespect toward Him. It is a lesson in humility and reverence before the Almighty.
Verse 7, “And in the morning you will see the glory of the Lord, because he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we, that you should grumble against us?” The glory of the Lord revealed in the form of manna was a tangible sign of His presence and care for His people. The manna appearing represented a miraculous display of God’s power and provision. It was a reminder to the Israelites that their complaints did not go unnoticed by God and that He responded out of His faithfulness to His covenant with them. This principle is reiterated in the New Testament in Philippians 4:19, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Just as God provided for the Israelites in the wilderness, He promises to meet the needs of His people today. The story of God providing manna in Exodus 16 conveys timeless truths about God’s faithfulness, provision, and the importance of trusting Him daily. It teaches us about obedience, gratitude, and the dangers of grumbling and complaining. God ultimately sees our needs, hears our prayers, and is always faithful to provide for His people.
Exodus 16:9-12
Moses said to Aaron in Exodus 16:9-12, “Say to the whole community of Israel, ‘Come into the Lord’s presence, for he has heard your complaints.’”‘” And as Aaron spoke to the whole community of Israel, they looked out toward the wilderness. There they could see the awesome glory of the Lord in the cloud. Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘I have heard the Israelites’ complaints. Tell them in the evening they will have meat to eat, and in the morning they will have all the bread they want. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.’”
This passage depicts a pivotal moment in the journey of the Israelites during their time in the wilderness after escaping slavery in Egypt. The people of Israel had been grumbling and complaining about their lack of food, expressing their fears and doubts about their future. God demonstrates His faithfulness and provision by promising to provide food for them in the form of meat in the evening and bread in the morning in response to their complaints.
Moses instructs Aaron to relay God’s message to the entire community, emphasizing the importance of coming into the presence of the Lord. This act of gathering before God symbolizes unity and submission to His will. The appearance of the glory of the Lord in the cloud further reinforces the divine presence and power among the Israelites.
God, in His mercy, not only addresses the complaints of the people but also assures them of His care and provision. God reminds the Israelites of His sovereignty and ability to meet their needs by promising to provide meat and bread. This act of divine provision serves as a testament to the Israelites that God is their provider and sustainer.
This passage highlights the recurring theme of faith and obedience throughout the Bible. The Israelites’ grumbling reflects a lack of trust in God’s plan, despite witnessing His miraculous deliverance from Egypt. God’s response not only provides for their physical needs but also challenges them to trust in His promises. This narrative serves as a reminder for believers to remain faithful and obedient, even in times of uncertainty or difficulty, trusting that God will always provide for His people.
The concept of God providing bread from heaven is further echoed in the New Testament, particularly in John 6:32-35, where Jesus refers to Himself as the “bread of life” sent from heaven. This connection between the provision of bread in Exodus and the spiritual nourishment offered by Jesus underscores the underlying theme of God’s continuous provision and sustenance for His people throughout the Bible.
Exodus 16:13-15
The Israelites in the wilderness are seen in Exodus 16:13-15, specifically after they complained to Moses and Aaron about the lack of food. The Lord responds to their complaints by providing quail in the evening and manna in the morning. This response from God is significant as it shows His faithfulness to provide for His people even in the midst of their doubt and grumbling.
The provision of manna, in particular, is a pivotal moment in the story of the Israelites in the wilderness. Manna was a bread-like substance that appeared on the ground every morning, and the Israelites were instructed to gather enough for that day only, with double portions provided on the day before the Sabbath. This act of God’s provision not only met the physical needs of the Israelites but also served as a test of their faith and obedience.
The manna itself has symbolic meaning throughout the Bible. Jesus refers to Himself as the “bread of life” in the New Testament (John 6:35), drawing a parallel between the manna that sustained the Israelites in the desert and the spiritual sustenance He provides for believers. This connection highlights the timeless message of God’s faithfulness in providing for His people, both physically and spiritually.
Furthermore, the episode of quail and manna in Exodus 16 serves as a lesson in contentment and trust in God’s timing and provision. Despite their initial complaints, the Israelites were shown that God was aware of their needs and would provide for them in His perfect way and timing. This message is reiterated in the New Testament when Jesus teaches his disciples to pray for their daily bread (Matthew 6:11), emphasizing the importance of trusting God for our daily needs. Exodus 16:13-15 underscores the themes of God’s faithfulness, provision, and the importance of trusting in His timing and sovereignty. It invites readers to reflect on their own dependence on God for sustenance, both physical and spiritual, and to cultivate a heart of gratitude and trust in His unfailing care.
Exodus 16:16-21
The Israelites experience a crucial moment in their journey after being delivered from slavery in Egypt, as seen in Exodus 16:16-21. Identify the subject: “Let’s”
Rewrite the sentence in active voice: Let’s break down this passage and delve into its significance.
Verse 16 starts with Moses instructing the people to gather their daily portion of manna. Manna was a miraculous bread-like substance provided by God to sustain the Israelites during their time in the wilderness. This act of providing manna daily was not just about ensuring their physical sustenance but also served as a test of their obedience and trust in God. The Israelites were learning to depend on God’s provision and trust in His faithfulness by gathering just enough for each day.
Moving on to verse 17, we see that some of the people didn’t follow Moses’ instructions and kept some of the manna until the next morning. This act of hoarding revealed a lack of faith in God’s continued provision. It is a powerful lesson on the importance of trusting in God’s timing and provision. This is reminiscent of the story of the Israelites gathering manna in the book of Numbers, where those who gathered more than they needed found it rotten and full of maggots the next day, emphasizing the importance of obedience and trust in God’s instructions (Numbers 11:9).
Verse 18 focuses on the obedience of those who listened to Moses and gathered just enough manna for that day. They found that it was enough for everyone, showcasing God’s abundant provision when His people trust and obey Him. This highlights the principle found in Matthew 6:33, where Jesus encourages His followers to seek first the kingdom of God, and all their needs will be provided. Another aspect of God’s faithfulness and provision is witnessed as we progress to verses 19-20. Even though the manna was meant to be consumed on the day it was gathered, we see that on the sixth day, the Israelites were instructed to gather twice as much to prepare for the Sabbath. This served as a test of obedience and a way for God to demonstrate His sovereignty over time and provision. This practice of gathering double portion before the Sabbath was to ensure that the Israelites could rest on the seventh day, honoring God’s commandment to keep it holy (Exodus 20:8-11). Despite some still trying to keep manna overnight, it bred worms and stank in concluding this passage in verse 21. This illustrates the importance of trusting in God’s daily provision and following His instructions obediently. It also serves as a warning against disobedience and self-reliance, which can lead to decay and unpleasant consequences. Exodus 16:16-21 teaches us profound lessons on obedience, trust, and reliance on God’s provision. It emphasizes the importance of living each day in dependence on Him, obeying His commands, and trusting in His faithfulness to provide for all our needs. Just as the Israelites were sustained by manna in the wilderness, we are reminded to seek God first and trust in His abundant provision in our own journeys of faith.
Exodus 16:22-26
A crucial moment in the story of the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness occurs in Exodus 16:22-26. The Israelites had been miraculously provided with manna each morning by God to sustain them in the desert. However, on the sixth day, Moses instructs them to gather twice as much manna as usual because the next day is the Sabbath, a day of rest dedicated to the Lord. This section of the verse highlights the importance of observing the Sabbath and the divine provision of God for His people.
The command for the Israelites to gather double the amount of manna on the sixth day serves as a test of their obedience and faith in God’s instructions. The Sabbath was a sacred day of rest and worship, set apart by God for His people to remember and honor Him. The Israelites were acknowledging God’s sovereignty and provision in their lives by obeying the command to collect extra manna and refraining from gathering on the Sabbath. This act of faithfulness demonstrated their trust in God to continue to provide for them even when they were not actively working for it.
The observance of the Sabbath was not merely a ritualistic practice but a reflection of the Israelites’ relationship with God. God commands His people to remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy, further emphasizing the importance of keeping the Sabbath holy in Exodus 20:8-11. This day of rest was meant to be a time of spiritual rejuvenation, reflection, and worship, serving as a reminder of God’s goodness and faithfulness.
Furthermore, this episode in Exodus 16 foreshadows a deeper spiritual truth revealed in the New Testament. Jesus refers to Himself as the true bread from heaven in John 6:32-35, surpassing the manna that the Israelites ate in the wilderness. Through this statement, Jesus establishes Himself as the ultimate source of sustenance and life, highlighting the significance of spiritual nourishment over physical sustenance. Just as the Israelites depended on manna for their physical needs, believers are called to depend on Christ for their spiritual nourishment and eternal life. Exodus 16:22-26 teaches us the importance of obedience, faith, and trust in God’s provision. The observance of the Sabbath serves as a reminder of our dependence on Him and the need for spiritual rest and renewal. It also points us to Jesus as the true bread of life, who satisfies our deepest hunger and sustains us for eternity.
Exodus 16:27-30
Some of the people went out on the seventh day to gather it, but they found none, as read in Exodus 16:27-30. And the Lord said to Moses, ‘How long do you refuse to keep my commandments and my instructions? See! The Lord has given you the Sabbath; therefore on the sixth day he gives you bread for two days. Remain each of you in his place; let no one go out of his place on the seventh day.’ So the people rested on the seventh day. We witness the importance of obedience to God’s commandments in this passage, specifically regarding the observance of the Sabbath. The Israelites were instructed to gather manna, the bread from heaven provided by God, for six days, but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, they were to rest and not gather any manna. However, some of the people went out on the seventh day to gather manna, contrary to God’s command. This act of disobedience prompted God to question their refusal to keep His commandments.
Through this incident, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness in providing for His people. Just as He provided manna for the Israelites in the wilderness, God continues to provide for us today, both physically and spiritually. The Sabbath, a day of rest and worship, is a gift from God to His people, a time to reflect on His goodness and provision. We acknowledge God’s sovereignty and faithfulness in our lives by observing the Sabbath.
The disobedience of the people in trying to gather manna on the Sabbath serves as a warning against disregarding God’s commands. Obedience is a fundamental aspect of our relationship with God, demonstrating our trust and reverence for Him. Just as the Israelites were instructed to rest on the Sabbath and trust in God’s provision, we are called to obey His commandments and follow His ways. Jesus reaffirms the importance of obedience in the New Testament when He says in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commands. Exodus 16:27-30 ultimately highlights the timeless message of faithfulness, obedience, and trust in God’s provision. It urges us to honor the Sabbath, rest in God’s faithfulness, and walk in obedience to His commandments, knowing that He is our provider and sustainer in all circumstances.
Exodus 16:31-36
The continuation of the story of the Israelites in the wilderness after they had left Egypt is seen in Exodus 16:31-36. Let’s break down this passage into important sections:
-
“The people of Israel called the bread manna. It was white like coriander seed and tasted like wafers made with honey.” Here, we see the introduction of manna, the miraculous bread from heaven provided by God to sustain the Israelites in the wilderness. Manna was a physical manifestation of God’s provision and care for His people during their time of need. It was a daily reminder that God was faithful to provide for them. The description of manna being white like coriander seed and tasting like honey highlights its divine origin and the goodness of God in meeting the needs of His people.
-
“Moses said, ‘This is what the Lord has commanded: “Let an omer of it be kept throughout your generations, so that they may see the bread with which I fed you in the wilderness when I brought you out of the land of Egypt.”‘ Here, Moses instructs the Israelites to preserve a portion of the manna as a testimony for future generations to see and remember how God provided for their ancestors in the wilderness. This command emphasizes the importance of remembering God’s faithfulness and provision in times of scarcity. It serves as a reminder that just as God provided for the Israelites, He will also provide for His people in their times of need.
-
Aaron placed it before the testimony to be kept as the Lord commanded Moses.”** This verse shows the obedience of Aaron in following the command of the Lord through Moses to preserve the manna before the testimony. The testimony referred to here likely includes the tablets of the Ten Commandments kept in the ark of the covenant. Placing the manna alongside the testimony further solidifies the connection between God’s provision and His covenant with His people.
-
“The people of Israel ate the manna forty years, till they came to a habitable land. They ate the manna till they came to the border of the land of Canaan.” This last verse in the passage highlights the duration of time that the Israelites depended on manna for sustenance – forty years. The manna sustained them throughout their journey in the wilderness until they reached the promised land of Canaan. This period served as a test of the Israelites’ faith and obedience to God, as they had to rely on Him daily for their provision. The wilderness experience taught them to trust in God’s provision and to rely on Him alone to meet their needs. Exodus 16:31-36 underscores the themes of God’s faithfulness, provision, and the importance of remembering His works. The manna symbolizes God’s care for His people and serves as a tangible reminder of His faithfulness throughout their journey. Believers today can learn from the Israelites’ experience in the wilderness to trust in God’s provision, remember His faithfulness, and rely on Him in all circumstances.
After Exodus 16
The Israelites had been wandering in the wilderness for some time, and their provisions were running low. They began to grumble and complain, questioning whether they had been better off in Egypt. But the Lord heard their cries and provided for them in a miraculous way. The people were amazed to find the ground covered in a fine, flaky substance as the sun rose the next morning. “What is it?” they asked. Moses explained that this was the bread from heaven that the Lord had provided for them. The people were instructed to gather only what they needed for each day, and not to hoard it.
The reverend paused, his eyes scanning the congregation. “And so the Lord continued to care for his people, even in their wilderness wanderings. But the test was not over. For in the days to come, the Israelites would face new challenges that would test their faith and their obedience to God’s commands…”
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.