Exodus 16: God's Provision and Our Trust
And they took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came unto the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departing out of the land of Egypt.
And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness:
And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.
Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.
And it shall come to pass, that on the sixth day they shall prepare that which they bring in; and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily.
And Moses and Aaron said unto all the children of Israel, At even, then ye shall know that the Lord hath brought you out from the land of Egypt:
And in the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the Lord; for that he heareth your murmurings against the Lord: and what are we, that ye murmur against us?
And Moses said, This shall be, when the Lord shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the Lord heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the Lord.
And Moses spake unto Aaron, Say unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, Come near before the Lord: for he hath heard your murmurings.
And it came to pass, as Aaron spake unto the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and, behold, the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud.
And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel: speak unto them, saying, At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread; and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God.
And it came to pass, that at even the quails came up, and covered the camp: and in the morning the dew lay round about the host.
And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground.
And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the Lord hath given you to eat.
This is the thing which the Lord hath commanded, Gather of it every man according to his eating, an omer for every man, according to the number of your persons; take ye every man for them which are in his tents.
And the children of Israel did so, and gathered, some more, some less.
And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating.
And Moses said, Let no man leave of it till the morning.
Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto Moses; but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and stank: and Moses was wroth with them.
And they gathered it every morning, every man according to his eating: and when the sun waxed hot, it melted.
And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one man: and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses.
And he said unto them, This is that which the Lord hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the Lord: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.
And they laid it up till the morning, as Moses bade: and it did not stink, neither was there any worm therein.
And Moses said, Eat that to day; for to day is a sabbath unto the Lord: to day ye shall not find it in the field.
Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh day, which is the sabbath, in it there shall be none.
And it came to pass, that there went out some of the people on the seventh day for to gather, and they found none.
And the Lord said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws?
See, for that the Lord hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.
So the people rested on the seventh day.
And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna: and it was like coriander seed, white; and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey.
And Moses said, This is the thing which the Lord commandeth, Fill an omer of it to be kept for your generations; that they may see the bread wherewith I have fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you forth from the land of Egypt.
And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a pot, and put an omer full of manna therein, and lay it up before the Lord, to be kept for your generations.
As the Lord commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept.
And the children of Israel did eat manna forty years, until they came to a land inhabited; they did eat manna, until they came unto the borders of the land of Canaan.
Now an omer is the tenth part of an ephah.
Exodus 16 recounts a pivotal moment in Israel's journey from slavery to freedom. Newly liberated from Egypt, the Israelites face a new challenge: hunger. This chapter reveals not only God's miraculous provision of manna and quail but also the Israelites' struggle to trust in His consistent care. It's a story that resonates deeply with our own lives as we navigate moments of uncertainty and learn to rely on God's daily sustenance. The events of Exodus 16 serve as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of obedience and gratitude in our relationship with Him.
Murmuring in the Wilderness (Exodus 16:1-3)
Just a short time after witnessing God's incredible power in delivering them from Egypt, the Israelites' faith falters. In the second month after their departure, they begin to grumble against Moses and Aaron (Exodus 16:1-2). Their complaints, fueled by hunger, reveal a deeper issue: a lack of trust in God's provision. They yearn for the perceived security of slavery in Egypt, where at least their bellies were full (Exodus 16:3). The tragic irony is that they prefer the memory of "full bellies" in slavery to the reality of God-supplied freedom, even if it meant experiencing some hunger along the way. Their grumbling, though directed at Moses and Aaron, is ultimately directed at the Lord who chose them. This highlights a crucial point: those who lead in ministry are representatives of God, and discontentment directed at them often reflects a deeper discontentment with God's plan.
A Test of Obedience (Exodus 16:4-5)
God responds to their complaints not with condemnation, but with a promise of provision, coupled with a test of obedience. He declares that He will "rain bread from heaven" (Exodus 16:4). This miraculous provision comes with specific instructions: they are to gather only what they need for each day, except on the sixth day, when they are to gather enough for two days (Exodus 16:5). This is more than just a food supply; it's a lesson in trust and dependence. God is teaching them to rely on Him daily, acknowledging Him as their provider. The simplicity of these instructions underscores the point: even simple instructions can be ignored by a rebellious heart. God's provision would be a daily test of their faith.
Moses and Aaron's Explanation (Exodus 16:6-12)
Moses and Aaron, acting as God's representatives, attempt to redirect the Israelites' complaints, explaining that their murmuring is ultimately against the Lord (Exodus 16:6-7, 9). They reassure the people that God will provide meat in the evening and bread in the morning (Exodus 16:8, 12). This abundant provision will serve as undeniable proof that the Lord is the God who brought them out of Egypt (Exodus 16:6, 12). The leaders emphasize that they are merely instruments of God's authority and provision, not the source themselves.
Quail and Manna: Miraculous Provision (Exodus 16:13-20)
True to His word, God provides. In the evening, quail cover the camp, and in the morning, a fine, flaky substance appears on the ground (Exodus 16:13-14). Moses reiterates God's instructions: gather only what you need for each day – about two quarts per person (Exodus 16:16) – and do not keep any overnight (Exodus 16:19). Despite these clear instructions, some Israelites disobey, attempting to hoard the manna. The consequence is immediate: the leftover manna breeds worms and becomes foul-smelling (Exodus 16:20). This serves as a tangible reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of trusting in God's daily provision.
The Sabbath Rest (Exodus 16:21-30)
Moses further clarifies the instructions regarding the sixth day, explaining that it is necessary to gather twice the amount of manna because the seventh day is a holy Sabbath to the Lord (Exodus 16:23, 29-30). This is an early hint of the fourth commandment (Exodus 20:8-11). On the Sabbath, they are not to gather, nor will they find any manna in the field (Exodus 16:25). Yet, some still disobey, going out to gather on the Sabbath, only to find nothing (Exodus 16:27). Moses' anger (Exodus 16:20) reflects God's anger (Exodus 16:28) at their continued lack of trust and obedience. This emphasizes the sanctity of the Sabbath and the importance of honoring God's commands, not just when it's convenient, but consistently.
God's intent through these instructions is to teach the Israelites to rely on Him for their daily needs. This echoes the sentiment in Lamentations 3:22-23, that God's mercies "are new every morning." Jesus later encapsulates this principle in the Lord's Prayer: "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matthew 6:11). The question remains: will we trust Him to provide and receive it in the way He prescribes?
What Is It? Manna's Significance (Exodus 16:31-36)
The Israelites, unfamiliar with the unusual substance (Exodus 16:31), ask, "What is it?" (Exodus 16:15), which in Hebrew is man hu, leading to its name: manna (Exodus 16:31). Moses is commanded to preserve two quarts of manna in a jar as a reminder for future generations (Exodus 16:32-33). This jar would eventually be placed in the ark of the covenant (Exodus 16:34; Hebrews 9:4). The Israelites would eat manna every day for forty years, until they entered the land of Canaan (Exodus 16:35; Joshua 5:12). This enduring provision serves as a constant reminder of God's faithfulness and His commitment to caring for His people. The manna itself becomes a symbol of God's grace, a gift freely given to sustain them in the wilderness.
Exodus 16 provides valuable insights into God's character and our response to His provision. It is a reminder that God is faithful to provide for our needs, but He also calls us to trust Him, obey His commands, and be grateful for His blessings. Just as the Israelites learned to depend on God for their daily bread, we too can learn to trust Him for all our needs, both physical and spiritual.
And they took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came unto the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departing out of the land of Egypt.
And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness:
And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.
Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.
And it shall come to pass, that on the sixth day they shall prepare that which they bring in; and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily.
And Moses and Aaron said unto all the children of Israel, At even, then ye shall know that the Lord hath brought you out from the land of Egypt:
And in the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the Lord; for that he heareth your murmurings against the Lord: and what are we, that ye murmur against us?
And Moses said, This shall be, when the Lord shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the Lord heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the Lord.
And Moses spake unto Aaron, Say unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, Come near before the Lord: for he hath heard your murmurings.
And it came to pass, as Aaron spake unto the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and, behold, the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud.
And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel: speak unto them, saying, At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread; and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God.
And it came to pass, that at even the quails came up, and covered the camp: and in the morning the dew lay round about the host.
And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground.
And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the Lord hath given you to eat.
This is the thing which the Lord hath commanded, Gather of it every man according to his eating, an omer for every man, according to the number of your persons; take ye every man for them which are in his tents.
And the children of Israel did so, and gathered, some more, some less.
And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating.
And Moses said, Let no man leave of it till the morning.
Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto Moses; but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and stank: and Moses was wroth with them.
And they gathered it every morning, every man according to his eating: and when the sun waxed hot, it melted.
And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one man: and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses.
And he said unto them, This is that which the Lord hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the Lord: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.
And they laid it up till the morning, as Moses bade: and it did not stink, neither was there any worm therein.
And Moses said, Eat that to day; for to day is a sabbath unto the Lord: to day ye shall not find it in the field.
Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh day, which is the sabbath, in it there shall be none.
And it came to pass, that there went out some of the people on the seventh day for to gather, and they found none.
And the Lord said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws?
See, for that the Lord hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.
So the people rested on the seventh day.
And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna: and it was like coriander seed, white; and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey.
And Moses said, This is the thing which the Lord commandeth, Fill an omer of it to be kept for your generations; that they may see the bread wherewith I have fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you forth from the land of Egypt.
And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a pot, and put an omer full of manna therein, and lay it up before the Lord, to be kept for your generations.
As the Lord commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept.
And the children of Israel did eat manna forty years, until they came to a land inhabited; they did eat manna, until they came unto the borders of the land of Canaan.
Now an omer is the tenth part of an ephah.
Exodus 16 recounts a pivotal moment in Israel's journey from slavery to freedom. Newly liberated from Egypt, the Israelites face a new challenge: hunger. This chapter reveals not only God's miraculous provision of manna and quail but also the Israelites' struggle to trust in His consistent care. It's a story that resonates deeply with our own lives as we navigate moments of uncertainty and learn to rely on God's daily sustenance. The events of Exodus 16 serve as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of obedience and gratitude in our relationship with Him.
Murmuring in the Wilderness (Exodus 16:1-3)
Just a short time after witnessing God's incredible power in delivering them from Egypt, the Israelites' faith falters. In the second month after their departure, they begin to grumble against Moses and Aaron (Exodus 16:1-2). Their complaints, fueled by hunger, reveal a deeper issue: a lack of trust in God's provision. They yearn for the perceived security of slavery in Egypt, where at least their bellies were full (Exodus 16:3). The tragic irony is that they prefer the memory of "full bellies" in slavery to the reality of God-supplied freedom, even if it meant experiencing some hunger along the way. Their grumbling, though directed at Moses and Aaron, is ultimately directed at the Lord who chose them. This highlights a crucial point: those who lead in ministry are representatives of God, and discontentment directed at them often reflects a deeper discontentment with God's plan.
A Test of Obedience (Exodus 16:4-5)
God responds to their complaints not with condemnation, but with a promise of provision, coupled with a test of obedience. He declares that He will "rain bread from heaven" (Exodus 16:4). This miraculous provision comes with specific instructions: they are to gather only what they need for each day, except on the sixth day, when they are to gather enough for two days (Exodus 16:5). This is more than just a food supply; it's a lesson in trust and dependence. God is teaching them to rely on Him daily, acknowledging Him as their provider. The simplicity of these instructions underscores the point: even simple instructions can be ignored by a rebellious heart. God's provision would be a daily test of their faith.
Moses and Aaron's Explanation (Exodus 16:6-12)
Moses and Aaron, acting as God's representatives, attempt to redirect the Israelites' complaints, explaining that their murmuring is ultimately against the Lord (Exodus 16:6-7, 9). They reassure the people that God will provide meat in the evening and bread in the morning (Exodus 16:8, 12). This abundant provision will serve as undeniable proof that the Lord is the God who brought them out of Egypt (Exodus 16:6, 12). The leaders emphasize that they are merely instruments of God's authority and provision, not the source themselves.
Quail and Manna: Miraculous Provision (Exodus 16:13-20)
True to His word, God provides. In the evening, quail cover the camp, and in the morning, a fine, flaky substance appears on the ground (Exodus 16:13-14). Moses reiterates God's instructions: gather only what you need for each day – about two quarts per person (Exodus 16:16) – and do not keep any overnight (Exodus 16:19). Despite these clear instructions, some Israelites disobey, attempting to hoard the manna. The consequence is immediate: the leftover manna breeds worms and becomes foul-smelling (Exodus 16:20). This serves as a tangible reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of trusting in God's daily provision.
The Sabbath Rest (Exodus 16:21-30)
Moses further clarifies the instructions regarding the sixth day, explaining that it is necessary to gather twice the amount of manna because the seventh day is a holy Sabbath to the Lord (Exodus 16:23, 29-30). This is an early hint of the fourth commandment (Exodus 20:8-11). On the Sabbath, they are not to gather, nor will they find any manna in the field (Exodus 16:25). Yet, some still disobey, going out to gather on the Sabbath, only to find nothing (Exodus 16:27). Moses' anger (Exodus 16:20) reflects God's anger (Exodus 16:28) at their continued lack of trust and obedience. This emphasizes the sanctity of the Sabbath and the importance of honoring God's commands, not just when it's convenient, but consistently.
God's intent through these instructions is to teach the Israelites to rely on Him for their daily needs. This echoes the sentiment in Lamentations 3:22-23, that God's mercies "are new every morning." Jesus later encapsulates this principle in the Lord's Prayer: "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matthew 6:11). The question remains: will we trust Him to provide and receive it in the way He prescribes?
What Is It? Manna's Significance (Exodus 16:31-36)
The Israelites, unfamiliar with the unusual substance (Exodus 16:31), ask, "What is it?" (Exodus 16:15), which in Hebrew is man hu, leading to its name: manna (Exodus 16:31). Moses is commanded to preserve two quarts of manna in a jar as a reminder for future generations (Exodus 16:32-33). This jar would eventually be placed in the ark of the covenant (Exodus 16:34; Hebrews 9:4). The Israelites would eat manna every day for forty years, until they entered the land of Canaan (Exodus 16:35; Joshua 5:12). This enduring provision serves as a constant reminder of God's faithfulness and His commitment to caring for His people. The manna itself becomes a symbol of God's grace, a gift freely given to sustain them in the wilderness.
Exodus 16 provides valuable insights into God's character and our response to His provision. It is a reminder that God is faithful to provide for our needs, but He also calls us to trust Him, obey His commands, and be grateful for His blessings. Just as the Israelites learned to depend on God for their daily bread, we too can learn to trust Him for all our needs, both physical and spiritual.